“We are enthusiastic to have Marvel join ICTG at a time time where our region faces expansive need among the Spanish-speaking communities,” said ICTG Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe.
In addition to Spanish, Marvel also knows some Portuguese, French, and German. She developed her love of languages thanks to her upbringing as a missionary kid. Her family’s work took her around the world to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Brazil, as well as other countries in Europe, Central and South America.
“I have seen disaster strike developing nations as well as first world countries” said Marvel of her experiences living abroad “but every community is impacted and responds uniquely to trauma.”
Marvel earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a BA in Human Environmental Sciences & Family Services. Her ministry has spanned a broad range of contexts serving in the following capacities: Hospice Chaplain, Bereavement Counselor & Educator, Director of Spiritual Formation for Families, UMC Associate Minister for Youth, Compassion & Outreach Ministry Leader, and Program Coordinator for La Casa de Maria Retreat and Conference Center. Her training also includes Clinical Pastoral Education, FEMA’s Crisis Counseling and Assistance Program, as well as various psychosocial and spiritual practices that promote healing and resiliency through periods of trauma.
“When I found out about ICTG it seemed like a perfect fit,” said Marvel, “ICTG focuses on everything I’m passionate about.”
Marvel attends First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara, whereshe first found out about the work of ICTG.
“My hope is that I’ll be working through congregations to support healing during times of trauma, as well as help bridge to immigrant communities so they know that they are not walking alone,” said Marvel.
About ICTG
Through the generosity of individuals, families, and granting organizations, the Institute for Congregational Trauma and Growth (ICTG),a 501(c)(3) organization, provides research, education, training, and networking tools for ministers to address long-term congregational care needs and build trauma-informed congregational ministry.
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For questions, contact Isabel Sterne, Communications Coordinator at [email protected].