Professional Summary
Ordained Chaplain with extensive experience providing spiritual and emotional support in diverse settings, including disaster relief, healthcare, and community outreach. Skilled in crisis intervention, interfaith spiritual care, and fostering resilience among individuals facing challenging life events. Bringing a rich background in both Christian and Jewish traditions, offering inclusive and compassionate care to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to creating safe and affirming spaces for all individuals. Currently pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Level III, with a strong commitment to holistic and inclusive spiritual care.
To learn more about my professional background, please visit my [LinkedIn Profile]. For more information about my heritage and work in the Jewish community, visit [jewsofinda.com].
Specialties
- Disaster Spiritual Care
- Crisis Counseling & Intervention
- Suicide Ideation
- Community Chaplaincy
- Interfaith & Multifaith Spiritual Support
- Emotional & Psychological Support
- Long-Term Recovery & Resource Facilitation
- Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Training
Certifications
- Co-Active Coaching Certification
- First Aid & CPR Certified
- CPE III (currently)
- Ordained Chaplain
Professional Experience
Disaster Relief Chaplain
American Red Cross
Jan 2025 – Present
- Provide trauma-informed spiritual and emotional care to individuals and families affected by disasters, regardless of faith tradition.
- Document spiritual care interactions in Salesforce, noting assessments, interventions, and outcomes to support continuity of care.
- Collaborate with case workers and other multidisciplinary team members to coordinate care plans and connect clients with recovery resources.
- Facilitate grief support, spiritual reflection, and meaning-making following traumatic events.
- Support volunteer and staff well-being through presence, informal check-ins, and critical incident debriefs when needed.
- Build partnerships with local faith communities to expand culturally and spiritually appropriate care.
Chaplain Resident
San Francisco Night Ministry
Sep 2022 – Present
- Deliver trauma-informed spiritual care over a crisis support phone line with attention to spiritual distress, goals of care, and personal resources.
- Support individuals in identity affirmation, crisis intervention, and meaning-making across diverse religious, spiritual, and secular worldviews.
- Facilitate crisis and suicide prevention and emotional stabilization conversations using compassionate listening and safety planning.
- Document care encounters using digital tools (Google Forms), contributing to case review and accountability.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary community network to refer callers to appropriate resources, including housing, mental health, and medical services.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care discussions and staff meetings to ensure excellence and innovation in chaplaincy practice.
Crisis Counselor
Red Cross EU Office
Sep 2022–Jun 2023
- Provided emotional and psychological support to individuals during moments of crisis.
- Assessed immediate needs and connected individuals with appropriate resources and services.
- Fostered resilience and recovery through compassionate listening and tailored support strategies.
Community Buddy
De Regenboog Groep
Oct 2022 – May 2023
- Supported individuals experiencing social isolation by fostering meaningful connections and companionship.
- Built trusting relationships to help clients feel heard and valued.
- Assisted with day-to-day activities and encouraged participation in community events.
- Promoted confidence, independence, and social reintegration through consistent emotional support.
Research & Community Engagement Fellow
Be’chol Lashon and Institute for Jewish Research & Community
Jan 2011 – Jan 2012
- Conducted in-depth research on Jewish diversity, contributing articles and studies to enhance community understanding.
- Managed digital content and ensured the website featured up-to-date global news and insights on diverse Jewish communities.
- Coordinated events and facilitated discussions with international speakers, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
Documentary Filmmaker—Historic and Modernization of Unitarianism
Independent Project
Sep 2011–Oct 2011
- Directed and produced a documentary exploring the historical and modern evolution of Unitarianism in Romania and Transylvania.
- Traveled extensively through remote villages and cities, capturing interviews and cultural narratives.
- Presented findings through film to highlight religious modernization and its impact on local communities.
- Watch Trailer | View Documentary
Certifications
- Co-Active Coaching
- First Aid & CPR Certified
- CPE III (currently)
- Ordained Chaplain
Education
Master of Divinity in Applied Ethics, Islamic Education, and Jewish Education
Amalgamated Degree from Claremont School of Theology, UC Berkeley, Graduate Theological Union, and The Pontifical Gregorian University
Jan 2009 – Jul 2013
- Claremont School of Theology & Claremont Graduate University (Spring 2009 – Fall 2010)
- Starr King School for the Ministry & Graduate Theological Union & UC Berkeley
Starr King School for the Ministry, part of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), an academic consortium affiliated with UC Berkeley (Fall 2010 – Fall 2012) - Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy (Vatican-affiliated) (Jan 2013 – Jul 2013)
Field Research & International Studies:
- Germany (Berlin, Oct 2012): Germany Close Up Fellowship, focusing on North American Jews’ experiences in modern Germany.
- Eastern Europe, Balkans & Turkey (Sep 2011 – Jan 2012): Created a documentary and conducted research across multiple countries, including Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Turkey.
- Australia (Nov 2009 – Dec 2009): Researched the intersection of religion, culture, and business ethics among Aboriginal and Native communities; attended the Parliament of World Religions.
- Israel & Palestine (Jul 2009 – Aug 2009): Studied the impact of religion on business practices, policies, and the Mid-East conflict.
- Southeast Asia (Jan 2009 – May 2009): Traveled through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to research how religion influences business ethics and cultural practices.
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management
St. Joseph’s
May 2008
Certification in Human Resources Management
St. Joseph’s
May 2008
Continuing Education
RYT 200—Registered Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance)
Vinyasa Yoga Academy, Rishikesh, India
Feb 2017
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Level III
Shaw Chaplaincy Institute, University of Redlands Graduate School of Theology
Feb 2025–May 2025
- Mastered advanced pastoral care techniques, focusing on interfaith spiritual support, crisis management, and ethical decision-making in complex healthcare environments.
- Applied advanced reflective practices, integrating spiritual assessment models like FICA and HOPE, tailored to diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Level II
Shaw Chaplaincy Institute, University of Redlands Graduate School of Theology
Sep 2024 – Dec 2024
- Developed intermediate pastoral counseling and crisis intervention skills, with a focus on trauma-informed care and grief support.
- Engaged in interdisciplinary teamwork, enhancing communication and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Level I
San Francisco Night Ministry
Oct 2022–Apr 2023
- Provided spiritual and emotional support to individuals facing crises in urban and marginalized communities, emphasizing compassionate presence and active listening.
- Gained foundational experience in pastoral care, utilizing spiritual assessment tools like FICA, and practiced reflective writing and case study presentations.
- Focused on urban ministry and interfaith dialogue, addressing diverse cultural and spiritual needs in a multi-faith environment.