ELLEN J. ANDERSON
Normal,IL
Summary
Experienced leader and team member with a deep understanding of networking and collaboration in delivering top-notch client services. Skilled in developing care plans, optimizing services, creating a conducive learning atmosphere, and recommending effective resources for clients. Over 13 years of expertise in long-term care and home settings, specializing in offering spiritual and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. Proficient in empathetic communication, active listening, end-of-life care processes, and grief counseling techniques to ensure holistic support as a compassionate hospice chaplain. Demonstrated success in facilitating end-of-life discussions, providing grief counseling, and building strong relationships to offer solace during challenging times.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Chaplain
Gentiva Hospice
Bloomington, IL
10.2018 - 03.2025
- Responsible for spiritual services provided to hospice patients and families providing direct support, counsel, prayer, and other ministry services as needed.
- Provided consistent and effective care for patients and families through spiritual support, prayer, counseling and navigating care plans.
- Participated in an interdisciplinary care plan team, assisting team members to understand significant concerns related to patient and family responses to dying.
- Leadership for grief groups, bereavement phone calls, visits, and memorial services.
- Positive interactions and spiritual support to staff members at client facilities.
- Counseled and provided care to patients with life-threatening illnesses to help families respond effectively to approaching death of loved one.
Certified Substitute
Bloomington/NormalUnit5district
03.2017 - 10.2018
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all students.
EFL/ESOL Private Contractor
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided individual fully immersive English lessons to Chinese students ages 4-16 in a virtual setting integrating math, social studies, and science into English instruction.
- Engaged students using TPR (total physical response), props, and educational tools that fostered critical thinking and creativity.
- Troubleshooting IT issues, time management across time zones, and provided timely feedback to parents regarding student progression.
Hospice Chaplain
OSF Home Health Care
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Created and implemented a spiritual plan for clients while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, bereavement groups, and volunteers.
- Provided professional care to populations of terminally ill patients and their families along with end-of-life planning, advanced directives, and funeral planning.
- Documented patient medical records using Epic Systems program.
- Facilitated counseling to a grief and loss group that was open to the community.
Hospice Chaplain
Carle Home Health Care
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Assisted clients and families with end-of-life issues and meaning including the administration of holy sacraments / rites based on the client's religious traditions beliefs.
- Organized and managed a daily schedule that included extensive travel and patient visit times with diverse clientele.
- Provided spiritual care to staff members and volunteers.
- Collaborated weekly with the interdisciplinary team to facilitate appropriate plans of care.
CPE Chaplain Resident
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Ministered to patients and families in crisis, including trauma and palliative care.
- Specialized in addiction recovery unit, facilitating a weekly grief support / spiritual care group based on the 12-step program.
- Developed ecumenical worship services for patients, family and staff.
- Developed skills for hospital documentation and collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
Education
Level II ACPE Clinical Education Units -
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Master of Divinity - Children and Family Ministry
Bethel University
B.S. - Human Resources and Family Studies
University of Illinois
Skills
- Pastoral care
- Spiritual care
- Grief support
- Bereavement counseling
- End-of-life care
- Family support
Community Service
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Champaign County, Urbana, IL
- Chaplain to incarcerated women, New Beginnings After Care Center, Champaign County, IL
Timeline
Hospice Chaplain
Gentiva Hospice
10.2018 - 03.2025
Certified Substitute
Bloomington/NormalUnit5district
03.2017 - 10.2018
EFL/ESOL Private Contractor
01.2017 - 01.2018
Hospice Chaplain
OSF Home Health Care
01.2014 - 01.2017
Hospice Chaplain
Carle Home Health Care
01.2013 - 01.2014
CPE Chaplain Resident
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
01.2012 - 01.2013
Level II ACPE Clinical Education Units -
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
Master of Divinity - Children and Family Ministry
Bethel University
B.S. - Human Resources and Family Studies
University of Illinois