About

I grew up in Maryland and studied German, Medieval Studies, and Global Studies at Hood College. During that time, I studied abroad in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. After college, I worked in the travel industry for three years while discerning a call to ministry. I graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now United Lutheran Seminary) with concentrations in Biblical Studies and Theology and Public Life focused on Christian-Jewish dialogue. I also completed a Certificate in Ecumenical Studies through the Washington Theological Consortium and spent time living in the Collegium Oecumenicum, an ecumenical community in Munich, Germany. I’m an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and currently serve as the Pastor for Sunday Protestant Services at Falcons Landing, a continuing care retirement community in Sterling, VA.

I did not grow up in the church and discovered God, faith, and my vocations as I went along through life. A passionate traveler and life-long learner, I believe life is a journey – a pilgrimage in which we are always seeking the holy in our midst, in ourselves, and in each other. Curiosity, asking questions, creativity, reflection, and living with awe, wonder, gratitude, joy, and laughter are at the core of how I try to move through life.

The story of Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus, making himself known in conversing, walking, and breaking bread with them is a powerful example of how we encounter God in our everyday journeying. My experience walking the 500-mile Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela brought this home to me in an embodied and powerful way. In spiritual direction/companionship, I am a fellow traveler, listening attentively and deeply to your story, watching and pointing to God’s accompanying presence along the way.

I am a 2017 graduate of the Shalem Institute’s “Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership” Program. Contemplative spirituality has had a profound effect on my life and how I understand we are always works in progress. Similarly, the practice of writing icons has helped me slow down, breathe deeply, acknowledge and trust in the process, and appreciate that changes and progress are made one brushstroke at a time.

In 2022, I graduated from the two-year Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development “Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides” Program. My specialty areas include using different prayer practices including iconography and the creative arts and offering direction for young adults, the elderly/mature, interfaith folks, and seekers. I also offer Walk & Talk sessions – spiritual direction on the go! In order to care for my own spiritual health, I see a spiritual director monthly and participate in a monthly peer supervision group. I’m an LGBTQIA+ ally.

On a lighter note, I love tacos, dogs, traveling, learning languages, singing, knitting, writing icons, and walking/hiking. I’m married to a wonderful fellow named Jeff, a mom to a fantastic little one, and I look forward to meeting you and hearing your unfolding story!

Journeying Together is located on the original and ancestral homelands of the Piscataway and Manahoac peoples, and we give thanks for their presence here since time immemorial. We also recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have and continue to call this land their home.

Education

B.A. from Hood College

M.Div. from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now United Lutheran Seminary)

Clergy Spiritual Formation and Leadership Certificate from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides Certificate from Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development

Virginia Master Naturalist Training

Get in touch

I am available to meet in person (Metro DC area) or virtually (FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.), and for group spiritual direction. I also offer Walk & Talk sessions. Please send an email to find out about next steps.

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