Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Aris D. Simpson

Aris D. Simpson

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Pragmatic Chaplain practitioner skilled helping many individuals simultaneously in fast-paced environments while remaining calm and composed. Dedicated to working with emotional needs of others. Offering empathy, patience and commitment to keeping information confidential.

A proven, compassionate, and dedicated leader with extensive experience providing spiritual and emotional support in hospitals, senior housing, community, church settings, and healthcare entities. Highly skilled in offering empathetic care that brings relief, solace, significance, and resilience to patients, families, and healthcare staff.

Possesses a wealth of experience in developing and leading trauma-informed programming, emotional intelligence (EI) initiatives, and bereavement support groups for individuals impacted by grief and traumatic, life-altering circumstances. Serving certified Level 1 trauma institutions in the Midwest to the Southeast region. Enthusiastic and skilled practitioner of communal spiritual healthcare, fostering a supportive and healing environment.

Renowned for exceptional analytical and assessment skills; implement comprehensive and tailored pastoral care while being committed to supporting and mentoring staff, particularly team members, to enhance their effectiveness and well-being. Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, enhancing the overall well-being of healthcare communities.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
4
4

CPE Units

Work History

Chaplain Resident

Grady Memorial Hospital
10.2023 - Current
  • Provided crisis intervention for patients and families experiencing trauma, grief, or loss, offering comfort and guidance.
  • Counseled employees requesting emotional or spiritual support.
  • Coordinated volunteer programs within the Spiritual Care Department, enhancing overall patient experience by increasing available resources.
  • Created consistent and sustainable solutions using well-grounded approaches.
  • Served as a compassionate presence during end-of-life transitions, supporting patients and families through the process of bereavement.
  • Responded promptly to emergencies requiring chaplain services, prioritizing urgent needs of patients and their loved ones.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and seminars to further enhance chaplaincy skills.
  • Recognized addressed and defused potential conflicts among patients and their families with sensitivity to cultural and religious differences.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary care teams to create holistic and individualized care plans addressing patients'' unique needs.
  • Initiated crisis assessment and intervention skills in emergency situations.
  • Established effective rapport with diverse patient populations by demonstrating empathy, active listening, cultural sensitivity.
  • Proactively identified opportunities for program improvement within the Spiritual Care Department, implementing changes that increased efficiency and patient satisfaction.§
  • Oversaw communication efforts between the Spiritual Care Department and other hospital departments to improve collaboration on patient care initiatives.
  • Proactively identified opportunities for program improvement within the Spiritual Care Department, implementing changes that increased efficiency and patient satisfaction.
  • Delivered individualized approaches considering situational and population-specific needs.
  • Cultivated relationships with local clergy members from various faith traditions to ensure diverse representation in spiritual care offerings.
  • Enhanced patient well-being by providing emotional and spiritual support during their hospital stays.
  • Developed educational materials for staff training on spiritual care topics, raising awareness of the role of chaplains in healthcare settings.
  • Facilitated support groups for various populations, promoting healing through shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Team Leader Bereavement, Support Group

TUCC Emmaus Road
11.2018 - Current
  • Provided grief counseling for bereaved families, facilitating the healing process after loss.
  • Encouraged personal growth among members by guiding them in setting realistic goals and celebrating their achievements.
  • Improved member satisfaction with support group experience through consistent attention to individual needs and concerns.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of support group sessions by gathering feedback from participants, making adjustments as necessary for continuous improvement.
  • Supported new facilitators by providing mentorship and guidance, sharing best practices for successful support group management.
  • Collaborated with fellow facilitators to ensure consistency in approach and methodology across all support groups.
  • Increased member participation by creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for sharing personal experiences and emotions.
  • Developed strong rapport with members by actively listening and empathizing with their struggles, promoting trust within the group.
  • Enhanced group dynamics by effectively facilitating support group sessions, fostering open communication and understanding among members.
  • Facilitated productive conversations between members during difficult or emotionally charged discussions, maintaining a respectful atmosphere throughout.
  • Tailored discussion topics and activities to the unique needs of each support group, ensuring relevancy and value for all participants.
  • Adapted facilitation techniques for virtual meetings when necessary, providing seamless online support group experiences for members in remote locations or during periods of social distancing.
  • Maintained confidentiality regarding personal information shared by members during support group sessions, adhering to ethical guidelines and organizational policies.
  • Planned and facilitated TUCC Emmaus Road workshops in accordance with TUCC Emmaus curricula, employing varied methods to maximize attendance.
  • Enhanced leadership abilities and expertise by delivering forward-thinking training to over 4 staff.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.

Spiritual Leader

Oakwood/Evergreen Cemetery
08.2019 - 08.2021
  • Established connections with other professionals in the wellness field to create an extensive referral network for comprehensive care coordination.
  • Partnered with local organizations to provide accessible spiritual resources to underserved communities.
  • Offered support to clients experiencing grief or loss, fostering emotional healing through compassionate listening and empathetic guidance.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to provide tailored support during their spiritual journeys.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
  • Officiated special services such as , interment services.

Chaplain Intern

University Of Chicago Hospital
11.2017 - 02.2018
  • Facilitated communication between patients and medical professionals regarding end-of-life decisions, advocating for patients'' wishes to be respected.
  • Supported family members during hospice care transitions, easing the emotional burden associated with end-of-life situations.
  • Provided grief counseling for bereaved families, facilitating the healing process after loss.
  • Provided spiritual services to patients and families based upon identified needs.
  • Assisted individuals in crisis by providing compassionate emotional and spiritual support.
  • Assessed spiritual needs and concerns of patients through direct communication or information obtained by other personnel.
  • Enhanced the spiritual well-being of patients by providing tailored pastoral care, demonstrating respect for diverse beliefs and traditions.
  • Offered spiritual support to patients and families, keeping with expressed wishes and desires.
  • Empowered patients by encouraging self-expression through creative outlets such as journaling or art therapy.
  • Served as a liaison between religious communities and hospital administration to address any conflicts or concerns arising from spiritual care.
  • Provided grief and bereavement counseling to individuals and families.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.

Education

Masters of Divinity - Theological Studies

Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
05.2018
  • Awarded the Charles Shelby Rooks Scholar Award 2017
  • Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., Scholarship 2015-2018

Bachelor of Arts - Special Education

Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
05.2000
  • Chair of the Council for Exceptional Children at Chicago State University, 2000

Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Crisis Intervention/Management
  • Leadership Development
  • Developing Spiritual Healthcare Programming & Initiatives
  • Community Service
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Interfaith Understanding
  • Proficient in EPIC-Record Maintenance
  • Records Management
  • Highly skilled in Microsoft (PMP)

Affiliations

  • African American Women In Ministry - AAWIM; 2018 - Present
  • Chicago land Trauma Informed Congregations Network; 2018 - Present
  • PEACE, Chicago, Illinois; 2012-2017
  • Chicago Sister Cities, Chicago, Illinois; 2010 – 2012

Certification


  • Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) - ACPE - Pending

Timeline

Chaplain Resident - Grady Memorial Hospital
10.2023 - Current
Spiritual Leader - Oakwood/Evergreen Cemetery
08.2019 - 08.2021
Team Leader Bereavement, Support Group - TUCC Emmaus Road
11.2018 - Current
Chaplain Intern - University Of Chicago Hospital
11.2017 - 02.2018


  • Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) - ACPE - Pending
Chicago Theological Seminary - Masters of Divinity, Theological Studies
Chicago State University - Bachelor of Arts, Special Education
Aris D. Simpson