Teaching & Leadership

Co-developed and co-taught Thursdays with Mort, an experiential course for Palliative Care fellows focused on understanding clinicians’ responses to mortality. The curriculum emphasizes self-reflection, emotional awareness, and compassionate engagement.

Selected Presentation & Publication

• Befriending Our Own Mortality: An Innovative Curriculum to Engage with Palliative Care Clinician Countertransference, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (2021)

• Abstract published in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (2020)

• Presenter: The Graying Rainbow—Caring for the Aging LGBTQ Patient, Saint Barnabas Medical Center (2017)

Chaplain Intern

Mount Sinai Medical Center- 2013–2015

During my Clinical Pastoral Education training, I provided spiritual care within palliative care and oncology settings, including the Bone Marrow Transplant unit.

Co-created a staff reflection and meditation circle to support clinical teams and mentored medical students in understanding the role of chaplaincy. I also served as an on-call chaplain.

Caregiver Support Circle Facilitator

New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care- 2017–2019

Mentor, Foundations in Contemplative Care Training Program - 2015–2017

Supported and co-taught a multidisciplinary training program for healthcare professionals and caregivers. I mentored a cohort of students over a nine-month period, offering monthly supervision and ongoing guidance, and collaborated on curriculum development.

Development Director, Endowment Fund

Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, India - 2009–2012

Created and led a comprehensive fundraising program to support the long-term sustainability of a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery. This included developing digital outreach, managing publication and marketing for Into the Heart of Life by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, and co-leading an international pilgrimage fundraiser. I continue to serve as a trustee for the U.S. endowment.

Cofounder & Director

Dongyu Gatsal Ling Initiatives (501c3) - 2009–2012

Co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education and living conditions for Tibetan Buddhist nuns through fundraising and awareness initiatives.

Cofounder & Co-Manager

Accent International Recruiting Group / Accent on Staffing - 1989–2008

Co-built and managed a staffing firm serving New York City’s international business community. Over time, we expanded from bilingual administrative placements to professional and executive recruitment.

Led team management, client development, and marketing initiatives, including HR-focused seminars on diversity, healthcare, immigration, and workplace wellness.

Education

Doctor of Ministry, Pastoral Counseling
Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, 2020

Master of Arts, Pastoral Care and Counseling
New York Theological Seminary, 2016

Clinical Pastoral Education (4 Units)
New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, 2013–2015

Bachelor of Science
SUNY Empire State College, 2014

Certifications & Training

• Realization Process Trauma Repair Therapist Certification (2021)

• AEDP Immersion (2021)

• Dignity Therapy Training, Manitoba Palliative Care Research Unit (2017)

• Foundations in Contemplative Care Training Program (2011)

• Certified Practitioner, Realization Process

• Certified Teacher, Gesture of Awareness