Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Cavit Agu

Roswell,GA

Summary

Seasoned Staff Chaplain with extensive experience at WellStar Hospitals, adept in providing spiritual care and crisis intervention. Skilled in pastoral counseling and effective communication, I excel in supporting diverse religious needs and facilitating interfaith dialogue. Proven track record in enhancing patient and inmate spiritual well-being through innovative program development. Compassionate Chaplain Assistant with a strong commitment to faith and religious operations support. Pleasant professional leading weekly prayer and daily devotionals while assisting with ministry development. Generous and caring professional offering many years of experience facilitating spiritual services in medical settings. Empathetic approach with patients, families, and staff to create atmosphere of peace and openness. Strictly adhering to confidentiality in recordkeeping and documentation. Compassionate clergy with background in providing spiritual guidance and support to community members. Skilled in delivering engaging sermons, leading worship services, and offering pastoral care. Strong ability to connect with diverse groups and facilitate meaningful discussions on faith, ethics, and community service. Known for creating impactful programs that address local needs and foster a sense of belonging and support within the congregation. Compassionate spiritual leader, adept at delivering impactful guidance and support with high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Skilled in public speaking, counseling, and community outreach, ensuring meaningful connections and positive outcomes. Excel in empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution to foster community growth and individual well-being. Demonstrated working knowledge in variety of theological and philosophical approaches to questions surrounding death, pain, suffering and the meaning of human existence.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Staff Chaplain

North Fulton WellStar Hospital
Roswell, GA
07.2022 - Current
  • Helped Spiritual Council regarding concerns about ethics or health care decisions
  • Provided spiritual support to cope with pain, suffering, emotional distress and death including end of life support
  • Supplied spiritual care for diverse religious needs of patients, family and staff such as grief and bereavement support
  • Provided care to patients with life-threatening illnesses to help families respond effectively to approaching death of loved one
  • Communicated with interdisciplinary healthcare team to obtain pertinent information regarding patient's condition, family dynamics and health care teams' understanding of need for spiritual care
  • Assessed spiritual needs of patients, residents, family members, physicians, associates and volunteers.
  • Provided pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and emotional support to individuals in a variety of settings.
  • Collaborated with hospital staff to ensure patient's spiritual needs are met.
  • Supported medical teams, offering compassionate assistance when handling traumatic and end-of-life situations.
  • Assisted patients and families with advanced directives and end-of-life planning.

Staff Chaplain

Atlanta VA Medical Health Care System
Atlanta, GA
01.2020 - Current
  • Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling and prayer
  • Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
  • Conducted worship services, special events, retreats, and other religious activities.
  • Related effectively with clergy and individuals from variety of faith and non-faith traditions.

Staff Chaplain

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Marietta, GA
05.2020 - 05.2022
  • Assessed spiritual needs of patients, residents, family members, physicians, associates and volunteers.
  • Provided pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and emotional support to individuals in a variety of settings.
  • Provided pastoral assistance and support to both patients and loved ones during crisis situations.
  • Responded to crisis situations to offer support and assist with end-of-life issues.

Reginal Director

Atlantic Institute, Istanbul Cultural Center/ SICC
Alpharetta, GA
12.2017 - 12.2020

Atlantic Institute is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to facilitate dialogue and bridge cultures around the globe. We want to develop public awareness of diverse cultures, beliefs, traditions, and opinions, for a better world of peace and understanding.. With our branches in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, we have been able to dedicate our efforts and resources to building cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue.

Istanbul Cultural Center is an established bridge between cultures and communities through dialogue programs, cultural activities, and intercultural trips.
Make a significant contribution to national and global peace and security by sharing Turkey’s heritage of tolerance and understanding.

Fellowship Chaplain

Atlanta VA Medical Health Care System
Atlanta, GA
05.2019 - 05.2020
  • Provided pastoral assistance and support to both patients and loved ones during crisis situations.
  • Referred patients and associates to local clergy and pastoral ministries.
  • Collaborated with other mental health professionals in order to provide comprehensive care for individuals served.
  • Related effectively with clergy and individuals from variety of faith and non-faith traditions.
  • Facilitated group discussions on religious topics such as prayer, scripture, faith, and morality.
  • Provided resources to help people cope with grief, trauma, and other life challenges.
  • Provided spiritual and emotional support to members of the military and their families.

Chaplain Resident

Atlanta VA Medical Center
Atlanta, GA
05.2018 - 05.2019
  • Systemized Interfaith Cultural Dialogue programs to facilitate communication between the Turkish community and other various religious and ethnic communities
  • Created intercommunication system between Turkish schools, mosques, and community centers throughout the Southeast, US
  • Coordinated Table of Abraham Ramadan Dinner, Early Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Exploring Faiths Program with Friends Event, Service Appreciation Dinner
  • Established spiritual guidance, emotional support and direct care to residents, family members and staff
  • Comforted family members, offered attentive listening and high level of emotional support
  • Met with individuals, discussed issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs
  • Assessed spiritual needs of patients, residents, family members, physicians, associates and volunteers.
  • Assisted in creating a safe environment for the expression of spiritual concerns through active listening skills.
  • Collaborated with doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for each patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
  • Referred families and individuals to community support services, psychologists, or doctors for necessary care.

Chaplain Intern

Atlanta Medical Center
Atlanta, GA
09.2017 - 12.2017
  • Led prayer services at weekly chapel gatherings.
  • Cultivated relationships with community clergy members who could assist in providing spiritual resources for patients.
  • Assessed emotional and spiritual needs of patients during pre-admission process.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive patient care.
  • Developed and implemented programs to address the spiritual needs of individuals in the hospital environment.

Chaplain Intern

Training and Counseling Center at TACC St. Luke's
Atlanta, GA
01.2017 - 04.2017
  • Established programs such as worship, study, fellowship and service opportunities for inmates
  • Met with individual inmates, discussed variety of issues compassionately and determined appropriate type of involvement to meet spiritual needs within the limits of the prison
  • Cultivated relationships with community clergy members who could assist in providing spiritual resources for patients.
  • Demonstrated effective leadership to church, including managing daily operations, developing and administering annual budget and promoting compassionate pastoral care to members and public.

Imam/Preacher/Executive Director

Southeast Islamic Community Center
Alpharetta, GA
04.2008 - 01.2017
  • Assisted in coordinating youth ministry activities for children and young adults.
  • Developed programs to help members of the congregation grow spiritually.
  • Attended conferences, seminars, workshops and lectures related to preaching ministry.
  • Led community outreach by supporting and expanding mission initiatives.
  • Recruited volunteers for various ministries within the Mosque community.
  • Visited, counseled, and prayed with mosque members to provide pastoral care.
  • Preached and ministered to members and congregation through multiple avenues of communication.
  • Served as a mentor for new ministers entering the field of preaching ministry.
  • Met with individuals in hospitals and prisons, offering comfort and support.
  • Created meaningful worship experiences through music selection and sermon preparation.
  • Hired, trained, and mentored staff members to maximize productivity.

Theology Teacher

Safiye Sultan Private College
Bahcelievler, Istanbul
12.2006 - 03.2008
  • Provided guidance to students on how to interpret religious texts.
  • Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.
  • Promoted diversity awareness by including information about multiple religions when appropriate.
  • Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills in order to explore complex theological concepts.

Imam

Hafiz Ali Mosque
Bahcelievler, Istanbul
12.2004 - 01.2007
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Managed all aspects of ministry.
  • Liaised with mosque staff and ministry to discuss masjid growth objectives.
  • Conducted special services like Jum'ah prayer, weddings, funerals, weekend school, etc.
  • Gathered mosque members to aid in community emergency or crisis response.
  • Planned special ceremonies, services, and events in coordination with families and individuals.
  • Provided spiritual guidance and direction to mosque members.
  • Met with individuals in hospitals and prisons, offering comfort and support.
  • Worked with mosque leaders, staff, and ministry teams to achieve the growth of the church and to foster a positive community impact.
  • Coordinated fundraising activities to meet financial goals of the organization.

Public Relations Manager

Zaman Newspaper
Istanbul
01.2000 - 01.2005
  • Established and maintained working relationships with clients, government officials and media representatives.
  • Built and updated crisis communication plans to handle diverse situations.
  • Developed and implemented public relations strategies to increase brand awareness.
  • Engaged influencers from different industries to create awareness about the organization's products and services.
  • Managed crisis communications and emergency response strategies and implementation.
  • Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.

Principal

Hafiz Ali Boarding School for Boys
Bahcelievler, Istanbul
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Provided coaching sessions for teachers on best practices for classroom organization and management as well as effective instructional strategies.
  • Worked closely with guidance counselors to develop individualized learning plans tailored to meet each student's needs.
  • Observed teaching methods and examined learning materials to determine areas needing improvement.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.

Principal

Hacivehbi Efendi Boarding School
01.1997 - 01.1998
  • Interacted positively with staff to demonstrate professional conduct expectations of teaching and administrative personnel.
  • Resolved various situations to cultivate strong student and parent relationships.
  • Partnered with teaching staff to develop and improve curriculum offerings for students.
  • Evaluated curricula, teaching methods and programs to determine effectiveness and compliance with local regulations.

Principal

Ikbal Boarding School for Boys
01.1995 - 01.1997
  • Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
  • Provided coaching sessions for teachers on best practices for classroom organization and management as well as effective instructional strategies.
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Worked closely with guidance counselors to develop individualized learning plans tailored to meet each student's needs.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Theology

University of Marmama
07.1995

Master of Divinity -

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace

Skills

  • Congregational Care
  • Children's and Youth Ministry
  • Spiritual instruction
  • Pastoral counseling
  • Effective communication
  • Spiritual care
  • Suicide and crisis intervention
  • Religious event coordination
  • Chaplaincy administration
  • End-of-life care
  • Worship leadership
  • Pastoral care
  • Volunteer management
  • Clinical pastoral education
  • Religious education
  • Interfaith ministry
  • Spiritual care
  • Grief support
  • Spiritual counseling
  • Addiction recovery support
  • Prayer guidance
  • Worship service assistance
  • Family support
  • Empathy development
  • Final arrangements assistance
  • Marriage officiating

Certification

  • Board Certified Chaplain, BCC
  • Certified Clinical Chaplain, CCC from NAVAC
  • 11 CPE Units

1-Training & Counseling Center At St.Lukes ( Level1) 01/17/2017

2-Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center (Level 1) 09/05/2017

3- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level 1 ) 5/29/2018

4- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level 1 ) 09/04/2018

5- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 12/05/2018

6- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 03/27/2019

7- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 5/29/2019

8- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 9/04/2019

9- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 11/27/2019

10- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 3/18/2020

11- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level I) 3/06/2021

Essentials of Palliative Care Chaplaincy Certificate from CSU

  • Mental Health First Response Certified
  • ISB LEADERSHIP Certification
  • Certification in Counseling
  • Certification in Education leadership for Principle Ministry
  • Religious Studies Certification for Imam and Preacher
  • Pedagogic Formation Certification for Religious Teaching
  • Cognitively Based Compassion Training, CBCT from Emory Health Care System

References

  • Rev. Mary Huie-Jolly, CPE Educator, Atlanta VA Center, 404-835-1216, mary.huie-jolly@va.gov
  • David Goldstrom BCC, CPSP, Chief of Chaplain Services, Atlanta VA Center, 404-321-6111 x1-206870, david.goldstrom@va.gov
  • Sarah Murray, Director of Spiritual Health, Wellstar Health System, 678-386-9366, sarah.murray@wellstar.org

Languages

English
Professional
Arabic
Professional
Turkish
Full Professional

Timeline

Staff Chaplain

North Fulton WellStar Hospital
07.2022 - Current

Staff Chaplain

Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
05.2020 - 05.2022

Staff Chaplain

Atlanta VA Medical Health Care System
01.2020 - Current

Fellowship Chaplain

Atlanta VA Medical Health Care System
05.2019 - 05.2020

Chaplain Resident

Atlanta VA Medical Center
05.2018 - 05.2019

Reginal Director

Atlantic Institute, Istanbul Cultural Center/ SICC
12.2017 - 12.2020

Chaplain Intern

Atlanta Medical Center
09.2017 - 12.2017

Chaplain Intern

Training and Counseling Center at TACC St. Luke's
01.2017 - 04.2017

Imam/Preacher/Executive Director

Southeast Islamic Community Center
04.2008 - 01.2017

Theology Teacher

Safiye Sultan Private College
12.2006 - 03.2008

Imam

Hafiz Ali Mosque
12.2004 - 01.2007

Public Relations Manager

Zaman Newspaper
01.2000 - 01.2005

Principal

Hafiz Ali Boarding School for Boys
01.1998 - 01.2000

Principal

Hacivehbi Efendi Boarding School
01.1997 - 01.1998

Principal

Ikbal Boarding School for Boys
01.1995 - 01.1997
  • Board Certified Chaplain, BCC
  • Certified Clinical Chaplain, CCC from NAVAC
  • 11 CPE Units

1-Training & Counseling Center At St.Lukes ( Level1) 01/17/2017

2-Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center (Level 1) 09/05/2017

3- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level 1 ) 5/29/2018

4- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level 1 ) 09/04/2018

5- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 12/05/2018

6- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 03/27/2019

7- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 5/29/2019

8- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 9/04/2019

9- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level II) 11/27/2019

10- Atlanta VA Medical Center (Level II) 3/18/2020

11- Atlanta VA Medical Center ( Level I) 3/06/2021

Essentials of Palliative Care Chaplaincy Certificate from CSU

  • Mental Health First Response Certified
  • ISB LEADERSHIP Certification
  • Certification in Counseling
  • Certification in Education leadership for Principle Ministry
  • Religious Studies Certification for Imam and Preacher
  • Pedagogic Formation Certification for Religious Teaching
  • Cognitively Based Compassion Training, CBCT from Emory Health Care System

Bachelor of Arts - Theology

University of Marmama

Master of Divinity -

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Cavit Agu