Spiritual Life Advisors
Global Spiritual Life at NYU hosts 70 spiritual life advisors representing various faiths, denominations, and groups on campus. See the full list of Washington Square and Brooklyn Spiritual Life Advisors below.
Buddhist Spiritual Life Advisors
Rev. Doyeon Park, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sp3150@nyu.edu
Rev. Doyeon Park is a Kyomunim, literally meaning one who devotes oneself to teach Buddha dharma in the Won Buddhism. She is a minister of the Manhattan Won Buddhist temple and the Buddhist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University. She served as an Alternative Representative of Won Buddhism to the United Nations from 2008 to 2013. Doyeon focuses on creating a sangha (spiritual community) where various individuals and groups can cultivate their inner wisdom and compassion to live with peace and dignity. Inspired by the Buddhist idea of inner freedom and happiness, Rev. Park started her monastic training in 1998. She graduated from Dept. of Won Buddhism, Won Kwang University, Iksan, Korea and earned M.A. of Won Buddhist Studies from Won Institute of Graduate Studies, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA. She received full ordination in 2007.
Catholic Spiritual Life Advisors
John Baptist Hoang, Senior Affliate Spiritual Life Advisor
chaplain@catholiccenternyu.org
Fr. John Baptist grew up in Northern Virginia and went to college at the University of Virginia, majoring in Religious Studies and Sociology. After college, he joined the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) in 2009 and was ordained a priest in 2016. After ordination, Fr. John Baptist served as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village for two years and is now serving the New York University community as the Chaplain and Director of the Catholic Center at NYU. Fun fact: Fr. John Baptist has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Elizabeth Hofer
Elizabeth works as a FOCUS missionary serving students through the Catholic Center at NYU. Elizabeth's life was changed by FOCUS missionaries when she was an undergraduate student and was compelled to offer the same friendship, joy, and invitation to faith to others. She hails from Virginia and loves to talk all things theology and Scripture, especially over a good cup of coffee!
Darin Howell
Darin Howell is a 2018 University of Delaware graduate from Princeton, NJ. He has been working as a Catholic Missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) over the last 2 years at Montclair State University. He's loved being with FOCUS so much that he couldn't resist staying on staff to continue to pour into students' hearts the joy of the Catholic faith. He loves hammocking, volleyball, and music. In fact, you can hear him with his college A Cappella group The Deltones on Spotify in their 2017 album A Step Too Far.
Andres Nieto
My name is Andres Nieto and I am honored to spiritually serve you. I was born and raised in central Indiana. I attended Ball State University where I graduated with a degree in Urban Planning and Development. It was during this time in college where I encountered Jesus Christ and began to grow in my Catholic faith. In my free time I enjoy outdoor recreation - especially hiking and staring at a well-lit bonfire with friends in conversation. One fun fact about me is that I used to be an amateur rapper!
Patricia Vega
patricia.vega@focus.org
Trish is a proud San Francisco Bay Area native and recently graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Music Business and Songwriting. Ever since a profound encounter with the Lord through her Catholic Campus Ministry, she has been swept into a wild adventure that has led her to life as Catholic missionary with FOCUS. A lover of coffee shops, slow mornings, and exploring, she's beyond excited to share in the life and love of God during her first year at NYU.
Hindu Spiritual Life Advisors
Sangeetha Kowsik, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sangeetha1011@gmail.com
Sangeetha Kowsik has had the honor of serving as Hindu Chaplain at NYU since 2017 and is affectionately known as the #pujaqueen, because she loves her pujas (prayer rituals). She has participated in numerous interfaith dialogues, panels, and discussions in different universities and is a founding member of NAHCA (North American Hindu Chaplain Association)
She created the NYU Hindu Center in 2017 as a place of knowledge, learning, and understanding, a space that is open to all who are interested in learning about Hinduism. As a designer/artist by profession, (in addition to interfaith work) she has always received inspiration and passion from all faiths, not just Hinduism.
Born and raised in Fremont, California, she grew up attending Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore (her father built 3 Hindu Temples in the USA). She did her undergraduate studies at Parsons School of Design, has an additional degree in Arabic Calligraphy from NYU and studied Christian miniature painting in France. She was previously the Head Designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she deepened her understanding of art and iconography of all religions. She is classically trained in South Asian performing arts, the roots of which lie in worship, including Carnatic and Hindustani vocal (classical devotional music of both south and north India) Kathak, Bharthanatyam, and Odissi.
Her extensive working background in the world of design includes working for museums, cultural institutions, non-profits, startups, fashion, luxury, beauty, publishing houses, and as a fine artist in gallery spaces has led her to start her own design/art brand IhsanIshan Design.
IhsanIshan educates, starts conversations, fights negative stereotypes, celebrates global cultures, showcases unique stories, and creates appreciation and understanding which leads to a more unified, harmonious, compassionate, beautiful world.
She is delighted to be a part of NYU's Global Spiritual Life program and serve all communities.
Humanist Spiritual Life Advisors
Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
ak4254@nyu.edu
My name is Anne Klaeysen, and I am a religious humanist. My denomination of Ethical Culture, founded in 1876, provides humanist philosophy in a congregational setting, recognizing that people who believe in the human potential for goodness and take responsibility for making the world a better place, but neither believe in nor worship a supernatural deity, need community for our ethical, social, and spiritual needs. Fun fact: I am a social justice rabble rouser who loves rally and marches for worthy causes.
Interfaith Spiritual Life Advisors
Frank Fredericks, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
frank@worldfaith.org
Frank Fredericks serves as an interfaith spiritual life advisor in NYC. He is the founder of World Faith, a global movement to end religious violence, and Mean Communications, a digital agency for social good. After working in the music industry, managing artists such as Lady Gaga, Frank founded World Faith in 2008. He has been recognized as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, and is a Fellow Alumnus of Leading for Impact at Oxford Skoll Centre, AMENDS at Stanford, IFYC, Soliya, Ariane de Rothschild, and YouthActionNet. He did his BM at NYU and his MBA at Oxford Said as a Global Shaper Scholar from the World Economic Forum. Frank also serves as a resource for students studying abroad and as a friendly LGBTQ+ affirming spiritual life advisor.
Jewish Spiritual Life Advisors
Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU
Yehuda Sarna, University Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
rabbi.sarna@nyu.edu
Rabbi Yehuda Sarna is a visionary, inspiring and highly personable rabbi known for his passion, sensitivity, creativity, and openness. A communal leader, teacher and innovator, he serves as the Skirball Executive Director of the Bronfman Center and University Chaplain of NYU. Rabbi Sarna and his family live in Gramercy Green, where he is Chaplain-in-Residence, and maintain an "open home" to students. He is married to Dr. Michelle Waldman Sarna and father to Batya, Maayan, Moshe, David, Amital and Hillel.
Lindsay Goldman, Spiritual Life Advisor
Lindsay Goldman is currently in her third year of rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She earned her Bachelor's degree in General and Special Education from New York University. Lindsay spent two years at Maryland Hillel as the Jewish Experience Associate and later served as the Slifka-Nadich Rabbinic Fellow as a first year rabbinical student. Prior to studying at JTS, Lindsay spent two years teaching middle school Rabbinics at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. She currently teaches at Ansche Chesed Hebrew School, DC Minyan Cohort Pilot Program and is the Slifka-Nadich Rabbinic Fellow at The Bronfman Center at NYU. Lindsay loves country music, traveling the world, and reading new books with her feminist book club.
Muslim Spiritual Life Advisors
Khalid Latif, University Spiritual Life Advisor
kl442@nyu.edu
Imam Khalid Latif is a University Spiritual Life Advisor for New York University, Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, and a Chaplain for the NYPD. He is also the co-founder of Honest Chops, the first-ever all-natural/organic halal butcher in NYC, the Muslim Wedding Service, an agency specializing in providing charismatic and inspirational marriage officiants for wedding ceremonies, and a partner in the MKO Group, an investment group that owns and operates multiple Edible Arrangements franchisees in Manhattan.Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout the city, so much so that in 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 NYC leaders to serve on May Bill Deblasio’s Transition Team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Tisch James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, anti-semitic and anti-sikh sentiment in NYC.
Faiyaz Jaffer, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
fj490@nyu.edu
Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer is the Assistant Research Scholar for the Islamic Center at New York University and an Associate Chaplain for the Center of Global & Spiritual Life at NYU. He attained an MA degree in Islamic Studies (UK), with a concentration on early Islamic history, after his undergraduate degree from SUNY Stony Brook University in Political Science and Religious Studies. He has had his research published by academic journals. In pursuing the classical course of Islamic education, Faiyaz studied in the Seminary of Karbala, Iraq, one of the most prominent centers for Islamic learning. He currently continues his fieldwork as part of the Islamic Research Institute in New York. As a faith leader and social activist, Faiyaz Jaffer has lectured at various universities, seminars, and workshops across the United States, Canada, Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East. Due to the political and social climate, he has been making strides in the greater New York area by taking part in a number of interfaith seminars and discussions in the aspiration of increasing dialogue with various faith leaders. His outreach efforts have allowed him to be featured in some of the country's most prominent media outlets. As a highly sought after lecturer and religious leader, Faiyaz regularly leads prayer services and delivers sermons across North America.
Ieasha Prime
ip34@nyu.edu
Ieasha Prime converted to Islam more than 20 years ago after being a Youth Ambassador to Morocco and Senegal. There she developed a thirst for religious knowledge that would cause her to sit at the feet and learn from some of the top Islamic Scholars of our time. Determined to share what she had learned, she started her first non-profit (Sisterhood in Action) at the age of 19. Sisterhood In Action was dedicated to the empowerment of Muslim women in all walks of life from Corporate America to women’s prisons by providing education, advocacy and pastoral care. After rigorous Islamic studies in private institutions in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ieasha decided to pursue religious studies abroad. She studied Arabic, and Quran at the Fajr Institute in Cairo, Egypt. Later, she moved to Yemen and enrolled in Dar Al Zahra, an Islamic University for Women. There she studied Aqeedah, Quran, Hadith, Arabic, Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Islamic law, Purification of the Heart and other religious related learning. She has received several scholarly licenses (ijaza). The work that she is most committed to and enjoys have been the development of Islamic programming, Islamic Studies curriculum and Rites of Passage programs for youth and adults. Majority of her life has been spent as an educator and activist. She is most passionate about combining Islamic studies, cultural art, activism and service for the purpose of training leaders to rise above whatever challenges stand in their way and that of the community they serve. Ieasha is deeply committed to training Muslim women in traditional Islamic sciences with a focus on modern application. Recently she was the US representative at the Women's Justice Summit in Istanbul. She currently teaches courses on traditional knowledge, the challenges of race and gender in the Muslim community and Spirituality. Ieasha Prime is a proud wife and mother of three children.
Protestant Spiritual Life Advisors
For questions about Protestantism abroad, please contact the Chairs of the Protestant Life Affiliate Network (listed below) and they can help find the Chaplain best suited to your needs.
180 Church
William Kim, Partner Spiritual Life Advisor
billykim.180@gmail.com
Coffee and conversations are two of my favorite things. So, as a minister in 180 Fellowship, I enjoy listening to the story of people's lives in hopes to convey how God might be working. My desire to see God moving in our campus in multifaceted ways, engaging in stories of renewal, healing, and salvation.
Bridges International
Kevin Niemann, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
kniemann@bridgesinternational.com
Kevin graduated Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and Spanish minor from Texas A&M University in 1995 where he served as a resident director of one of the school’s oldest residence halls. Since graduating, he has served in campus ministry at Texas Tech University, Samara State University in Samara, Russia and Moscow State University in Moscow, Russia. Kevin and his family returned to the Texas in 2009 to work with Bridges International – a ministry to provide service opportunities, social networking and spiritual resources for international students. In 2012, Kevin moved with his wife and two children to New York City to launch Bridges International at Columbia University and NYU. In 2014, Kevin received a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife, discovering new cultures, hanging out with his two children and exploring the history and culture of New York City.
Michael Henderson, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
michael.henderson@bridgesinternational.com
Michael was born and raised in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia. He now serves with the Bridges International student chapter at NYU and enjoys working with students from every corner of the world. Michael has travelled extensively to 30+ countries and feels privileged to put this global experience into practice here at NYU. He is member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown where he worships and serves weekly. He also enjoys sports, cycling, international cuisine and listening to NPR Podcasts.
Jordan Merkle, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jordan.merkle@bridgesinternational.com
Jordan was born and raised in Michigan and went to college at Campbell University where he studied Political Science. Realizing he did not want to go into law or politics after graduating, he moved abroad gaining an appreciation for the cultural beauty and diversity of the world and a passion to understand the spiritual traditions of the people who inhabit it. He has lived in 5 different countries and has traveled to around 40 but he is far from done and hopes to visit pretty much everywhere he has never been. His passion and experience with different cultures makes him a great fit to serve in the with Bridges International in New York City and at NYU. He lives with his wife Dolly in Bay Ridge Brooklyn where they are active members at Crossroads Christian Church located in Bay Ridge.
Christian Humanist
Natalie Perkins, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
natalierperkins@gmail.com
This is Natalie's third year as a chaplain and she is loving every minute of it. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary, she now works with two religious institutes: Tanho Center– which focuses on early Christian texts, and Westar Institute– which aims to bridge the gap between religious scholarship and the general public. She is also a professional performer and often travels to sing around the nation. Reach out to her if you have questions or want to talk about the intersection of religion and justice. OR, religion and the arts. Or, both. Or neither.
Canterbury Downtown
Megan Sanders, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Megan Sanders is an Episcopal priest who works with college and graduate students all around downtown NYC. She grew up primarily in Washington D.C. and the Florida panhandle. Megan's early religious and spiritual formation was spent in communities as a Roman Catholic Christian, and her formation continues now as an Episcopalian Christian (since age 24). Her first official NYC mailing address was at the General Theological Seminary in Chelsea (2004-2007), and if you ask her where her heart calls home, she'll most likely tell you her home is where she is now and also it's pieces of everywhere she's ever lived. And if home is a feeling it's when the conductor's voice announces that the next stop on the 1 train is Christopher Street.
Compass Koinonia
Vinny Wong, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
wong.vinny@gmail.com
Vinny was born and raised in New York and graduated from Columbia University with an engineering degree and from Baruch College with an accounting degree. At Columbia, she was introduced to Compass Christian Koinonia (CCK), the sister group of NYU’s Compass Koinonia (CK), where she began her spiritual journey. Five years and one million questions later, Vinny finally convinced the skeptic inside her (the product of being a scientist and a New Yorker) that there is no greater truth than Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of her life. She recently joined the staff at CK and looks forward to experiencing God through this ministry. Vinny is easily amused and has a penchant for laughter, so don’t be afraid to say hi! Despite popular suspicion, she promises she is not a spy for NYU’s Upper West Side rival and she is genuinely excited to be a part of the NYU community.
Janell Yoo, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
janellyoobkk@gmail.com
Janell was born in South Korea and immigrated to America at the age of 9. She moved from California to New York to attend School of Visual Arts to study photography. During her college years, she joined Compass Koinonia (CK) at NYU to continue her spiritual growth. CK provided new challenging questions about Christian living and what that means to a person, allowing Janell to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. After a year and half mission work in Thailand, she wanted to plug herself to a meaningful community to serve with NYU. She enjoys the challenges that comes with student ministry and continually pray for God’s direction in all things.
Chelsea Lo
clo2358@gmail.com
Hello, friend! My name is Chelsea Lo, and I am a staff member of the Compass Koinonia (CK) fellowship at NYU. I grew up in a Christian family, but struggled with the finality of declaring faith in a God I could not prove existed. In 2010, I moved to NYC for college, where I began attending Compass Fellowship Church - to which CK is affiliated - and became very involved with campus Christian life, but did not officially accept Christ as my Lord and Savior until 2016. A not-that-fun fact about me is that since graduation, I have been working in finance. A more-fun fact about me is that I once rode down the boardwalk on the tricycle of Yo-Yo Ma's mother!
Mona Lee, Spiritual Life Advisor
Originally from the SF Bay Area, Mona has called NYC home for the past 22 years. An experienced high school math teacher, mother of two, and Baptist pastor’s wife, Mona serves the Compass Koinonia ministry. Lending her teaching and discipleship skills, Mona enjoys recruiting new volleyball enthusiasts to join her on the court.
Daniel Lee
I am a transplant from California, 22 yrs and counting. I enjoy NYC's density and energy, along with, in EB White's words, the gifts of loneliness and privacy it bestows. My two grown kids are both currently in graduate school, aka, "What's the interest rate on that loan?" school. My wife Mona and I try to have fun in the home, in the workplace, and in our shared ministry. For 2021, I am trying to establish prayer and walking as my mainstays.
Cru
Michelle Demarest
I am a lover of the city, rich conversations and have a pretty big house plant obsession. Nothing makes me happier than getting to be a listening ear over a good cup of coffee. I love helping people dig deeper into their own spiritual journeys, in part because college was a huge turning point for my faith journey. I became a Christian in college and have love getting to dialogue with doubters and seekers just like myself. I want to be someone who is a life-long learner. I’m originally from North Carolina but have worked with Cru in New York City since 2015, meeting with students from campuses all over the city.
Brandon Brooks, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisors
I grew up in Madison, WI and until moving to New York City in June of 2018, had lived there my entire life. I enjoyed school, basketball, soccer and golf growing up, as well as rooting for the Green Bay Packers football team and the Wisconsin Badgers football and basketball teams. My parents were nominal Christians and sent me to a Catholic school, but during all of this time, I didn't quite understand what it meant to have faith or have a relationship with God. I was pretty self-reliant. As I got older, I transitioned from lots of involvement in sports to a passion for music, specifically percussion. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, initially as a percussion performance major. However, God had other plans for me and after getting involved with Cru on my campus, I began to grow in my faith in ways that I never had before. I felt that God was changing the trajectory of my life and I decided to change my major (to Communication Arts) and pursue a career in vocational ministry. As I continued to grow, I continued to be assured of God's directing in this way. Once I graduated I started working with Cru at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and spent 5 years ministering to college students there before moving to New York to work with Cru. I have loved every minute of getting to love and serve college students; they are the best! One fun fact about me: I was born completely deaf in my right ear, so don't call my name in a large crowd. ;)
Lydia Brooks
Hello! I'm Lydia Brooks. I live in Hell's Kitchen now, but I call the Midwest my home - specifically, Minnesota! Because of my Minnesota roots, I love nature. Lakes, trees, animals, hiking, you name it, I love it. In fact, I love it so much that one time I rode down the side of a 14,000 ft mountain in the back of a pickup truck! Despite my love for nature, I love New York City too and have increasingly become passionate about the people who live here - their stories, struggles, longings, and passions. I love engaging people about their lives, interior world, and about their spiritual journey. My own spiritual journey started when I was young. I grew up with a mom who loved God and had a strong relationship with him, and a dad who didn't believe in anything. Because of this, it wasn't until college when I really explored my faith for my self and established where I stood apart from my parents' faiths. As I explored, I connected with a Christian club on my campus. It was there that I experienced the transforming love of God and the joy of a relationship with him. My life has never been the same since! Because of this, I'm passionate about giving students a safe space to explore their faith in college, and love to come alongside students in their journey in any way that I can.
Sam Gryzwa, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sam.gryzwa@cru.org
Sam was born in Wisconsin, and experienced Christianity in his family and at church from a young age. However, for most of his life until college ‘religion’ just meant a moral system of rules. He came into college as a nominal Christian, totally consumed with himself. A number of senior students involved with Cru befriended him early his freshmaen year, and their love, care, and sacrifice had a transformational impact on his understanding of God. He began to cultivate a real, active relationship with Jesus on his own for the first time; it completely changed his life.
Soon, God began to give him a passion to reach other students like himself with the Gospel. This strongly influenced his decision to spend his first year out of college as a missionary overseas. In the years since, it has led him to invest his life so students everywhere fall in love with Jesus and learn to follow Him for a lifetime. He loves New York City, plays cello & piano, writes music, reads books, adventures with his wife, and eats a good burger as often as he can (..which, if he’s honest? Is too often).
Encounter Christian Fellowship
Contact: encountercf.nyc@gmail.com
Jennifer Kim, Spiritual Life Advisor
During my fervent years in college pursuing my dream to be a filmmaker, I experienced the deep healing love and power of God that forever changed my life. My passion for film turned to a passion to see God’s people encounter the Father heart of God. To follow after His call, I decided to serve on the mission field in East Asia before God called me back to the U.S. with the charge to be equipped and healed to serve the harvest. I now serve as the college pastor of Remnant Church seeking kingdom transformation in all of NYC.
Hanna Chung, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Hanna H. Chung: Pastor's wife and Christian counselor (LMFT, Phd cand.in Family Ministry). My husband Joseph Chung and I serve The Remnant Church. I am passionate about working with people with problems. Mother of two sons and a spiritual mother of many, trying to share the love of Jesus in NYC!
Seungjin (John) Yang
John is currently youth pastor at Remnant Church and an M. Div. candidate at Asbury Theological Seminary. John was raised in Long Island and attended Boston University before spending several years as a Human Resources professional. It was during his time in Boston as a student and then a working professional when he sensed a call to pastoral ministry. His heart is for youth and college students to know Jesus and be equipped to influence the world for His kingdom. John loves exploring great food spots, developing his musical techniques in multiple instruments, and casually playing team sports.Every Nation Campus Ministries.
Every Nation Campus Ministries
Selene De Los Santos, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
selene.delossantos@everynationnyc.org
Selene De Los Santos moved to New York City to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in 2004, in pursuit of an acting career. Shortly after graduating AMDA she realized that she had a great desire to help people in a greater capacity. As a result she furthered her education by going to Hunter College and joined the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, It was through serving with this organization that awakened her passion to be in ministry. During her summer break she attended the Every Nation School of Campus Ministry in Nashville, Tennessee, in which, she gained the foundation of being a campus minister. When she came back to New York City in the winter of 2010, she transferred to The New School where she focused on Creative Art’s Therapies and received a BS in Liberal Arts. During this time she continued to minister to students through Every Nation Campus Ministries (ENCM). Selene graduated and married in 2012 and now has a toddler. And just a fun fact, she secretly loves watching cartoons! Selene is very excited to continue working with students and facility at NYU through Every Nation NYC and Every Nation Campus Ministries (ENCM).
Fernando De Los Santos
In 2004, Selene and I moved to New York City in pursuit of our college degrees. She came here from Pennsylvania to study Acting at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she came to Christ through a rehearsal. A few years later she became involved in campus ministry when she went back to school at Hunter College. She ended up graduating from The New School where God called her to be a campus minister to this day! As for myself, I came from the Philippines to study Pharmacy at St. John's University where I became involved in campus ministry for eight years. This experience has built my foundation in the Lord and planted the desire in me to see college campuses be a place where God reigns. As a result, I was enabled to be a light for Jesus during my eight years of working as a Pharmacist by day and serving as a voluntary campus missionary by night. Fast forward to today and we are living in Harlem with two spunky kids and ministering to college
Canile Jackson, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
canile.jackson@everynationnyc.org
Born and raised in Queens, NY, Canile graduated from St. John's university in 2008 and has been a campus minister with Every Nation Churches & Ministries since 2011 and is part of the NYC Campus team at Every Nation Church, New York. He has worked with students at St John’s University, Parsons School of Design, FIT and other schools across NYC. Canile has a passion to engage students with the love and truth of Christ, sending out and empowering students as leaders across NYC and the world. Canile loves New York for the diversity of people and food, and loves playing and watching sports, and the occasional MCU movie.
International Students, Inc.
Valerie Althouse, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
Originally from Hershey Pennsylvania, Valerie Althouse is NYC Area Director for International Students Inc (ISI) and has been at NYU for 14 years. She serves as one of the Spiritual Life Advisors at New York University where she founded the English Connections program for international students. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Counseling, as well as a Master of Science in Biblical Studies from Cairn University. Valerie is certified in several areas, including emotional intelligence testing (EQi), cross- cultural communication, life coaching, and critical-] incident stress debriefing. Valerie loves engaging international students through teaching English, Leadership Mentoring, Bible studies, and simple fun activities! On the side, Valerie enjoys vocal performance, reading, and travelling.
Kenny Chau, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
kennygaw@gmail.com
Kenny grew up in NYC’s Chinatown where he played lots of basketball and developed street smarts. After completing a term with the US Army Reserve and undergraduate studies at SUNY Buffalo, Kenny returned to lower Manhattan to help immigrant youth and their families adjust to life in the Big Apple. Kenny and his wife, Cindy, also spent a memorable 2004-2005 living in Beijing. In 2008, Kenny received a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and returned to NYC to pastor at his home church association until 2014. With excitement to be part of a chaplaincy team at NYU, Kenny is committed to help international students and their families thrive in this thrilling city. Though Kenny still plays basketball, the only quickness in his game is how fast he gets tired. Lastly, Kenny enjoys savory dishes of all cultures, strategic board games and gets a kick out of being mischievous with their kids, Joey and Makayla.
Cindy Chau, Spiritual Life Advisor
Cindy moved around a lot while growing up. She attended ten different schools in her lifetime so she knows what it feels like to be a newcomer. She loves welcoming international students and families to NYC. She received a Masters in Elementary Education from Teachers College as well as a Masters in Family Counseling from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. She is married to Kenny and has two feisty children, Joey and Makayla. Most of her time is spent keeping up with her family and advocating for families especially those impacted by disability. Cindy loves to learn new things from Google, YouTube and webinars. She has a major sweet tooth and a double jointed elbow. Cindy is always looking for someone to craft with.
Lisa Voth, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Lisa grew up in Oklahoma and later Washington State. She decided to become a follower of Jesus at an early age. In college, she discovered a love for biblical narrative and theology and gained a master's in biblical interpretation. Lisa spent a year in Cameroon assisting a Bible translation team.She's passionate about connecting Muslims and Christians in friendship and dialogue and loves learning about how people from other cultures see the world. One of Lisa's favorite things is a conversation over coffee digging into life's big questions. She likes to rock climb, is a die-hard Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan, and has a movie quote for every occasion.
Jason Casper, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jasoncasper15@aol.com
Jason Casper moved to New York City in 2001 from Pennsylvania and it was his experience of witnessing the 9/11 attacks firsthand that helped guide him into a relationship with Jesus Christ. In 2012, after working as a senior graphic designer/art director for 13 years, Jason felt a call into full-time ministry to international students after volunteering since 2009. He had also served at Calvary Baptist Church with their Bowery Mission compassion outreach team as well as serving with their young adult ministry since 2010. Currently, Jason has a deep passion for engaging the Muslim community through interfaith dialogue and has been an active participant in the NYU student club MuCh (Muslim-Christian Dialogue) and has been invited to speak at several MSA functions at NYU. When not working with students at NYU Jason can probably be found listening to/attempting to play jazz guitar!
Cristobal Tong, Partner Spiritual Life Advisor
God has led Cristobal to a wide range of occupations in his journey to ministry ranging from working as a sushi chef to a potential legal career as a paralegal. It is through these unique experiences that he has been able to minister and bless youth, college students as well as young adults alike at 3Stone/NYCAC for the last 10 years as a counselor, intern, and as of 2015, an associate pastor. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He is currently working towards his ordination with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Cristobal wants God to use all aspects of his life in spreading the gospel to the nations, and desires to equip, empower, and encourage the local church to be the arms and legs of Christ in their community and throughout the world. Having grown up in NYC, Cristobal feels naturally led to serve and make disciples of the 2nd and 3rd generation of Asian Americans through mentorship and living life together and truly living out the invitation to come and see. Cristobal is married to his wife, Carla, whom he calls the biggest blessing of his life. They look forwarding to faithfully following God, wherever He calls them.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Trevor Agatsuma, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
trevor.agatsuma@gmail.com
I was born in Seattle which at the time had one of the lowest rates for church attendance in the country. I am grateful that growing up as a Christian in this environment caused me to ask critical questions about what I was brought up in. This has greatly strengthened my faith. I have had many conversations with friends where we disagree in fundamental ways on our worldview. But instead of bringing discord these conversations brought us closer together as friends. I hope to bring more conversations like this to the university. I also love hiking, running, Spartan Races and listening to NPR Podcasts.
Ariana Waters, Spiritual Life Advisor
ariana.waters@intervarsity.org
My name is Ariana Waters. I grew up in the South, where the tea is sweet and ice cold but the people are warm and full of the best stories ever told. I am a Campus Staff Minister for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I am a Christian and specialize in conversations surrounding the intersection of Greek Life and Spiritual Life. As a sorority alumna myself, I believe Greek life is a great place to follow your faith in college. In my free time I love to hang out with my two kittens, Tigran and Joy.
Chelsea Whitfield, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
chelsea.whitfield@gmail.com
Chelsea Whitfield is a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Graduate and Faculty Ministries at NYU. Chelsea is passionate about empowering students for ministry and creating spaces for international students to encounter God and use their gifts to further his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. When she's not on campus, Chelsea can be found at Kopi Kopi, Pokee, or having bubble tea. She would love for you to join her!
Sarah Lin, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Sarah Lin is a campus staff minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and serves the Multi-Ethnic Chapter of InterVarsity at NYU. Sarah was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University, where she studied urban planning and public policy. Sarah loves working with college students and seeing God transform and renew their lives. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drinking tea, and exploring new cities.
Kaitlyn Yiu,
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Most of my life I've spent trying to figure out what it means to love God and love others well. I moved from sunny Los Angeles to The Big Apple / NYU in Fall of 2013 to pursue Dance at Tisch School of the Arts, but two degrees later (with a BFA in Dance & Psychology in 2016 & M.A. from Steinhardt in Dance Ed. in 2017) I found myself desiring more than just a career of performing for others. Fall of 2018 in the middle of work (I was a part-time freelance dancer & barista at the time), I felt clearly God telling me to quit my job and come back to NYU. I committed every weekday morning 8-9am to praying on campus and asking for discernment, and the longer I stayed, the more He opened my heart for the students, the campus, and the vision He had to see NYU and NYC truly transformed...to see REVIVAL. He also grew my heart for unity on campus, and led me to students and leaders from different fellowships, too, who also had a heart to see God move and answer prayers radically. As a now Campus Staff Intern with InterVarsity at NYU, some of things on my heart include 1) cultivating a culture of prayer on + for campus; 2) building unity across fellowships and departments; and 3) prayerfully entering and ministering to schools/departments/students who have yet to know God's Love. I'm committed to praying regularly for campus, and my hope is to invite more and more students to join me in seeking God first in all we do. I also partner with CIFC (Christian Inter-Fellowship Council) to build relationships across campus between all the many ministries and chaplains that already doing God's work at NYU. My longing to see all believers join hands and hearts, building an altar of prayer and worship through which God can move powerfully and bring renewal and revival in our time. I want to see this whole CITY transformed by the way we as Christians LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Apart from doing life with students, I love dancing and teaching others (especially children) how to dance, and I make a mean chocolate-chip banana bread! I also published a devotional book on Amazon titled Devoted, highlighting some of the spiritual experiences and reflections I've had since moving to the city. :)
KCSA
Soo Ho Park, Partner Spiritual Life Advisor
I became a Christian in my 3rd year in college. After receiving my degree in Physics from Seoul National University, I worked at R&D in the LG headquarters for 2 years and started to study at Seminary. After serving as a young adults’ pastor at Sarang Community Church for several years, I came to America for further studies. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to help Korean international students (KCSA students) on campuses in New York since 2003, teaching the Bible, helping students to deal with conflicts in relationship with parents, friends, professors and overcome difficult circumstances in studying as international students, and counselling them to choose jobs and further study for the next step under pressure of their future. I have been married and have two sons and a daughter. As a forever friend of young adults, I like what young adults like, eating, chatting, and sporting. I love to hike, play tennis, and drink tea.
Becca Seely, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
pastor@thevinenyc.org
Becca Seely is a Lutheran pastor who works with college and graduate students throughout New York City. She was not raised in church and first began to explore questions of faith when she was in college. As a result, Becca is particularly passionate about working with young adults who are asking questions about God and what gives our lives meaning and purpose. She love hearing people's stories, learning new things and discovering the unexpected ways God is working in the world around us. In her free time, she enjoys running and biking in Central Park, hanging out with her wife, Abby, and planning elaborate theme parties. Becca is an active member of Proclaim, the professional community for LGBTQ Lutheran clergy.
New York Chinese Alliance Church
Shing Chung Kwong, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
My religion is Christianity, I am currently a counsellor at the International Chinese Christian Fellowship at NYU. Being with students and learning Bible together at the fellowship is a real great fun!!
Reformed University Fellowship
Megan Terrell, Partner Spiritual Advisor
Megan was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University with a bachelors in Psychology and went on to obtain a masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. After spending 4 years working with college students in Birmingham, AL, Megan and her husband Matthew, along with their three kids, moved to NYC where they have lived for the last 4 years. Megan loves living in NYC with her family and hopes to stay here for many years. Some of her favorite things to do are grab a cappuccino from a local coffee shop or go for a run along the Hudson River.
Matthew Terrell, Partner Spiritual Life Advisor
Matt hails from Atlanta, GA and is happily married to Megan. They have three children -- Eliot , Zoey and Margaret. Matt has identified as a Christian since a young age and has been serving with RUF in campus ministry since 2012. He enjoys reading, fly fishing, watching Seinfeld, and eating donuts.
Haley Williams
Raised in Newtown, Connecticut, Haley Williams decided to become an RUF intern because she is passionate about the work RUF is doing to point students toward Jesus. She is a 2020 dance and theological studies graduate of The Ailey School/Fordham University BFA Program, and is eager to share the freedom she's discovered from making the glory of God her artistry's purpose. As an undergraduate, RUF City Campus proved to be a supportive, collaborative hub for her and for other college students pursuing excellence in their specific disciplines. Now, it's her turn to be able to continue its mission. As an intern, Haley hopes to continue dancing as a freelance artist for contemporary dance companies around the Northeast. She is also exploring her interest in creating her own dances and plans on furthering her dance career in the city after the internship ends. She loves organizing her free time into game nights, movie nights, TV show marathons, and dance parties with friends! When she has a moment to herself, she likes to listen to music, journal, or write poetry.
Remnant Christian Fellowship
Jonathan Kim, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Jonathan is currently a Pastoral Intern at Remnant Westside Church in NYC, where he has attended since his freshman year at NYU. He is a seminary student at Reformed Theological Seminary pursuing his Master's in Christian Counseling. Before transitioning into ministry, Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from NYU Stern and worked in the corporate world for five years. Jonathan's passion is to serve college students and help them discover their identities in Jesus Christ and develop a genuine personal relationship with God. He currently lives in Queens with his lovely wife. He loves to watch and play sports and his dream is for the NY Knicks to win a championship at least once in his lifetime.
SOON Movement
Hello! My name is Caleb Muhn. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 5. Since then, I’ve been a proud New-Jerseyan. I graduated from Rutgers University with a double B.A. in Communications, and African American Studies. I lived in Boston for 6 years, working as a chaplain for Boston College and Northeastern University. Last year, I moved back home to NJ to live with my father, in order to restore and rebuild our relationship. It’s been a fun journey, to say the least. My favorite pizza is from Prince St. Pizza. It is one of God’s magnificent creations. :)
Student Christian Movement
F. Romall Smalls, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Rev.Smalls@nyu.edu
Rev. F. Romall Smalls has been described as a dynamic preacher, public thinker, educator and social commentator. He is a Senior Affiliate Chaplain at New York University (NYU), Pastoral/Spirtual Care Counselor at the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) the nations' larger HIV/AIDS service center and Associate Minister for Social Justice at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, NY. Through his work with the Student Christian Movement of NYC (@SCMnyc), Rev. Smalls seeks to link student’s faith with Christ's call for social justice on campus and throughout the global village. As both an ordained Affirming and Welcoming Baptist minister, professional journalist and media consultant he loves to express himself and share encouraging messages and prayers on social media. You can find some of his current and past work from Religion News Service (RNS), The New York Times, Gannett Newspapers and Scholastic News on-line. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York where his multi-media thesis project, "Living Water: Reflections of Faith" was awarded the prestigious Malcolm Boyd Veritas Award for his work in social justice on behalf of the SGL/LGBTQ community. Rev. Smalls regularly seeks to put his faith into action and has participated in #BlackLivesMatter sit-ins, anti-gun violence marches, and Queer and Trans rights protests. Rev. Smalls also serves on the Westchester County Youth Advisory Board, is an affirming LGBTQ+/SGLBTQ Chaplain, and an offering pastoral care as global Chaplain. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @romall06.
The Navigators
Melissa Crockett
melissa.crockett@navigators.org
Melissa has been a campus minister with The Navigators for seven years. Born in Texas and raised in Texas and Germany, Melissa decided to follow Jesus as a little girl. God used her time in The Navigators as a student at Texas A&M University to show her the depths of his love and grace for her, that she could stop "doing" to earn his approval. Having served on staff at Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin, Melissa is passionate about helping students know and enjoy Jesus personally, passing on to them a vision of making Christ known. She loves strong coffee, deep laughs, thoughtful conversations, long runs with her dog, and calling New York City her new home.
Sarah Esselborn
Sarah Esselborn is from Katonah, NY. She graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a bachelor's in Human Physiology with a minor in Public Health. She spent a few years working with the Navigators in Amsterdam developing an international student ministry, followed by a year at her alma mater and has been on staff with The Navigators at NYU for 2 years now. This last year, she joined the team at NYU Tandon. She loves espresso, biking, a great non-fiction book, sunshine, open-air markets, the beach, exploring new cities, and picnics. Sarah is passionate about investing in and equipping the next generation of laborers to share the gospel in their own countries and contexts.
Jared Parsons, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jared.parsons@navigators.org
Jared Parsons absolutely loves his job of working with students and sharing the freedom that comes from knowing who Jesus Christ is and the love he showed us. He has worked in full-time Christian ministry for 6 years now, all with his amazingly kind wife Jana. His father started a Christian school for at-risk teens in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska so ministry is in his blood. He enjoys watching soccer, playing basketball, and reading pretty much anything besides romance novels.
Brendan Mahar, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
mahar.brendan@gmail.com
Brendan is a staff member of The Navigators, a Christian fellowship. He grew up in America, England, and Australia. Brendan is not ashamed to be described as a Bible and philosophy nerd.
Jana Parsons, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
Jana Parsons grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where she came to know the love of Christ as a teenager. Heading into college she was looking for a community that would support her and help her grow in her faith, which she found when she got connected to The Navigators. Since then it has been her passion to invest in college students the way she was invested in during her collegiate years. Jana loves reading, playing piano, and has traveled to Mongolia twice in her life!
Emily Greaves
Emily is from Tampa, FL. She studied advertising and studio art at the University of Florida. As a freshman in college, she met the Navigators and quickly connected with their passionate love for Jesus and all people. After spending the summer in NYC in 2015, she is excited to return to the city! When she isn’t teaching others how to study the Bible or engage in spiritual conversations, Emily is likely to be found taste-testing macaroni and cheese, editing videos or curating dance playlists.
Mishhael Ramirez, Spiritual Life Advisor
Mishael.ramirez@navigators.org
My name is Mishael Ramirez, although most people call me Misa. I have been a christian and in pursuit of God for as long as I can remember. My parents were the pastors of a small hispanic church in Brooklyn named "Casa Del Rey" or "House of the King". There I learned a lot about ministry and grew a lot in the skills surrounding ministry such as discipling, leading bible studies and playing for worship teams. However when I got to college and met the Navigators, i began to learn so much more about God and his call for my life. As course work at NYU consistency challenged my ideas about God and faith, The Navigators provided a safe space for me to bring those challenges and grow in my understanding of who God is and in that process, learn a bit about who I am. I cannot even pretend to have all the answers, but I am looking forward to helping others learn about God and counsel them through their spiritual questions alongside the Navigators who've done the same for me. Fun Fact: I was born and raised in NYC, I love it and am a proud New Yorker.
Sikh Spiritual Life Advisors
Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
simranjeet@sikhcoalition.org
Dr. Simran Jeet Singh is an educator, writer, activist, and scholar who currently serves as the Senior Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition and Henry R. Luce Post-Doctoral Fellow for Religion in International Affairs at New York University’s Center for Religion and Media. He enjoys running marathons and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Jewish
Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU
Rabbi Nicole Lyn DeBlosi
deblosi@nyu.edu
Named in 2015 by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of America's Most Inspiring Rabbis, Rabbi Nikki Lyn DeBlosi is passionately dedicated to pluralist Judaism, feminism, and LGBTQ rights. She holds a BA summa cum laude in Women’s Studies from Harvard University and both an MA and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from NYU. She has taught in the Religious Studies, Performance Studies, and Expository Writing Departments at NYU. Rabbi Nikki is the NYU Bronfman Center's Reform Rabbi, and her work spans the Reform, egalitarian Jewish, LGBTQ communities, but of course she's happy to speak to students from all Jewish denominations and indeed all faiths. A convert to Judaism (raised Roman Catholic), she is particularly happy to discuss spiritual change, doubts, and questions. She’s also happy to talk pop culture, science fiction, HBO’s GIRLS, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Game of Thrones! Rabbi Nikki lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with her wife Rachel and their young sons Ilan and Ethan.
Muslim
Faiyaz Jaffer
fj490@nyu.edu
Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer is the Assistant Research Scholar for the Islamic Center at New York University and an Associate Chaplain for the Center of Global & Spiritual Life at NYU. He attained an MA degree in Islamic Studies (UK), with a concentration on early Islamic history, after his undergraduate degree from SUNY Stony Brook University in Political Science and Religious Studies. He has had his research published by academic journals. In pursuing the classical course of Islamic education, Faiyaz studied in the Seminary of Karbala, Iraq, one of the most prominent centers for Islamic learning. He currently continues his fieldwork as part of the Islamic Research Institute in New York. As a faith leader and social activist, Faiyaz Jaffer has lectured at various universities, seminars, and workshops across the United States, Canada, Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East. Due to the political and social climate, he has been making strides in the greater New York area by taking part in a number of interfaith seminars and discussions in the aspiration of increasing dialogue with various faith leaders. His outreach efforts have allowed him to be featured in some of the country's most prominent media outlets. As a highly sought after lecturer and religious leader, Faiyaz regularly leads prayer services and delivers sermons across North America.
Protestant
Bridges International
Michael Henderson, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
michael.henderson@bridgesinternational.com
Michael was born and raised in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia. He now serves with the Bridges International student chapter at NYU and enjoys working with students from every corner of the world. Michael has travelled extensively to 30+ countries and feels privileged to put this global experience into practice here at NYU. He is member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church Downtown where he worships and serves weekly. He also enjoys sports, cycling, international cuisine and listening to NPR Podcasts.
International Students Inc.
Jason Casper
jasoncasper15@aol.com
Jason grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to New York City in the Spring of 2001. It was his experience of witnessing the 9-11 attacks firsthand that helped guide him into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He worked as a professional graphic designer and art director at various advertising agencies for 13 years before feeling called to do international student ministry with ISI. Jason's interest in cross-cultural ministry began 2006. He has also been active in compassion ministry to the homeless for many years through Calvary Baptist Church and The Bowery Mission. Jason loves most things jazz and enjoys playing guitar.
The Navigators
Jared Parsons, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jared.parsons@navigators.org
Jared Parsons absolutely loves his job of working with students and sharing the freedom that comes from knowing who Jesus Christ is and the love he showed us. He has worked in full-time Christian ministry for 6 years now, all with his amazingly kind wife Jana. His father started a Christian school for at-risk teens in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska so ministry is in his blood. He enjoys watching soccer, playing basketball, and reading pretty much anything besides romance novels.
Jana Parsons, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jana.parsons@navigators.org
Jana Parsons grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where she came to know the love of Christ as a teenager. Heading into college she was looking for a community that would support her and help her grow in her faith, which she found when she got connected to The Navigators. Since then it has been her passion to invest in college students the way she was invested in during her collegiate years. Jana loves reading, playing piano, and has traveled to Mongolia twice in her life!
Sarah Esselborn, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sarah.esselborn@navigators.org
Sarah Esselborn is from Katonah, NY. She graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a bachelor's in Human Physiology with a minor in Public Health. She spent a few years working with the Navigators in Amsterdam developing an international student ministry, followed by a year at her alma mater and since fall 2018 is on staff with The Navigators at New York University! She loves espresso, biking, a great non-fiction book, sunshine, open-air markets, the beach, exploring new cities, and picnics. Sarah is passionate about investing in and equipping the next generation of laborers to share the gospel in their own countries and contexts.
Please note: if you cannot find a spiritual life advisor that meets your religious or spiritual needs, or if you are a student who is studying away at a global site and you would like to be connected to a Chaplain at NYU, please contact the Office of Global Spiritual Life.