EDUCATION July 2024 Antioch University, PhD Program in Leadership and ChangeYellow Springs, OH (exp) Dissertation: Mimetic theory and the gendered construction of leadership boundaries • Antioch University, Founders Award in Social Justice, 2021-2024 • Christian Feminism Today, Nancy A. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship, 2022 • Synod of the Northeast, Innovation Grant Recipient, 2022 • Albany Presbytery, New Initiatives Grant Recipient, 2021
May 2014 Louisville Theological Seminary,Master of Divinity and Feminist Theology Louisville, KY Graduate Thesis: Embodied spirituality as a method of social change • Gladys Kendall Award for Academic Excellence, 2014 • Dean K. Thompson Award in Practical Theology, 2013 • Burton Z. Cooper Award in Theology, 2013 • Apollos Scholar, Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation, 2012 • Hogancamp Seminary Scholarship, NY Council of Churches, 2012
June 2010 Cornell University, Family Development and Counseling Program Ithaca, NY • Distinguished Leadership Award in Cross-Cultural Family Counseling
May 2005 University of Michigan, BA Political Science and Women’s Studies Ann Arbor, MI Honors Thesis: Indigenous models of women’s healthcare in Oaxaca, Mexico • National Society of Collegiate Scholars, 2002-2005 • William J. Branstrom Award, 2002 • James B. Angell Scholar, 2003
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING
Family Systems Theory and Transformational Leadership, Montreat, NC, 2017
Clinical Chaplaincy Certification, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, 2012
Yoga Teacher Training, Kripalu Yoga Center, Lenox, MA, 2010, 2017
Hanover Modern Dance Collective, Wilmington, DE, 2014-2017
Skidmore College Contemporary Dance Residency, Saratoga, NY, 2001-2004
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2014-2021 Presbyterian Church (USA), Solo Pastor, Head of Staff KY, DE, NY • Provided spiritual and administrative leadership for mid-sized progressive congregations in urban, suburban, and rural contexts with emphasis on social justice activism and holistic spirituality • Collaborated with local and South African artists and educators to produce Same Story Different Countries: From Oppression to Resistance to Liberation, an arts-based racial justice research and community performance initiative • Developed Moved to Heal: Church Renewal through Movement-based Ministry, an embodied leadership and spirituality curriculum for local churches and seminaries
2009-2011 Family Life Center, Assistant Director, Cross-Cultural Family Counselor Schenectady, NY • Supervised inner-city women and children’s homeless shelter, expanding life skills and recovery program to include strength-based family counseling and creative arts therapy
2008-2009 Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope International), Creative Arts Therapist Huánuco, Peru • Developed movement and creative arts therapy program for adolescent survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence with ecumenical human rights organization
2005-2008 New York State Senate, Senior Health Policy Analyst Albany, NY • Developed statewide health policy to support community health organizations serving at-risk women and youth • Cultivated key stakeholder relationships with reproductive rights advocacy groups and grassroots health coalitions
2005-2011 Maude Baum and Company Dance Theater, Dance Company Member, Instructor Albany, NY • Provided community dance education and choreographed/performed with contemporary dance collective
2003 Mexican Social Security Institute, Maternal and Child Health Educator Oaxaca, Mexico • Developed leadership and health education programs at rural hospital serving local indigenous women and families
PUBLICATIONS View Full List Albany Times Union, Faith & Values Feature Writer, 2020-Present Presbyterians Today, Columnist and Feature Writer, 2013-Present Presbyterian Women Horizon’s Magazine, Feature Writer, 2013 Albany Metroland, Performing Arts Critic, 2005-2013 Albany Times Union, NextGen Workbytes Columnist, 2005-2008 Michigan Daily, Performing Arts Critic, 2001-2005