Three years ago, I attended a training for Chaplains hosted by the Texas New Mexico Hospice Organization (TNMHO) in Austin.  Several life-changing events happened that day:

1.) I heard an amazing speaker (Dr. Marcia Levetown) who became an instant hero and later a dear friend and tireless supporter of my work…

2.) I heard a few chaplains “behaving badly”–speaking openly of proselytizing patients at the end of life and condemning others who did not do the same…

3.) I met Diane Datz (RN, M.Div.), who saw I was about to lose my typically gentle and diplomatic composure during a small group discussion and interrupted my energetic inhale, before I verbally blasted one of these blessed brothers, by placing a calm hand on my knee…

There is so much more to this story, and you can read the full version by clicking on the  “Our History” page.

In short, The TNMHO Board of Directors graciously supported Diane and I in pulling together other chaplains, a bereavement coordinator, an adult educator, and a palliative care physician to research and develop a training curriculum that has proven so effective and popular that we are now launching it nation-wide.

Professionals from other disciplines interested in spiritual care, like nurses and social workers, are also attending.  The evaluations continue to be outstanding and we daily hear how hungry people are for training and support.  Stay tuned for updates, and please contact us about bringing this training to your area.