Religion seeks to answer some of life’s most difficult questions. Who am I? What is my purpose? Why do bad things happen? Where is my higher power in the midst of tragedy? How do I find joy? What happens when I die? What is my responsibility in the world at large? As an educator I seek to foster a safe environment which allows students to explore these questions and create meaning in their own lives. In my classroom I challenge students to develop an awareness of new ways of thinking, become global and engaged citizens, and harness the creative understanding and fortitude needed to transform their world.
I teach a variety of undergraduate Religious Studies courses ranging from introductory Bible courses to upper level World Religion courses. The courses I teach can be categorized into two main tracks: Bible and Ministry and Religion and the World.
REL 240: Yoga — This course offers a foundational study of the Yoga Sutras, exploring the philosophy, ethics, history, and practice of yoga through both seminar discussions and weekly postural practice. Taught from a trauma-informed perspective, the class emphasizes listening to the body, observing the mind, and creating a safe, supportive environment. Students help shape the learning experience, often gravitating toward gentle, restorative practices to counter stress and anxiety. The course aims to equip students with lifelong skills for navigating life’s demands with resilience and balance.
REL 380: Bible and Trauma — Originally taught as a Special Topics course on Spiritual Care and Trauma, this course evolved to focus specifically on understanding the Biblical narrative through a hermeneutic lens of trauma. The course considers historical experiences of trauma, the theological impact of trauma, post traumatic growth, and healing as it is presented within both the Old and New Testaments. Topics may include war, slavery, food insecurity, violence against women, and displacement. This course will also consider the significance of these texts in our contemporary world.
Throughout the course students engage difficult theological questions that often arise through experiences of trauma and post-traumatic growth and integration. The course is co-created by students to a degree as the students help design their learning goals and project assignments. Typically, there is a community engagement piece, an artistic/creative project, and journaling utilized throughout the course.