IvoryTusk

An educator and interfaith-nondenominational chaplain, I strive to bring out the best in humanity--even when it is at its bleakest. A rose celebrates by falling apart; and clouds celebrate by weeping. It is within us all to find new ways of incorporating compassion, love, empathy, and understanding into the world around us. It is my hope that by connecting to humanity through that which brings out the best in us, we can truly be the change we want to see in the world. Paulo Cuelho wrote: "No matter what he does, every person plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it." May we all find ways to make the history one of positive change instead of negative consequences.

As a professional chaplain, it is my hope to use my ministerial skills to guide others to a place of healing, solace, and comfort--especially during times of crisis.

My approach to chaplaincy and ministerial work is to provide assistance to those in need. This also includes providing celebrant services to those who require an officiant to preside over a funeral/memorial/celebration of life, as well as weddings, baptisms, and baby naming ceremonies. My practice is open and affirming, welcoming all members of the human family regardless of race, gender, gender identity, creed, religion, non-religion, sexual orientation, or nationality.

A native of New Mexico, I have also lived and studied as a foreign exchange student in Hamburg, Germany and Heidelberg, Germany.

Schools attended:

University of Wyoming (1998-2000) Dean's List and Honor Roll Major: English, German

University of New Mexico (2000-2002) cum laude graduate from UNM; magna cum laude graduate from UNM Honors Program: BA degrees earned: English, German

University of Phoenix (2003-2006) Master of Business Administration

Grand Canyon University (2008-2010) Master of Education with an Emphasis in Curriculum Instruction: Reading

Interfaith Seminary (2011-2013) Interfaith, Nondenominational ministerial ordination; Doctor of Divinity

Saint James College Seminary (2011-2013) Certification for Professional Chaplaincy; completed certification with distinction for academic and professional excellence.

In the Spotlight

Communicating on a Spiritual Level can Produce Healing, Part I

Spirituality and the impact of mental health particularly following a traumatic or grief-inducing event has been studied in depth since 2001. How can a spiritual foundation lead to deeper healing?

In the Spotlight

Recipe for Compassion and Maintaining the Human Element: The Connection Confection

Staying connected is at the heart of what makes us human. Much like any other enjoyable dessert, we need to remember how to connect with ourselves in order to bring out the joy in others.

In the Spotlight

Great Reads for Spiritual Awakening

Some books that have been true balms for my spirit and outlook. As a professional and also as a human being, it's important to connect with others' insights. Here are some incredible books to share!

In the Spotlight

When Science and Spirituality Collide

All of the world religions speak of the heart being at the center of intuition, connection, and community. Now, science has found physiological processes that explain such phenomena.

In the Spotlight

Compassion: The Key to Happiness

We hear a great deal about compassion, but what does it really mean, and how can you practice it in a way that is self-healing, as well as to heal those around us?

In the Spotlight

Distance Makes the Heart Beat Stronger

After a long absence and a great deal of personal challenges, it is good to be back at the Hub!

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  Cultivating Peace & Mindfulness

  Reflections from a Chaplain in Orlando

  23 months ago

  After the shooting in Orlando, Florida, I traveled from New Mexico to assist the first response team in being there for families in times of incredible crisis.

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  Personal Success

  Reflections on Humanity

  2 years ago

  Being humans, we can find ourselves yearning to have more than what we have in every relationship imaginable, especially with ourselves.

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  4
  Wild Animals

  What Kind of Animal is This?

  2 years ago

  This Question was on a Q&A, and I was intrigued. So I looked at the picture. What do you think?

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  4
  Inspirational Poetry

  I Rise

  2 years ago

  Just a small poem of reflection

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  4
  Commercial & Creative Writing

  How Writing for the Hub Has Helped Me

  2 years ago

  I joined the Hub as a kind of experiment. I write for the Hub now as an experience! If you are a brand new or an experienced Hub writer, I hope that you are encouraged to write extensively!

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  7
  Personal Development

  Combating Work Place Blues

  2 years ago

  When it's challenging to face going into work with colleagues and frustrating mundane stress, there are ways to make your day a little brighter for yourself and those around you.

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  2
  Personal Development

  Communicating on a Spiritual Level Can Produce Healing, Part 3

  2 years ago

  The Conclusion of an Exploration of Spirituality and Healing from Grief and Trauma

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  2
  Personal Development

  Communicating on a Spiritual Level Can Produce Healing, Part 2

  2 years ago

  A continuation of Communication on a Spiritual Level Can Produce Healing.

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  Essays

  Revisiting Old Ideas

  2 years ago

  Finding a draft of something incomplete can be a wellspring of new understanding.

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  3
  Elementary, Middle School & High School

  A Different Perspective on the Challenge of Education

  2 years ago

  How can we use a paradigm shift to transform our educational environments and further enrich our students, and indeed the future of our nation?

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  3
  Nature & Spirituality

  Religious Abuse and the Traumatic Aftermath

  2 years ago

  Understanding the challenges of religious abuse can provide an opportunity for individuals to find support when struggling with a crisis of conscience, and in recovering from religion.

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  2
  Health Self-Help

  Compassion: The Key to Happiness

  2 years ago

  We hear a great deal about compassion, but what does it really mean, and how can you practice it in a way that is self-healing, as well as to heal those around us?

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  3
  Cultivating Peace & Mindfulness

  Distance Makes the Heart Beat Stronger

  2 years ago

  After a long absence and a great deal of personal challenges, it is good to be back at the Hub!

• 
  2
  Education for Kids Around the World

  Creative Instruction for Empowerment and Success in the Classroom

  2 years ago

  So many students feel as though they cannot interact with information provided them in the classroom. Using concrete examples for abstract concepts, students can feel empowered and succeed in school.

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  4
  Nature & Spirituality

  When Science and Spirituality Collide

  2 years ago

  All of the world religions speak of the heart being at the center of intuition, connection, and community. Now, science has found physiological processes that explain such phenomena.

• 
  2
  Cultivating Peace & Mindfulness

  Great Reads for Spiritual Awakening

  2 years ago

  Some books that have been true balms for my spirit and outlook. As a professional and also as a human being, it's important to connect with others' insights. Here are some incredible books to share!

• 
  5
  Personal Development

  Communicating on a Spiritual Level can Produce Healing, Part I

  2 years ago

  Spirituality and the impact of mental health particularly following a traumatic or grief-inducing event has been studied in depth since 2001. How can a spiritual foundation lead to deeper healing?

• 
  8
  Cultivating Peace & Mindfulness

  Recipe for Compassion and Maintaining the Human Element: The Connection Confection

  2 years ago

  Staying connected is at the heart of what makes us human. Much like any other enjoyable dessert, we need to remember how to connect with ourselves in order to bring out the joy in others.