PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lee Health Gulf Coast Medical Center
Fort Myers, Florida
2023 — Present
Hospital Chaplain
- Key part of the hospital leadership team, meeting daily with senior managers across the facility to ensure the spiritual care of patients is addressed.
- Primary chaplain for a Level Two Trauma Center.
- Assesses spiritual needs and provide consultation to patients/families/caregivers in a timely and supportive manner.
- Completes all documentation in relation to the established plan of care.
- Incorporates all needed direct services including spiritual and/or religious community resources into the plan of care as deemed necessary.
Hope Healthcare
Cape Coral, Florida
2021 — 2023
Spiritual Care Coordinator (Chaplain)
- Assessed spiritual needs and provide consultation to patients/families/caregivers in a timely and supportive manner.
- Contacted clergy or spiritual counselors to assist in the spiritual care of patients and family members upon request.
- Developed and documented a plan for spiritual care, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team.
- Attended interdisciplinary team meetings for the review, revision/update, and overall coordination of the plan of care for spiritual services
- Completed all documentation in relation to the established plan of care.
- Maintained a working list of local community resources for spiritual and religious supportive services.
- Conducted pre-bereavement contacts with the patient and family as assigned in the Hospice Plan of Care.
- Conducted Bereavement Assessments, visits, and other contacts as assigned, creating appropriate documentation.
- Networked with faith communities for the purposes of teaching about the hospice philosophy.
Pilgrim Faith United Church of Christ
Oak Lawn, Illinois
2020 — 2021
Pastor
- Full-time Pastor of 130-year-old congregation in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
- Prepared and led Sunday morning service including crafting liturgy and bulletin,
sermon preparation, coordinating music with music director, preaching, utilizing
new technology, and offering prayers. - Guided and assisted the congregation in faith formation through prayer, Bible study
and service. - Identified helpful resources for congregational enrichment and helps the congregation use these resources.
- Ministered to those who are sick, elderly, in crisis, or grieving.
- Participated in church meetings and church initiatives, preparation of reports, and parts of newsletters.
- Participated in wider church activities such as conferences and committees.
- Led congregational education and spiritual development.
- Represented the church in the wider community.
United Church of Cookeville
Cookeville, Tennessee
2018 — 2020
Pastor
- Grew membership by 24 new members over the course of the first two years (73% member growth, 65% active participation growth). Performed two baptisms, and eight weddings.
- Grew the children and youth ministry from zero to 15 active kids, ranging in age from six months to 18 years old.
- Implemented a worship committee to plan weekly worship using the Marcia McFee Worship Design Studio principles.
- Created the first-ever Vacation Bible School program in the 16-year history of the church. Crafted custom curriculum based on Heifer International materials in support of this ministry.
- Significantly increased the community involvement and visibility through local events such as Habitat for Humanity’s “Cooking on the Square,” supporting and staffing the children’s area for Upper Cumberland Pride, and participating in the annual City of Cookeville Christmas parade.
- Instituted a weekly community building “Coffee with the Pastor” at a local coffee shop using an open invitation to congregation members as well as the larger local community.
- Revamped the church’s marketing efforts by working with a designer to develop a new logo, branding, website, brochures, postcards, and signage.
- Started online streaming of worship, one year before Covid-19. During the pandemic, expanded to include bi-directional worship using Zoom and Facebook.
- Implemented the smart use of visual technology during worship, blending with the existing worship style.
- Mentored two Members In Discernment on their journey toward ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
- Served on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ in the role of Nominations Chair. Also a member of the planning committee for several Annual Meetings of the Conference.
- Served as an officer of the Upper Cumberland Pride Board.
Halcyon Hospice
Atlanta, Georgia
2016 — 2017
Chaplain/Bereavement Counselor
- Provided spiritual care services to patients/families/caregivers, either directly or through the coordination of care with other spiritual counselors during the end-of-life stage.
- Provided bereavement, funeral and memorial services for patients and caregivers of varied faiths and beliefs.
- Assured spiritual assessment of patients/families/caregivers in the hospice program and appropriate services are rendered in a timely manner.
- Maintained records of spiritual care services and related activities for quality improvement and program development.
- Established relationships with community chaplains, spiritual counselors, clergy and spiritual care volunteers adequate to meet patient/family/caregiver needs by developing community contacts and offering education about hospice care.
- Actively participated and attended Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings and participate in the development of the Interdisciplinary Team plan of care to meet identified spiritual needs.
- Provided consultation, education and support to the Interdisciplinary Team on spiritual care.
Emory St. Joseph Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia
2015 — 2016
Chaplain Resident
- Provided direct spiritual care by ministering to patients and families in crisis in a caring, confidential manner.
- Offered in-depth, nurturing and trusted assistance to patients and families/caregivers while ensuring appropriate services are rendered in a timely manner.
- Served on the hospital Ethics Committee to provide a faith-based ethical approach to difficult medical decisions.
- Facilitated the development of the individualized plan of care by participating in the comprehensive assessment to meet identified spiritual needs.
- Attended patient care conferences and interdisciplinary group meetings as a member of the interdisciplinary group, providing the most holistic care possible to increase the quality of life, decrease symptoms, and prolong quality living.
- Honored to be the officiant for funerals and memorial services of hospital patients and community members.
- Planned and led worship services to meet the needs of hospital personnel, volunteers, and community clergy/spiritual counselors working with the spiritual health team.
- Provided point of service electronic charting and documentation for every patient served. Proficient with information technology systems, including charting and patient tracking applications on computers and tablets.
Grady Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia
2014
Chaplain Intern
- Responsible for providing pastoral care and support to patients, families, and staff at 953-bed Level I trauma hospital, the fifth-largest in the country.
- Cross trained to work in multiple areas of the hospital including intensive care- burn and medical, emergency department, HIV/AIDS, oncology, medical, surgery, and palliative care.
- Provided regular Sunday worship services to the entire hospital community; led spirituality groups in the psychiatric unit.
Kirkwood United Church of Christ
Atlanta, Georgia
2013 — 2014
Student Minister
- Planned weekly worship services, giving great thought and detail to music selection, writing liturgy, and crafting community prayers.
- Prepared and preached numerous sermons in various settings, including regular Sunday worship, liturgical seasons, and special services.
- Offered pastoral care to individuals in crisis and emergencies. Made hospital visits to offer the Eucharist, prayers, and friendship.
- Participated in the monthly church board meetings as well as worked with the finance team.
- Organized and developed small groups to better build community in rich and meaningful ways; participated in several outreach ministries for the homeless population.
- Led the popular crafts area during VBS; participated in the training of the youth as new acolytes.
- Worked with the fundraising committee to brainstorm and implement successful events at different levels. These include the annual golf tournament, reusable KUCC-branded grocery bags, and the very successful annual Men’s Chili Cook-Off.
- Designed and hand-crafted custom stoles for all ten ordinands from Kirkwood UCC; created unique KUCC paraments for the communion table and lectern; crafted banners for church use during liturgical seasons.
Candler Coordinating Council
Atlanta, Georgia
2013 — 2014
Chairperson
- Presided over a team of 25 fellow student leaders that form the student governing body for all chartered organizations at Candler School of Theology.
- Coordinated activities and budget monies for all organizations.
- Legislated policies for chartered organizations.
- Representative to numerous university-wide committees, as well as the Dean’s select committee on personnel and hiring.
Decatur United Church of Christ
Decatur, Georgia
2011
Student Intern
- Joined with senior pastor and staff to plan weekly worship services; preached during Sunday worship.
- Offered pastoral care to congregants; participated in the monthly church board meetings.
- Created and led the “Theology on Tap” weekly small group study.
Self-Employed
Atlanta, Georgia
2004 — 2018
Licensed Massage Therapist and Master Barber
- Responsible for administration and accounting to maintain a successful business operation for over 12 years.
- Provide the highest level of customer service and compassion.
- Build strong personal relationships with clients while fostering an environment of trust and care.
EDUCATION
Candler School of Theology, Emory University
2012 — 2015
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- President of the Candler School of Theology student body, Emory University
- Representative to Vice President, Emory University
- First Year Candler Coordinating Council M.Div. Representative, Emory University
Point University
2009 — 2012
Bachelor of Arts
Dual Major in Biblical Studies and Preaching Ministry
- Teaching Assistant for Greek and for New Testament classes, Point University
- Teaching Assistant for Preaching classes, Point University
- Vendor Coordinator for Global Missions, Point University
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
- Ordained Minister, United Church of Christ (2018 to present)
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), four units (2017)
- Mental Health First Aid, Atlanta Georgia (2020)
- Certificate in Medical Bioethics, Houston Methodist (2016)
- Certified Disaster Chaplain, National Disaster Interfaith Network (2015)
- Certified Lay Speaker, North Georgia Conference, United Methodist Church (2008)
- Licensed Master Barber (1988 to 2018)
- Licensed Massage Therapist (2004 to 2018)
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Southeast Conference UCC Board of Directors
- Southeast Conference UCC Nominating Committee Chair
- Southeast Conference UCC Commission on Ministry
- Putnam County Fair Volunteer, Cookeville, Tennessee
- Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, Cookeville, Tennessee
- President of the Candler School of Theology student body, Emory University
- Representative to Vice President, Emory University
- Cannon Chapel worship planning team, Emory University
- Teaching Assistant for Greek and for New Testament classes, Point University
- Teaching Assistant for Preaching classes, Point University
- Vendor and Media Coordinator for Global Missions, Point University
- Intramural Referee and Basketball Announcer, Point University
- Casa por Christo Mission Trip/Building Project, Ruiz, Mexico
- Appalachian Service Project Mission Trip, Johnson City, Tennessee
CONFERENCES AND TRAINING
- UCC General Synod attendee in 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, and 2011
- UCC Member-in-Discernment Conference, 2014
- UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition Conferences in 2012, 2013, 2015
- National Preaching Summit Indianapolis, Indiana, 2011
- Next Level Leadership Conference, Savannah, Georgia in 2010, 2011