Meet Our Chaplains

When you need a listening ear, we’re here for you

Barbara worked for many years as a critical care nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital—Muhlenberg (LVH). When her colleagues saw how she cared for spirit as well as body, they suggested she consider hospital ministry. “I was feeling a calling inside, but when others notice your gifts and nudge you to hone your skills, you need to respect that call.”

She followed her heart and took clinical pastoral education (CPE) at LVH, then entered the residency program while continuing to care for patients as a nurse. She earned a Master of Divinity degree and was commissioned as a Seventh-day Adventist minister in 2004. She became a staff chaplain in 1996 and has been manager of pastoral care since 2001. She is also on the board of Jenn’s House, which offers convenient, affordable lodging in a homelike environment for patients and families.

“I miss nursing, but still visit patients, families and staff. I love what I do. It’s an awesome responsibility.”

Jack’s call to ministry gained strength during the 10 years he spent as a registered nurse in the Wilkes-Barre area. “As I explored the great questions of life, death, suffering and God both as a nurse and while earning a theology degree, I felt invigorated in my faith. I felt compelled to explore the meaning of life, and now feel passionate about helping others in their search for meaning, especially in times of crisis.”

Jack earned a master’s degree and worked in a variety of ministries including hospice, shelters for the poor, youth ministries with high school and college students, and parish ministries. He came to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network (LVHHN) as a resident chaplain in 2003, when he responded to a new calling. In 2004 he became the chaplain for the intensive care units and supervisor-in-training for the CPE program.

“It is a privilege to walk with families on their journey through life. Every journey is unique, as each individual moves through his or her own transformation. I am humbled to help them along the way.”

Fr. Joseph Becker came to LVH in 1995. A native of Wilmington, Del., Fr. Joe entered the Obliates of St. Francis de Sales in 1959 after graduating from high school and pronounced his vows in 1961.

He was ordained a priest in 1969 and earned his master’s degrees in theology and English in 1970. After teaching high school English for 27 years, mostly in Pa., Fr Joe decided it was time to get out of the classroom and practice ministry in a different way. “I am much happier and more fulfilled now ministering here at LVH than I ever was in teaching. It’s hands-on working with souls in need; need of someone to listen, need of reconciliation to their faith, need of prayer.”

In 2000, Fr. Joe had the opportunity to take Clinical Pastoral Education. This course enhanced his ministry here at LVH. He has started spiritual programs for our Catholic patients and staff. As he walks through the hospital you can tell how much he enjoys his work. “I hope I’m here at LVH for the duration!”

Charles committed his life to helping others after he left the Navy 20 years ago. He has sailed on several hospital mission ships, bringing hope and healing to the poor in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

“Ministry is about building relationships, whether you’re on a ship, a remote island or the family waiting in the emergency department. I struggled for awhile – but now that my life has turned around, I want to impact others however I can.” Charles has a bachelor’s degree in Bible studies and a master’s degree in Christian ministry. He is ordained through New Covenant Christian Community in Bethlehem and the Grace Network.

Charles came to LVHHN as a resident in 2003 and has been a staff chaplain since 2004. “I love helping people through turning points in their lives. Everyone needs a friend, especially when you’re feeling scared and alone.”

Rob has been a Lutheran minister for more than 20 years, serving parish churches in Berks and Schuylkill counties. He currently serves a small church in Schuylkill County, but he has always been drawn to touching people’s lives when they are in a medical crisis. He has been a staff chaplain since 1999

“There’s always someone who needs care. I can provide a calming presence and help them communicate their needs, and not fight the crisis. I look at patients and staff as part of my family, and care for you as I would want my loved ones cared for.”

Rob works closely with families struggling with difficult decisions like Gift of Life (organ donation). He also provides critical incident stress management for emergency medical technicians, paramedics and other first responders. “None of us walks alone. It’s gratifying to help people feel that.”

Kathryn began her career as a teacher. After volunteering as a youth minister with her church, she felt called to do more and attended seminary. “I fell in love with pastoral care when I did my internship here at the hospital. I worked in area churches for a while, but always felt pulled back to the hospital because of the patients.”

She graduated with a master’s degree in theological studies with a concentration in pastoral care and counseling. She completed a CPE residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital and has been a staff chaplain since 2000. She is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church.

Kathryn runs grief support groups for the hospital. “We’ve all experienced losses and changes,” says Kathryn, who recently lost her father and whose children now have their own lives. “I’m still a teacher at heart. I love sharing experiences with patients and families. Their stories are so poignant, and the healing process is so gratifying.”

Resident chaplains

Residents are clergy or lay people with advanced degrees and experience in ministry who desire further education and skill in caring for people facing health transitions and challenges. Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s clinical pastoral education (CPE) program is fully accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Resident chaplains minister to patients, families and staff throughout LVHHN’s three hospital sites.

Associate chaplains

Associate chaplains are available to patients who request a particular faith, and to meet additional pastoral care needs. They are available to meet your needs in the same ways our staff chaplains are. We can also connect you with your own spiritual advisor, or bring in spiritual advisors from other denominations as requested.

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