Lauri A. Swann
White Plains
Summary
ACPE Certified Educator (2023) and Board-Certified Chaplain (2023) with over 15 years of experience in spiritual care, chaplaincy education, and interfaith leadership. Visionary leader in psychiatric and academic settings, advancing religious pluralism, trauma-informed care, and inclusive spiritual practices. Successfully led 6-year ACPE reaccreditation process (2023) and developed innovative CPE curricula grounded in cultural humility and justice. Ordained Elder (Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 2002); endorsed by the Alliance of Baptists. Nine years of experience in psychiatric care with individuals living with serious mental illness.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Chaplaincy Services
St. Elizabeths Hospital
04.2024 - Current
- Lead strategic vision for chaplaincy and CPE programs in a public psychiatric hospital.
- Supervise staff chaplains, contract chaplains, and CPE students across all levels.
- Develop DEIJA-informed curriculum and facilitate inclusive worship services.
- Maintain ACPE accreditation and ensure compliance with CMS and JCAHO standards.
- Cultivate interfaith partnerships and lead hospital-wide observances.
- Selected roles; full history available upon request
ACPE Certified Educator
St. Elizabeths Hospital
08.2023 - Current
- Directed CPE programs (Level I, II, and Certified Educator Candidate).
- Designed seminars on family systems, pastoral care, and justice-informed practice.
- Led reaccreditation process and maintained compliance with ACPE standards.
Adjunct Faculty / Certified Educator
Virginia Commonwealth University
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Taught and supervised CPE students, aligning curriculum with ACPE standards.
- Fostered inclusive learning environments and mentored diverse student cohorts.
Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Training)
St. Elizabeths Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Supervised CPE interns and residents; facilitated therapeutic spirituality groups.
- Provided direct care and spiritual assessments for patients and staff.
- Developed didactics on trauma, bias, and spiritual care for marginalized populations.
Chaplain (Part-Time)
Spring Grove Hospital Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Led worship and pastoral care for patients with serious mental illness.
- Supported administrative functions of the Department of Pastoral Services.
Chaplain Resident
St. Elizabeths Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Contributing Writer
Abingdon Press
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Chaplain Intern
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Campus Staff Minister
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Project Manager
Smithsonian Institution
01.1994 - 01.2008
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Pastor
St. Paul CME Church
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Summarized for brevity; full details available upon request
Education
Doctor of Ministry -
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC01.2013
Master of Divinity - undefined
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC01.2003
Master of Arts - undefined
The George Washington University
Washington, DC01.1993
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY01.1989
Skills
- Interfaith Engagement
- Inclusive Curriculum Design
- Cultural Humility
- Anti-Ableism in Chaplaincy
- Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care
- Justice-Oriented Leadership
- Community Partnerships
- Crisis Response
- Accreditation & Compliance
Affiliations
- Convener, Womanist Approach to Care & Curriculum Community of Practice, ACPE
- Member, ACPE Anti-Ableism Task Force
- Member, ACPE National Site Team
- Member, ACPE Professional Well-Being Committee
- 2024 Transforming Chaplaincy Leadership Cohort
- Adjunct Faculty, Virginia Commonwealth University (Summer 2024)
- Contract Certified Educator, Sankofa CPE Center
Publications
- Swann, L. (2025, March). “Healing and Care in a World of Trauma: A Womanist Ethic of Embodiment.” Alliance of Baptists Chaplains Retreat.
- Swann, L. (2025, February). “From Chains to Chaplaincy: A Black History Legacy of Faith and Justice.” Department of Behavioral Health.
- Swann, L. (2024). “Challenging Bias Toward the Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Community.” ACPE National Conference.
- Contributor, Common English Women’s Bible (Abingdon Press, 2016)
JUSTICE & INCLUSION COMMITMENTS
Grounded in a Womanist theological ethic, I center the spiritual needs of historically marginalized communities. I integrate anti-oppression frameworks into chaplaincy education and spiritual care, with a focus on cultural humility, religious pluralism, and mental health justice. My work fosters belonging across lines of race, gender, ability, and faith tradition.
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty / Certified Educator
Virginia Commonwealth University
05.2024 - 08.2024
Director of Chaplaincy Services
St. Elizabeths Hospital
04.2024 - Current
ACPE Certified Educator
St. Elizabeths Hospital
08.2023 - Current
Chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Training)
St. Elizabeths Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2022
Chaplain (Part-Time)
Spring Grove Hospital Center
01.2019 - 01.2020
Chaplain Resident
St. Elizabeths Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2018
Contributing Writer
Abingdon Press
01.2015 - 01.2016
Chaplain Intern
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
01.2015 - 01.2016
Campus Staff Minister
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
01.2010 - 01.2015
Pastor
St. Paul CME Church
01.2001 - 01.2004
Project Manager
Smithsonian Institution
01.1994 - 01.2008
Master of Divinity - undefined
Wesley Theological Seminary
Master of Arts - undefined
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Syracuse University
Doctor of Ministry -
Wesley Theological Seminary
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