I am an interfaith chaplain who draws from an Eastern and Western spiritual background recognizing the sacred in ways that are informed by my spiritual practices of Christianity and Buddhism as well as time spent living and travelling in Asia and supporting Seattle’s immigrant community for over a decade.
I joined the Fred Hutch Spiritual Health team in 2024. I primarily see Fred Hutch patients while they are inpatient at UW Medical Center – Montlake, and on occasion I serve in an outpatient capacity at the South Lake Union Clinic. Having previously worked at the local level 1 trauma hospital, I appreciate the opportunity of serving patients, and their families/caregivers, from a wide variety of backgrounds and identities.
I was attracted to the work of spiritual care when I cared for my mother during her cancer care and treatment in 2011. Additionally, my parents’ engagement in the world emphasized community service which I carried on as a volunteer manager for many years, until I decided that I wanted to do more direct support of care-seekers.
Sitting with people facing challenges, discovering their resources for health and connection, has become a surprising joy in my life.
I am socially identified as white, cisgender, heterosexual, a tall stout man, able-bodied, middle-aged, middle-class, Christian, Buddhist, fluent in English, married and a clergy person. No matter how much I deepen my awareness, I can always learn more about how to be a better person, however, I cannot completely overcome my biases, my prejudices or transcend my privilege. I can learn to better identify how my social location affects my interactions and those around me. I can work to use my privilege to be more anti-racist, undo patriarchy and live in a way that acknowledges that others’ freedom and empowerment is bound up with mine.
Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, especially my partner Heidi. I am deeply involved in my spiritual communities, love singing and am recharged by spending time in nature.
Patient Care Philosophy
My approach to patient care is person-centered addressing immediate needs as well as questions of meaning, wholeness, purpose and exploring relationships and networks of support.
I am happy to adapt to your needs and see where my support and presence can fit into what is going on with you now.
Education and Training
- BA: The Evergreen State College
- MDiv: Claremont School of Theology
- Buddhist Chaplaincy Training, Upaya Zen Center
More Information
- Licensure to Chaplain Ministry, Seattle First Baptist Church
- Zen Buddhist Minister/Member of Order of Interbeing, Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, Inc.
Fred Hutch Spiritual Health
Your nurse, social worker or another care team member can connect you with us or you can reach us directly.