I grew up knowing that I had a responsibility to be a good steward of my experiences and education to serve others in need.  I never imagined the Chaplaincy, but am so glad to have found it two and a half years ago (or maybe it found me). 

For my day job, I’m a psychotherapist and licensure supervisor in private practice in Sisters.  Before opening my practice a few years ago, I spent many years working for three county mental health agencies in Oregon including with clients with severe and persistent mental illness, in school settings in collaboration with school counselors and resource officers and in supervising teams of clinicians who work in conjunction with local government agencies including schools, probation, foster care and crisis. 

One of the most important reasons for becoming self-employed was to create a more flexible schedule to be able to volunteer on my own time in meaningful ways in my community. Although I serve in music ministry at my church and have been on staff in administration for many years in churches, I consider my work outside of the church in service to my community to be the most meaningful.

I realized through my work that I’m at my best when I’m able to genuinely be with people on their worst day, and that it would be irresponsible of me to not do that.  That’s why being a volunteer Chaplain is very fitting for me.  If I am truly able to take a moment out of my life and show up for someone in pain, I can’t not do that.  I also just really want to be a good community member and support First Responders as they do the necessary things that I don’t feel qualified to do.  

Additionally, I am a trained End of Life Doula with The Peaceful Presence Project, so while as a Chaplain, I find myself sitting with people after their loved one has suddenly or tragically passed, this role allows me to support people in a more intentional way as they prepare for their own deaths and the legacy they want to leave.  I also spend a few hours each month working with high school Juniors and Seniors as an Aspire mentor at Sisters High School to help prepare them for life after they graduate. 

I have lived in Sisters for nine years (Salem before that) with my husband of 32 years and make regular trips to the valley to see our daughter, granddaughters, and family there.  I take plenty of opportunities to sing or be in the woods or on the water, so I create a healthy, restorative balance for myself.  I’m so grateful to be in a stage of life to have these choices and to be able to serve others in this way.

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come." 

- Chinese Proverb