Rev. Kimberly Bress, M.Div.

Compassionate hospice chaplain with over four years of clinical experience and more than 16 years of training in Zen Buddhism and contemplative practice. Skilled in supporting individuals and families through grief, trauma, and end-of-life transitions using spiritually integrated, person-centered care.

At Ascend Hospice, I provide grief counseling, legacy work, and ongoing emotional support while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and community clergy to meet diverse spiritual and cultural needs. Grounded in values of social and economic justice, I integrate mindfulness, meaning-making, and relational presence into clinical practice. I am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work to deepen my therapeutic skills and expand my capacity to serve individuals and communities with integrity and compassion.

• 2021 BU Build Lab New Venture Competition Second Place Winner on behalf of Turn In. Reach Out.
• 2021 Northeastern University Neighbors Uplifting Neighbors Award on behalf of Turn In. Reach Out.
• 2019-2020 Boston Bridges Fellow
• 2019 Inclusion Catalyst Grant recipient on behalf of the Boston University Interfaith Club.
• 2019 BU Spring Board funding recipient.

Hospice Chaplain, 08/2022 to Current
Ascend Hospice – North Wales, PA

• Assess and address spiritual needs, develop care plans, and collaborate with local clergy.
• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, funeral planning assistance, and bereavement support.
• Ensure complete documentation, meet continuing education requirements, and promote agency policies.

Spiritual Care Associate, 05/2022 to 08/2023
Main Line Health – Wynnewood, PA

• Offered emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff navigating illness, death, trauma, and grief.
• Coordinated with outside clergy to meet specialized spiritual needs.
• Provided weekend on-call spiritual care coverage.

Program Coordinator, 05/2021 to 09/2021
Interfaith Youth Core – Boston, MA

• Managed the COVID-19 Faith in the Vaccine Student Ambassador Program.
• Supervised 32 diverse student ambassadors in community-based projects.
• Facilitated weekly meditations for student and staff well-being.

Dignity Project Assistant Director, 09/2020 to 08/2021
Hebrew College Miller Center – Newton, MA

• Cultivated relationships with interfaith, non-profit, and religious organizations.
• Led training and development initiatives for interfaith youth and mentors.
• Managed resources, budgets, events, curriculum development, and digital media.