Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary

B.S., Golden Gate University

M.A, California Southern University

M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary

Ph.D., Claremont School of Theology
 

Pastoral Caregiving, at its best, provides safe spaces for caregivers and care seekers to engage in authentic relationships for life-giving and transforming encounters. My philosophy of pastoral care, drawn from my diverse caregiving experiences and commitment to womanist theology and student-centered learning, is the foundation of my approach to teaching pastoral care and pastoral theology. In my courses, I intentionally construct learning communities that privilege students as active learners who are in the process of being formed for ministry with the understanding that formation is influenced by many things and is always ongoing.
 

I believe transformational learning emerges when we empower each other to bring our whole selves to each subject with an appreciation of our stories and the courage to critically explore the theories and practices of pastoral care and pastoral theology from our own racial, ethnic, gendered, sexual identities, and social locations. In this space, students will gracefully enter human experience while exploring their values and beliefs about suffering, healing, and wholeness to cultivate life-giving relationships with other students and those in need of care. The ultimate goal of my courses is to nurture students into compassionate religious leaders who have the courage to walk alongside others in the midst of their questions and their cries for validation and love.