The Reverend Laura Palmer
Ardmore,PA
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Rector
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
Gladwyne, PA
10.2025 - 06.2026
- Led worship services to foster spiritual growth and connection among congregation members.
- Coordinated community outreach programs to enhance local engagement and support diverse needs.
- Guided church staff in developing inclusive educational programs for all age groups.
Interim Priest Associate; Interim Rector
The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Philadelphia, PA
12.2022 - 06.2025
- Assumed full responsibility for parish after the interim rector's resignation
- Led three Sunday services; provide pastoral care
- Hired priest for Chidren, Youth and Families
- Worrked closely with wardens and vestry to lead and manage parish
Chaplain, Oncology and High-Risk Obstetrics
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
01.2013 - 03.2023
- Provided spiritual and sacramental support for oncology unit and high-risk obstetrics
- Co-founded "Seasons of Grief," group for oncology families following loss
- Created and led a weekly spirituality group for in-patient parents
- Founded a"Spirituality and Pediatrics Lecture Series" with donor funding
- Served on Ethics Committee
Associate Priest
St. Peter's Glenside
Glenside, PA
12.2018 - 12.2022
- Oversaw parish operations during Rector's sabbatical, medical leaves, and departure for new call
- Preached bi-monthly, conducted regular pastoral visits, and facilitated Adult Forums during Lent to engage and educate community members.
- Worked closely during the pandemi with Recto to provide online Sunday worship and weekly Evening Prayer
Education
Master of Divinity - Psychiatry And Religion
Union Theological Seminary
New York, NY01-2009
Bachelor of Science - Government
Oberlin College
Oberlin, OH01-1972
Clinical Pastoral Education - Successfully completed four units of chaplaincy training
Certification
- Board Certified Chaplain, Association of Professional Chaplains, 2019-Present
- Certified Interim Ministry Network (IMN), 2025-Present
Publications
- TRIUMPH, Carolyn Jessop, Laura Palmer, 2009
- ESCAPE, Carolyn Jessop, Laura Palmer, 2007
- TO CATCH A PREDATOR: Chris Hansen, Laura Palmer, 2006
- STILL KICKING: Katie Hnida, Laura Palmer, 2006
- WAKE-UP CALL: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow, Kristen Breitweiser, Laura Palmer, 2005
- WAR TORN: Stories of War from the Women Reporters Who Covered Vietnam, 2003
- COME HERE: Richard Berendzen, Laura Palmer, 1993
- IN THE ABSENCE OF ANGELS: Elizabeth Glaser, Laura Palmer, 1990
- SHRAPNEL IN THE HEART: Letters and Remembrances from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1987
Print Journalism Experience
- Her Own Private Tailhook, New York Times Magazine, May, 2005
- How to Bandage a War, New York Times Magazine, November, 1994
- Welcome Home, Syndicated Newspaper Columnist, 1988-1990
- Leaving Saigon: Living in the Bulls-Eye, Rolling Stone Magazine, June, 1975
Television Experience
- Senior Producer, CNN, NEWSNIGHT, 2004-2005
- Producer, ABC NEWS, NIGHTLINE, 1995-2003
- Producer, PBS, FRONTLINE: FAITH AND DOUBT, 2001-2002
Timeline
Interim Rector
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church
10.2025 - 06.2026
Interim Priest Associate; Interim Rector
The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields
12.2022 - 06.2025
Associate Priest
St. Peter's Glenside
12.2018 - 12.2022
Chaplain, Oncology and High-Risk Obstetrics
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
01.2013 - 03.2023
Master of Divinity - Psychiatry And Religion
Union Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Government
Oberlin College