Current Ministry Position:
Bereavement Coordinator, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution Children’s Center. As a member of the pediatric palliative care team, I offer support for families who have children with life-limiting conditions. When a child is dying, I offer bereavement support through the dying process and beyond. I also support the staff here in their bereavement process and debriefing.

What sustains you in your ministry?
Colleagues who are phenomenal in their work, education, research and support. Accompanying children and families during such times is incredibly meaningful work--it puts life into perspective and you learn to let go of the small things. It’s a privilege to be present in such sacred moments.

What are the challenges of your ministry? 
To balance quality care with family decisions can be challenging. And there’s still so much we don’t know about children’s spiritual coping. Also, unlike hospice, some children are at the center due to child abuse; this is difficult.

What in your ministry gives you hope? 
The courage and resilience of patients and families, and their ability to still love life and to laugh amidst struggle and pain. A quote that I have on my office wall speaks to this: “I wish I could show you when you are lonely and in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.” (Hafiz)

How did IREPM contribute to your skills and capacity to minister?
While at IREPM I was invited to reflect and integrate what I was learning and that was such a gift. Opportunities to participate in Colloquium and Clinical Pastoral Education were so valuable. IREPM prepared me well for this ministry.

Updated: November 20, 2007
Maintained: Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry
© 2007 The Trustees of Boston College. Legal