Carolyn Talmadge
Summary
Chaplain Talmadge is a board-certified chaplain with over 19 years of experience providing spiritual care within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ordained and endorsed by the United Methodist Church, She currently serves as a Clinical Chaplain in the Northern California VA Health Care System serving David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base. She completed her Doctor of Ministry in Integrative Chaplaincy at Vanderbilt University.
Chaplain Talmadge has specialized expertise in palliative care and hospice, mental health chaplaincy, chronic illness support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has designed and led outpatient spirituality groups, facilitated staff wellness and burnout prevention trainings, and expanded chaplaincy coverage to underserved areas of care, including oncology, Parkinson’s care, and rural clinics.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Chaplain
Northern California VA Health Care System
11.2021 - Current
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to patients, their family members and staff.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for holistic patient care, addressing both physical and emotional needs.
- Provided care in ICU, Behavioral Health Unit, pre-surgery, and med/surg units.
- Led inpatient, and outpatient mental health spirituality groups.
Clinical Chaplain
Northern California VA Health Care System
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Provided spiritual care to veterans receiving care in the Community Living Center (CLC).This included spiritual care for veterans facing end of life in the CLC hospice unit, as well as those living with chronic illness such as dementia and Parkinson's disease.
- Created and led weekly spirituality classes for veterans enrolled in the PRRC Program (Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center).
- Developed relationships with patients and families, resulting in increased trust and rapport during difficult times.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Conducted crisis intervention sessions with individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, providing comfort and support during critical times.
Acting Chief, Chaplain Service
San Francisco VA Medical Center
07.2019 - 03.2021
- Provided leadership to SFVA Chaplain Service through the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Served on the Ethics Committee for the Health Care System, addressing impact of the pandemic on resources, staff, and veteran care.
- Member of the COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis Team, providing support and care to SFVA Staff proving direct patient care to those hospitalized with COVID-19.
- Led Chaplain Service adoption of telehealth in order to continue to provide groups and individual visits during pandemic lockdown.
Clinical Chaplain
San Francisco VA Medical Center
09.2005 - 07.2019
- Provided spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to veterans, family members and staff. Served as Chaplain for Hospice and Palliative Care, Oncology, Parkinson's Center, PRRC, ARTS-IOP, and Substance Abuse Recovery.
- Participated in Goals of Care meetings with medical providers, veterans and their family members.
- Led Bi-Annual Memorial Services for veterans who died while receiving both inpatient and outpatient care.
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Integrative Chaplaincy
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN05-2025
Master of Divinity -
Pacific School of Religion
Berkeley, CA05-2004
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06-1997
Skills
- End-of-life, palliative, and bereavement spiritual care
- Crisis intervention (trauma, suicide, acute grief)
- Support for chronic illness populations (eg, oncology, Parkinson’s, caregivers)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and team-based care
- Group facilitation (mental health, recovery, spiritual development)
- Ritual leadership and sacramental ministry (UMC ordained)
- Staff support, wellness, and burnout prevention
- Program development in underserved/outpatient settings
- Departmental administration, budgeting, and resource management
Accomplishments
2025 Frederick Beuchner Prize for the outstanding thesis and doctor of ministry project, Vanderbilt University.
2023 VA North Star Award – Recognition for service excellence in for spiritual care of veterans in DGMC Behavioral Health unit.
2021 Federal Employee of the Year Award (presented by San Francisco Federal Executive board) in recognition of with as part of SFVA Covid-19 Mental Health Crisis team.
Certification
- Board Certified Chaplain, Association of Professional Chaplains (2019)
- Board Certified Chaplain, National Veteran's Administration Chaplain Association (2011)
- Ordained Clergy, United Methodist Church (2009)
- Ecclesiastical Endorsement, United Methodist Church (2007)
Timeline
Clinical Chaplain
Northern California VA Health Care System
11.2021 - Current
Clinical Chaplain
Northern California VA Health Care System
02.2021 - 11.2021
Acting Chief, Chaplain Service
San Francisco VA Medical Center
07.2019 - 03.2021
Clinical Chaplain
San Francisco VA Medical Center
09.2005 - 07.2019
Doctor of Ministry - Integrative Chaplaincy
Vanderbilt University
Master of Divinity -
Pacific School of Religion
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California, Santa Cruz
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