Todd sees her role in students’ lives as one of support and encouragement, and it’s important to her that her approach be truly interfaith. I am also mindful of the impact that racism, classism and other forms of oppression have on spiritual work.” Student Support So, a lot of the work that I’ve done has arisen from the needs that I’ve experienced myself and that I’ve seen in others that I care about. We experience a lot of spiritual harm oftentimes through organized religion, even though organized religion can be a huge source of support as well. “I’m a member of the LGBTQ community myself, and oftentimes even in interfaith work or spiritual work, LGBTQ people sort of get thrown under the bus,” she says. While pursuing her master’s degree, Todd interned at the LGBTQI Center at Vanderbilt University, and she has made those issues a central part of her work. And I’m generally excited about being someone who can be along for the journey as we move through those changes.” “Some of those are really hard changes, and some are exciting changes, or both. She expressed excitement about joining Albion because “Albion College itself and its students are going through a lot of changes,” she says. The assistant director for spiritual wellness is part of the Office of Integrated Wellness team and will work closely with student faith groups on campus, faith leaders in the City of Albion, and the College’s Counseling Services team.īefore coming to Albion, Todd received bachelor degrees in English and religious studies from Guilford College and a master of divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Todd, whose role reimagines the College’s chaplaincy, adds, “Students experience multiple dimensions of wellness or well-being, and spiritual wellness is a key part of that, along with physical wellness, mental wellness, environmental and so forth.” “I really want to be a presence that doesn’t add more pressure to students or make spirituality into something that they have to accomplish, but instead helps to encourage them and provide them with tools for spiritual well-being,” says Laura Todd, who arrived in Albion in December. Assistant Director for Spiritual Wellness Laura Todd sees her role in students’ lives as one of support and encouragement.Īlbion College’s first assistant director for spiritual wellness comes into the role with big plans.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |