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I was born in an Amish type community in central Illinois. I left the
farm to attend the University of California in the turbulent sixties. My childhood experiences in a small religious community
-- some wonderful and some difficult -- shaped the qualities people know me for... curiosity, openness, compassion,
an exploratory nature and a deep, sustaining commitment to creating community.
After taking a degree in Psychology
from the University of California, I found myself in a difficult position. The war was raging in Vietnam, and I
was #53 in the draft lottery -- a sure bet on being drafted. Given my non-violent upbringing, I chose to leave the
States instead of joining the war. After traveling extensively throughout Europe, I eventually took a position running
a small farm in a tiny Greek village on the Island of Cyprus.
Upon returning to the States, I attended Seminary
where I received a Master of Divinity degree, and then took a position as a Hospital Chaplain. I was ordained in
the United Methodist Church in 1978. As a Chaplain Supervisor, I taught seminary students the art of listening and being with
people through difficult times. I would tell my students, "If you are going to be a good Chaplain, then you must learn
‘The Way of Father Mulcahy' (M*A*S*H). You must find a way to touch the heart, and talk to a Buddhist as easily
as a Baptist". This was my own style of ministry. And when a Presbyterian wanted to marry a Jew, I was
happy to be the one to call. I was unorthodox, but genuinely compassionate, just like Father Mulcahy. Much to the regret
of my Bishop, I was usually "stirring up the pot" in a Church that prided itself on keeping a lid on the
status quo.
In 1989, I was called to blend psychology with theology in
my work, and I received my Doctoral degree in Pastoral Counseling at Notre Dame University. Subsequently, I was
a college professor in three different universities, teaching psychology and comparative religion. I then became a Certified
Marriage and Family Therapist, a role in which I was proud to distinguish myself clinically.
During the 24
years of my professional career as a minister, I have acted as chaplain in five hospitals. For 15 years, I
was the Director of the Hope Care & Counseling Center in Denver. CO. In this position, I developed and
supervised over ten satellite pastoral counseling centers throughout the Denver metro area. I served for five years
on the Board of Directors of The ManKind Project and I was proud to be the Center Director of the Colorado ManKind Project from 2005 to 2007,
conducting men's leadership trainings and seminars in an organization that seeks to "change the world one man at
a time" by helping them connect head and heart.
And then came the call from Arizona and it was time to move
to Tucson in late 2007 to care for my aging folks. So, I've begun afresh here in the gorgeous Sonoran desert after
completing advanced training as a Certified Relationship Coach with the Hendricks Institute for Conscious Living. I serve the Tucson community working as a Hospice Chaplain for Hospice Family Care. I perform weddings and
other ceremonies as a Professional Officiant and Celebrant.
Or, if you are ready to arrange for your Professional Ceremony Consultation
today, click here to learn how to contact one of us.
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