Education and Life Experience

I have always loved the process of learning and believe strongly in the idea of lifelong learning. My particular path in regards to formal education took a detour after high school. Instead of going to college after graduation I travelled and then spent time raising a family (which included homeschooling my two children). I returned to my goal of pursuing higher education in my mid 40s – proving to myself that it is never too late to follow a calling.

Education

Lancaster Theological Seminary Fall 2013 – Spring 2019
Masters of Divinity

I completed this degree with honors as a part time student while working a full time job. Coursework included boundary training, anti-racism work, Clinical Pastoral Education as a Hospital Chaplain and field education in experiential ministry. Studies also included Biblical studies, World Religions, liturgical arts and more.

York College of Pennsylvania Fall 2004 – Fall 2008
Bachelor of Science – Behavioral Science

I graduated from YCP summa cum laude with a degree in behavioral sciences, a minor in world history and concentrations in religion and psychology. Upon entry into this program I was clear that this was the first step to my ultimate goal of pursuing a career in ministry.

Professional and Pastoral Experience

Consulting Minister – Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley. Boiling Spring, PA – October 2019 – January 2020
Welcomed into Preliminary Fellowship as a Unitarian Universalist Minister – September 2019
Ministerial Intern - Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley, Boiling Spring, PA – September 2018 – September 2019
Chaplin Intern – Wellspan Hospital – York, PA – October 2016 – April 2017

Secular Experience

8 years experience as a social worker – case management
11 years experience with direct support in Mental Health
3 years experience as an Office Manager
3 summers with experience directing youth camp at Rowe Camp and Conference Center
20 years experience as a yoga instructor

Professional Associations and Membership

Ordination to the Unitarian Universalist ministry – by the UU congregation of York, PA, the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley – Scheduled for March 28, 2020.
Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association – Member – 2016 to present
Contract ministries, Pulpit Supply, Weddings, Memorials, General Rites of Passage, Consulting – 2014 to present

Volunteer and Denominational Activities

Served actively in my home congregation since 2000 on numerous committees – including membership chair, nominating co, strategic development, board representative, worship, stewardship and more.
YWCA – racial justice team
Equality Fest planning committee
Joseph Priestly District - district assembly – worship team
Certified OWL leader
Member interfaith justice council
Lancaster Seminary Student Government treasurer