Our Mission
The Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT) endeavors to maintain and demonstrate the highest level of effective professional formation in various ministry environments. Our mission is to emphasize professional growth in ministry and protect the dignity of our trainees and those they encounter in ministry service. ICPT offers Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) to a wide range of individuals with differing religious beliefs and traditions. It is intentional that we treat each student trainee with respect and acceptance in the context of their own religious traditions. It is our goal to allow each trainee to grow within chaplaincy ministry and service to others consistent with these beliefs and traditions. Our desire is to provide personal and professional integration of peer-group feedback through CPE, in varied clinical settings.
Our Vision
This organization serves as a radiant beam of love, grace, and compassion in the world; igniting others and revealing the truth, peace, and understanding.
Our Team
Ty Alday, BCC, CPES-E
President & CEO
Rev. Ty W. Alday has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of The Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT) since its inception in 2013. ICPT’s mission is to emphasize personal and professional growth in ministry and protect the dignity of our Clinical Pastoral Education students and those they encounter in ministry service. Before joining ICPT, Rev. Alday served as Education Chaplain for Orlando Regional Medical Center and President of Alday Christian Counseling Center in Tampa, FL. Rev. Alday is an ordained Southern Baptist Minister with an ecclesiastical endorsement from the North American Mission Board serving in churches, hospices, and hospitals since 1996.
Ramel Cuenca, BCC, CPES-E
Vice President & COO
Ramel Cuenca earned a BTh at Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary (1986) and an MDiv Degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1992) in Louisville, Kentucky. He last served as Senior Pastor of South Orlando Baptist Church but has been in the pastoral ministry for over 20 years. He also spent time as a missionary to Indonesia for 6 years under the International Mission Board (IMB). He has been involved in Clinical Pastoral Education since 1991 and is currently a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC) with The Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (ACCC) and a Board-Certified CPE Supervisor (BCCS) with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT).
Scott Savell, M.DIV, BCC, CPES-E
Director of Education & CPE Supervisor~Educator
Scott Savell is a retired Air Force Chaplain residing in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He studied Psychology, Sociology, and Religion at Mississippi College, graduating in 1993. He received a Master of Divinity in Missions, Evangelism, and Church Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001. He completed a residency in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) through the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium in 2011 and an intensive CPE Supervisor-in-Training program with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training in 2017. His ministry has spanned more than 30 years and eight states. He served churches in Mississippi and Kentucky before entering the Air Force where he served as a chaplain with assignments in Illinois, Texas, Alaska, and Florida before retiring in 2017. His travels have taken him to India, Israel, Senegal, France, Germany, Japan, Curacao, Canada, and The Philippines. He is a Pastor/Theologian, Teacher, Author, Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor~Educator, and Board-Certified Chaplain with certifications through the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (ACCC) where he also serves on the National Board, the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC), and the Spiritual Care Association (SCA). He presently serves as the ICPT Director of Education. He is endorsed by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Jessica Rodriguez, BA
Interim Administrative Director
Jessica Rodriguez is a graduate student and clinician at Loyola University Maryland studying speech-language pathology. She has a BA in Theatre from Stephen F. Austin State University and taught high school theatre for nine years. She holds teaching certifications in Theatre, Speech, and Special Education and serves on the board of Maryland Thespians, an Educational Theatre Association affiliate.
Joy Cuenca, MBA, MSBA
Systems Administrator
Joy Cuenca serves as the Systems Administrator for ICPT specializing in implementing and administering technology to support business processes. She believes that technology can be leveraged, not to replace, but to enhance the human experience. Joy started her career serving 10 years in the Army as a Medic. She then entered the healthcare administration field filling roles in operational leadership until transitioning into IT. In addition to her role at ICPT, Joy is the Director of Business Strategy and Analytics at DECO Recovery Management. She holds an MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Maryland, R.H. Smith School of Business. She holds professional certifications including AI Leadership for Healthcare, Microsoft Certifications for Power Platform, and Dynamics 365, and is a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator. Joy is currently pursuing certification as a Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT®) on her path to becoming a Microsoft Certified Trainer.
Janine Tausa
Administrative Assistant
Aspiring to graduate with a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English at Pangasinan State University-Lingayen Campus which will widen her knowledge in numerous aspects. The curriculum is designed to prepare her as a globally competitive individual capable of meeting the needs of industry, public service, and civil society and to prepare her proficiency in communications, socializing techniques, organizational skills, and other mechanics that will help her execute solutions. She's a consistent honor student and gained numerous leadership awards. She's a member of The Lord Reigns International Ministries Incorporated. She has worked several times in different offices of the Municipality Bani, Pangasinan
Faculty Members
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Johnathon Law, M.DIV, MBA, BCC, CPES-E
John is a full-time chaplain with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He started his military career as a combat infantry paratrooper and served 7 years on Active Duty. John is currently serving as a US Army Reserve Chaplain. John has earned a Master in Divinity, and Business and is a Board Certified Chaplain. He has worked for the VA and the Army Reserve as a chaplain since 2012 providing spiritual care and guidance to individuals and families across the country. John lives with his wife and three children in Crestview Florida.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Carolyn Nuthman, BCC, CPES-E
Carolyn graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature and an Associate in Music from Ozark Christian College. She is also a graduate of the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training. She has served in many different facets of ministry for over 50 years: youth ministry, women’s ministry, singles and seniors ministry. More recently, she retired from the hospice chaplaincy and currently works with The Institute of Clinical Pastoral Training as a supervisor in their Supervisor-in-Training program. She is married and has three children and seven grandchildren.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Reverand Thomas (Tom) Franklin, BCC, CPES-E
Tom is a full-time chaplain with St. Croix Hospice. He is ordained and endorsed through the Christian & Missionary Alliance and pastored several churches for over 34 years in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Iowa, and Minnesota. He is a graduate of Crown College and Alliance Theological Seminary. He is a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCC) with the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (ACCC) and is a Board Certified Clinical Education Supervisor (BCCS) with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT). He served in the United States Air Force for eight years. Tom has been a counselor and seminar director for Prepare/Enrich since 1982. He is the founder and director of Alongside Restoration Ministries.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Dan Weiser, BCC, CPES-E
Dan is a full-time chaplain and the Director of Pastoral Care at Integris Baptist Hospital in Miami Oklahoma. Dan has a Doctorate in Theology and Theological Studies from Ambassadors of Faith College and Seminary. Dan has been a pastor since 2011. He began clinical pastoral work in 2015 at Freeman Health Systems and continued this work while running the Harbor Homeless Shelter. Dan also worked as the Director of Pastoral Care at New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility in 2016.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Chaplain Cooper, MDiv, LBSW, BCC, CPES-E
Chaplain Cooper is a Board-Certified chaplain with The Association for Certified Christian Chaplains – (ACCC). He is a CPE supervisor for The Institute for Certified Pastoral Training – (ICPT). He holds dual certifications with ACCC and the Spiritual Care Association – (SCA). He has a Master of Divinity, in Chaplaincy from Liberty University. He is also a Licensed Social Worker (LBSW) and Fire Department Chaplain. He volunteers for multiple organizations: (The American Red Cross- [Spiritual Disaster Services], and Critical Incidence Stress Management-[CISM]). He is currently a chaplain at TidalHealth Hospital in Maryland. I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). “Be Blessed!”
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Kay Owen, BCC, CPES-E
Kay Owen-Larson Founder and President, Crossroads Ministries USA Inc., Founder and President, Crossroads School of Chaplaincy. Kay Owen-Larson is an ordained minister with over 55 years of experience in Christian ministry. She has served as a pastor, teacher, counselor, and conference speaker and is also a writer. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Business Management and a Ph.D. in Divinity. She is a Corporate Owner of Crossroads School of Chaplaincy with The Institute of Clinical Pastoral Training, training chaplains and spiritual care providers, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is a Bishop with the Worldwide Fellowship of Independent Christian Churches for the states of Colorado and Texas, an endorsing agency for chaplains.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Rosaline S. Cobb, BCC, CPES-E
Rosaline S. Cobb is a Board-Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor (CPES) with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT), a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC) with the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (ACCC), and an Assistant to the Director of Education of ICPT. She holds dual certification with ACCC and Spiritual Care Assoc. (SCA). Rosaline is a full-time chaplain with UF Health in Jacksonville, FL where she journeys and provides spiritual care for those she encounters. She is also a Biblical counselor with UFCCM (United Fellowship for Christ Counseling Ministries), an Associate Pastor, and the Founder/President of Speaks Life Inc., an organization where she speaks life through hope, support, and healing.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Christopher A Hamm, BCC, CPES-E
Chris has served as a full-time clinical chaplain for St Mary’s Healthcare in Upstate New York since retiring from pastoral ministry in 2016. Chris holds a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary. He has been a pastor since 1996. While serving as a community pastor, Chris also served as Chaplain for the Gloversville Fire Department & the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. (It is Tom Franklin’s fault that Chris is a CPE Supervisor today since Tom was the one who planted the idea in Chris’s head while Chris was completing Unit 4 with ICPT.)
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Mary Fabin, BCC, CPES-E
Mary Fabin is an ordained American Baptist Pastor. She has served as a missionary in Nigeria, pastor, Hospice chaplain, Hospital chaplain, and teacher in her ministry roles. Mary did her Supervision training at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City under Supervisor Doug Williams. She is currently supervising CPE students under ICPT. Mary and her husband Rob live in Saratoga, Wyoming. They have two adult children. Their current “empty nest” is filled by two dogs, two horses, four chickens, and a turtle.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Don Dalton, BCC, CPES-E
Don Dalton serves as a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor and is the day shift trauma Chaplain for Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando. Don also worked with Vitas Hospice for nine years and served as the Bereavement manager for four years during his time there and did a very short stint with Kindred Hospice. Don is a Board-Certified Chaplain and is endorsed by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Don has served in Pastoral ministries for over forty years. During this time, he served churches from Florida to California. He also served as a Missionary to the Former Soviet Republic of Belarus, with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Don resides in Florida, is married, and has two daughters and seven Grandchildren. He enjoys Art, fishing, and Music and plays four different instruments.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Tom DeWitt, BCC, CPES-E
Tom is an experienced Board Certified Chaplain (ACCC and SCA), Ordained Pastor, and Chaplain Educator. His Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies is from Lee University. He holds a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (In Process), in Pastoral Counseling. Trinity Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Theology (In Process), Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy, The SCA University of Theology and Spirituality He has also completed a one-year residency in Clinical Pastoral Education. He is a minister with over twenty-five years of experience. His background includes involvement in a variety of leadership positions within the church, hospital, hospice, and correctional ministry, working alongside others to accomplish the goal of ministry. His strongest gifts are leadership, preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, and counseling. He has a leadership style that is decisive, collegial, and solution-oriented. He has served in a variety of leadership positions on various committees in his denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. While serving as a staff chaplain at Saint Louis University Hospital he served as adjunct faculty for an annual Death and Dying module taught to the second-year medical students at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. In addition, he participated in an annual medical ethics training seminar for first-year medical residents. He also served as an adviser to the Interfaith Interest Group in the School of Medicine. Additionally, he was a preceptor for The Clinical Pastoral Education students at Saint Louis University Hospital and taught didactic sessions on spiritual assessment and pastoral care of hospital patients. For several years he was a certified instructor in Healthy Interventions. A class that taught hospital staff how to deal with potentially violent and volatile situations. He is passionate about pastoral care and the education of ministers and believes that every minister should have professional and clinical training. Tom is a Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor with the Institute of Clinical Pastoral Training Tom was awarded the Michael B. Dutton Superintendent’s Award, In recognition of outstanding interpersonal skills throughout training at the Tennessee Correction Academy in 2013
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Aaron Holt, BCC, CPES-E
Aaron is a full-time chaplain and CPE Supervisor with Cox Health in Springfield, Missouri. Aaron received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is board-certified jointly through the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Karen M. Gore’, PhD, BCC, CPES, BCMHC
Rev. Dr. Karen M Gore' is a Board-Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor (CPES) with the Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training (ICPT), and a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC) with the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (ACCC). She holds dual certification with ACCC and Spiritual Care Assoc. (SCA). Karen is an Associate Chaplain for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families where she ministers to adolescent youth at an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility. Karen Has been a Licensed Ordained Minister for 20 years and a chaplain for 10 years. She has worked in hospice, acute care, academic, psychiatric adolescent, and pediatric chaplaincy.
Karen has earned several degrees which include a master's degree in Theology, a Doctorate(s) in Theology, Church Leadership, and a PhD in Christian Counseling. She most recently earned her Board Certification in Mental Health Coaching from the American Association of Christian Counselors. Karen is the CEO/ President of Lion of Judah International Ministries Inc. LOJIM is a faith-based organization that provides Ministry management, Leadership training, Business and Financial coaching, and Biblical teaching to the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Karen is also a Christian Entrepreneur who helps to foster and generate wealth for the body of believers. Her future goal is to pursue an MA in Sports Chaplaincy and to someday provide chaplaincy to the WNBA and/or NCAA Women's Sports Team.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Robert Fulwood, BCC, CPES-E
Rob is an experienced Board-Certified Chaplain (ACCC and SCA), Ordained Pastor, and Chaplain Educator. In addition to being a US Navy veteran, his educational accomplishments are as follows: BS (Public Administration) from Upper Iowa University, MA (Religion) from Liberty University, MS (Library Science) from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. (Educational Administration) from Capella University. Additional academic studies were completed at Princeton Theological Seminary and Harvard University. His 37 years of ministerial experience includes 13 Units of CPE Training, clinical chaplaincy (hospital, mental health, & prison facilities), and pastoral leadership in three different Christian denominations (Missionary Baptist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ). His strongest gifts are meeting people where they are in life for the purpose of making them feel better about themselves and leading better spiritual lives for God. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and NAACP. His greatest achievement is being the proud father of six children and married to his wife Karen since 1995. He aspires to eventually become a Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Massage Therapist and incorporate these services within SAGA Enterprises (Spiritual Application of God's Anointing), an educational consultation business that he founded and has been in existence since 2018.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, John D. Hill, M.DIV-C, BCC, CPES-E
John is a full-time workplace chaplain with Tyson Foods and also serves as a US Army Reserve Chaplain. John has an earned Master's in Divinity Correlated and is a Board Certified Chaplain. After several years as an active duty Army chaplain he transferred to the reserve component and has worked for Tyson Foods since May 2012 and has been an Army chaplain since August 2003. Regardless of the context of chaplain ministry, the care is the same which is providing spiritual care and guidance to individuals and families wherever the need arises. John lives with his wife and two children in Sherman, TX.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Dr. Carolyn Smith Goings, B.A., MFA, M.Div., Ph.D. BCC, CPES-E
Dr. Carolyn Smith Goings is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (MDiv), Antioch University (PhD), and Goddard College (BA and MFA). Dr. Goings has served in varying chaplaincy roles in different areas of the United States: in prisons, on a college campus, in long-term care facilities, in critical-care hospitals, and in hospices. She is a Board Certified Chaplain and Board Certified CPE Supervisor/Educator. Carolyn has also served as pastor of several United Methodist Churches in New England and the Midwest and has taught college courses in several institutions in New England and Tennessee. For more than thirty years, Rev. Dr. Goings has provided pastoral counseling to congregants and community members. She is CEO of The Well of Dyersburg and Pastoral Counselor for Grateful Heart Counseling @ The Well.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Rev., Dr. Bryan A. Jones, D.Min., BCC, CPES-E
Reverend Dr. Bryan A. Jones is an experienced Board-Certified Chaplain (CPSP, ACCC, SCA, and NAVAC), Chaplain Educator (ICPT & CPSP), Mental Health- Staff Chaplain, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (GA & VA), Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor (GA), Clinical Supervisor for LPC & LMFT (VA) Certified Anger Management Specialist and a Certified Addiction Master Counselor (GACA-GA). Dr. Jones’s educational accomplishments are as follows: BA (History/ Political Science- minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice) from Averett University, M. Div. (Seminary) from Virginia Union University (STVU), D.Min. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH University. Additional academic studies completed at Capella University and Argosy University in Clinical Mental Health. Dr. Jones has extensive ministerial experience including 6 Units of CPE Training (ACPE), clinical chaplaincy (hospital and mental health settings), and pastoral leadership and support for Christian denominations (Missionary Baptist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, American Baptist and American Baptist USA). Dr. Jones is an expert in the field of integration of Mental Health and Faith in the local churches and communities. Dr. Jones uses a practical method of developing a theology of Mental Health, Emotional Wellness, and Trauma for ministry in the 21st century. Dr. Jones is currently a Staff Chaplain- Mental Health at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in Atlanta, GA working in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics and in the Atlanta Medical Center.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Rev., Dr. Jim Merritt, APBCC, CPES-E
The Rev Dr. Jim Merritt has been a member of the clergy for over 40 years. He serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022. Dr. Merritt holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree from Stetson University, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School. He is the 2008 recipient of the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology, the first and only male ever to receive this prize, and the 2011 recipient of the J. Normal Hall Prize for Peace and Justice Work. He received the Metropolitan Community Church’s Distinguished Service Award in 2015. He was the recipient of the Rev. Dr. Suzanne B. Hiatt Award from the Episcopal Divinity School in 2017. He is a Staff Clergy at the Metropolitan Community Church of New York and Director of Eastern European Affairs for The Global Justice Institute (GJI). He represents the GJI on the Council for Global Equality in Washington, DC. Dr. Merritt was an invited delegate to all three Ministerials for the Advancement of Religious Freedom at the United States Department of State during the Trump Administration. He is the Florida Clergy representative for The One Campaign, headed by the popular musician and activist, Bono, focused on fighting extreme poverty around the world. He travels extensively working for human rights from a faith-based perspective. Dr. Merritt serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Xavier Justice, APBCC, CPES-E
Xavier is a clinical pastoral education supervisor-educator with ICPT and an advanced practice board-certified chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association. He has been in the ministry for over 30 years. He is a military veteran. He holds a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. Xavier is a clinical trauma chaplain who also specializes in mental/behavioral health. He is a psychotherapist and a pastoral care specialist with the ACPE, and a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. He is a board-certified professional Christian Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a George Washington University trainer of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum. Xavier is a master clinical traumatologist, and trauma educator, with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. He is a master addiction counselor with NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals. He is a certified group psychotherapist supervisor with the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Xavier is a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, and educator, with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He is a national clinically certified forensic counselor with the National Association of Forensic Counselors, a clinical forensic neuroscience-informed practitioner, and a neurocriminology-informed professional with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies. Xavier holds a state license as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and a state-certified clinical supervisor. He is certified internationally as a clinical supervisor and an advanced alcohol and drug counselor with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. He is a fellow at the University of Maryland in behavioral health and a trauma subject matter expert in a national journal of the American Psychological Association.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Fr. Joseph Calandra, MA, MPM, BCC, CPES-E
Father Joe is an Anglican Priest endorsed by the Anglican Church in North America’s Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. He and his family live in Texas where he oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education Program for the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System. Fr. Joe is board-certified by the National Association for Veterans Affairs Chaplains as well as the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association. He is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Fr. Joe additionally holds a BA in Religious Studies from Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences and an MA in American Government from the Robertson School of Government. Prior to entering federal chaplaincy with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in June 2023, Fr. Joe’s ministry leadership includes 1 year as an ICPT CPE Supervisor-in-Training, 2 years as Spiritual Director for Magnus Veteran's Foundation based out of Dayton, MN, and nearly 6 years as Director of Chaplaincy for Guardian Angels Senior Services, a multi-site eldercare health and housing provider based out of Elk River, MN. In addition to Fr. Joe’s chaplain service in the VA, he has also served as one of three associate deans tending to the pastoral care, ongoing spiritual formation, and professional development of the Anglican Church in North America’s hospital, hospice, and prison chaplains since appointed by the Bishop of the Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces in Chaplaincy in July of 2023.
Reverend Dr. Bryan A. Jones is an experienced Board-Certified Chaplain (CPSP, ACCC, SCA, and NAVAC), Chaplain Educator (ICPT & CPSP), Mental Health- Staff Chaplain, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (GA & VA), Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor (GA), Clinical Supervisor for LPC & LMFT (VA) Certified Anger Management Specialist and a Certified Addiction Master Counselor (GACA-GA). Dr. Jones’s educational accomplishments are as follows: BA (History/ Political Science- minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice) from Averett University, M. Div. (Seminary) from Virginia Union University (STVU), D.Min. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH University. Additional academic studies completed at Capella University and Argosy University in Clinical Mental Health. Dr. Jones has extensive ministerial experience including 6 Units of CPE Training (ACPE), clinical chaplaincy (hospital and mental health settings), and pastoral leadership and support for Christian denominations (Missionary Baptist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, American Baptist and American Baptist USA). Dr. Jones is an expert in the field of integration of Mental Health and Faith in the local churches and communities. Dr. Jones uses a practical method of developing a theology of Mental Health, Emotional Wellness, and Trauma for ministry in the 21st century. Dr. Jones is currently a Staff Chaplain- Mental Health at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in Atlanta, GA working in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics and in the Atlanta Medical Center.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Rev., Dr. Jim Merritt, APBCC, CPES-E
The Rev Dr. Jim Merritt has been a member of the clergy for over 40 years. He serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022. Dr. Merritt holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree from Stetson University, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School. He is the 2008 recipient of the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology, the first and only male ever to receive this prize, and the 2011 recipient of the J. Normal Hall Prize for Peace and Justice Work. He received the Metropolitan Community Church’s Distinguished Service Award in 2015. He was the recipient of the Rev. Dr. Suzanne B. Hiatt Award from the Episcopal Divinity School in 2017. He is a Staff Clergy at the Metropolitan Community Church of New York and Director of Eastern European Affairs for The Global Justice Institute (GJI). He represents the GJI on the Council for Global Equality in Washington, DC. Dr. Merritt was an invited delegate to all three Ministerials for the Advancement of Religious Freedom at the United States Department of State during the Trump Administration. He is the Florida Clergy representative for The One Campaign, headed by the popular musician and activist, Bono, focused on fighting extreme poverty around the world. He travels extensively working for human rights from a faith-based perspective. Dr. Merritt serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Xavier Justice, APBCC, CPES-E
Xavier is a clinical pastoral education supervisor-educator with ICPT and an advanced practice board-certified chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association. He has been in the ministry for over 30 years. He is a military veteran. He holds a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. Xavier is a clinical trauma chaplain who also specializes in mental/behavioral health. He is a psychotherapist and a pastoral care specialist with the ACPE, and a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. He is a board-certified professional Christian Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a George Washington University trainer of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum. Xavier is a master clinical traumatologist, and trauma educator, with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. He is a master addiction counselor with NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals. He is a certified group psychotherapist supervisor with the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Xavier is a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, and educator, with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He is a national clinically certified forensic counselor with the National Association of Forensic Counselors, a clinical forensic neuroscience-informed practitioner, and a neurocriminology-informed professional with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies. Xavier holds a state license as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and a state-certified clinical supervisor. He is certified internationally as a clinical supervisor and an advanced alcohol and drug counselor with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. He is a fellow at the University of Maryland in behavioral health and a trauma subject matter expert in a national journal of the American Psychological Association.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Fr. Joseph Calandra, MA, MPM, BCC, CPES-E
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Rev., Dr. Jim Merritt, APBCC, CPES-E
The Rev Dr. Jim Merritt has been a member of the clergy for over 40 years. He serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022. Dr. Merritt holds a Bachelor of Church Music degree from Stetson University, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School. He is the 2008 recipient of the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology, the first and only male ever to receive this prize, and the 2011 recipient of the J. Normal Hall Prize for Peace and Justice Work. He received the Metropolitan Community Church’s Distinguished Service Award in 2015. He was the recipient of the Rev. Dr. Suzanne B. Hiatt Award from the Episcopal Divinity School in 2017. He is a Staff Clergy at the Metropolitan Community Church of New York and Director of Eastern European Affairs for The Global Justice Institute (GJI). He represents the GJI on the Council for Global Equality in Washington, DC. Dr. Merritt was an invited delegate to all three Ministerials for the Advancement of Religious Freedom at the United States Department of State during the Trump Administration. He is the Florida Clergy representative for The One Campaign, headed by the popular musician and activist, Bono, focused on fighting extreme poverty around the world. He travels extensively working for human rights from a faith-based perspective. Dr. Merritt serves as an Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain in the Level One Trauma Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center where he was recognized as one of two Newcomers of the Year in 2022.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Xavier Justice, APBCC, CPES-E
Xavier is a clinical pastoral education supervisor-educator with ICPT and an advanced practice board-certified chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association. He has been in the ministry for over 30 years. He is a military veteran. He holds a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. Xavier is a clinical trauma chaplain who also specializes in mental/behavioral health. He is a psychotherapist and a pastoral care specialist with the ACPE, and a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. He is a board-certified professional Christian Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a George Washington University trainer of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum. Xavier is a master clinical traumatologist, and trauma educator, with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. He is a master addiction counselor with NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals. He is a certified group psychotherapist supervisor with the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Xavier is a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, and educator, with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He is a national clinically certified forensic counselor with the National Association of Forensic Counselors, a clinical forensic neuroscience-informed practitioner, and a neurocriminology-informed professional with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies. Xavier holds a state license as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and a state-certified clinical supervisor. He is certified internationally as a clinical supervisor and an advanced alcohol and drug counselor with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. He is a fellow at the University of Maryland in behavioral health and a trauma subject matter expert in a national journal of the American Psychological Association.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Xavier Justice, APBCC, CPES-E
Xavier is a clinical pastoral education supervisor-educator with ICPT and an advanced practice board-certified chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association. He has been in the ministry for over 30 years. He is a military veteran. He holds a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University and a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. Xavier is a clinical trauma chaplain who also specializes in mental/behavioral health. He is a psychotherapist and a pastoral care specialist with the ACPE, and a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. He is a board-certified professional Christian Counselor with the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a George Washington University trainer of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum. Xavier is a master clinical traumatologist, and trauma educator, with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. He is a master addiction counselor with NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals. He is a certified group psychotherapist supervisor with the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Xavier is a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, and educator, with the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. He is a national clinically certified forensic counselor with the National Association of Forensic Counselors, a clinical forensic neuroscience-informed practitioner, and a neurocriminology-informed professional with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies. Xavier holds a state license as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor and a state-certified clinical supervisor. He is certified internationally as a clinical supervisor and an advanced alcohol and drug counselor with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. He is a fellow at the University of Maryland in behavioral health and a trauma subject matter expert in a national journal of the American Psychological Association.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Fr. Joseph Calandra, MA, MPM, BCC, CPES-E
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Fr. Joseph Calandra, MA, MPM, BCC, CPES-E
Father Joe is an Anglican Priest endorsed by the Anglican Church in North America’s Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. He and his family live in Texas where he oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education Program for the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System. Fr. Joe is board-certified by the National Association for Veterans Affairs Chaplains as well as the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association. He is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Fr. Joe additionally holds a BA in Religious Studies from Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences and an MA in American Government from the Robertson School of Government. Prior to entering federal chaplaincy with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in June 2023, Fr. Joe’s ministry leadership includes 1 year as an ICPT CPE Supervisor-in-Training, 2 years as Spiritual Director for Magnus Veteran's Foundation based out of Dayton, MN, and nearly 6 years as Director of Chaplaincy for Guardian Angels Senior Services, a multi-site eldercare health and housing provider based out of Elk River, MN. In addition to Fr. Joe’s chaplain service in the VA, he has also served as one of three associate deans tending to the pastoral care, ongoing spiritual formation, and professional development of the Anglican Church in North America’s hospital, hospice, and prison chaplains since appointed by the Bishop of the Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces in Chaplaincy in July of 2023.
Father Joe is an Anglican Priest endorsed by the Anglican Church in North America’s Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. He and his family live in Texas where he oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education Program for the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System. Fr. Joe is board-certified by the National Association for Veterans Affairs Chaplains as well as the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association. He is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Fr. Joe additionally holds a BA in Religious Studies from Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences and an MA in American Government from the Robertson School of Government. Prior to entering federal chaplaincy with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in June 2023, Fr. Joe’s ministry leadership includes 1 year as an ICPT CPE Supervisor-in-Training, 2 years as Spiritual Director for Magnus Veteran's Foundation based out of Dayton, MN, and nearly 6 years as Director of Chaplaincy for Guardian Angels Senior Services, a multi-site eldercare health and housing provider based out of Elk River, MN. In addition to Fr. Joe’s chaplain service in the VA, he has also served as one of three associate deans tending to the pastoral care, ongoing spiritual formation, and professional development of the Anglican Church in North America’s hospital, hospice, and prison chaplains since appointed by the Bishop of the Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces in Chaplaincy in July of 2023.
Father Joe is an Anglican Priest endorsed by the Anglican Church in North America’s Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. He and his family live in Texas where he oversees the Clinical Pastoral Education Program for the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System. Fr. Joe is board-certified by the National Association for Veterans Affairs Chaplains as well as the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association. He is a graduate of Nashotah House Theological Seminary and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Fr. Joe additionally holds a BA in Religious Studies from Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences and an MA in American Government from the Robertson School of Government. Prior to entering federal chaplaincy with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in June 2023, Fr. Joe’s ministry leadership includes 1 year as an ICPT CPE Supervisor-in-Training, 2 years as Spiritual Director for Magnus Veteran's Foundation based out of Dayton, MN, and nearly 6 years as Director of Chaplaincy for Guardian Angels Senior Services, a multi-site eldercare health and housing provider based out of Elk River, MN. In addition to Fr. Joe’s chaplain service in the VA, he has also served as one of three associate deans tending to the pastoral care, ongoing spiritual formation, and professional development of the Anglican Church in North America’s hospital, hospice, and prison chaplains since appointed by the Bishop of the Jurisdiction for the Armed Forces in Chaplaincy in July of 2023.
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Dale Wratchford, D.Th, MHA, BCC, HEC-C, CPES-E
Besides being a Board Certified Chaplain and Board Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Dale is the Manager for the Office of Service and Spiritual Engagement at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He did his CPE residency in pediatric chaplaincy at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. He has served as a chaplain at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston, Texas. He also worked with the Seton Family of Hospitals in which he served as Supervisor at Dell Children's Medical Center and covered hospitals throughout the system including Seton Medical Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Children's Hospital of Austin, Shoal Creek Psychiatric Hospital, and Seton Medical Center Williamson. He also served as the Director of Spiritual Care at Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke Counties. Dale served as the Manager of Spiritual Care at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and helped establish the THRIVE peer support and resiliency program. Throughout his chaplaincy career, Dale has also served as a congregational pastor, hospice chaplain, and on-call trauma chaplain, currently at Children's Hospital Medical Center and CHI Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. He received his Bachelor's in Theology/Philosophy at Texas Lutheran University and his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dale is interested in the intersection between spiritual distress and its impact on health outcomes and has a Healthcare Administration degree from Bellevue University. He also attended Social Work education at Rutgers University and Medical Ethics education at Creighton University and Baylor College of Medicine. Following that education, he joined the American Society for Bioethics and the Humanities (ASBH) and became only the second certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant in Nebraska. Dale is also a Certified Therapeutic Musician. He has co-written several articles on the intersection of spirituality and health. Dale is married with 6 children ranging from junior high school to post-college. Dale's wife has served in healthcare for almost her entire career, currently serving as a Medical Assistant for surgical dermatology. I love to ride my bike 20 miles. Follow the Cubs, and play guitar while singing. I love RV'ing with my wife and exploring the mid-west. I most recently received by Doctorate in Theology in Spiritual Direction specializing in Spiritual Distress Assessment. I am now in the process of creating a CPE program at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
ICPT’s Interactive Distance Learning Management Team Includes:
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Dale Wratchford, D.Th, MHA, BCC, HEC-C, CPES-E
Besides being a Board Certified Chaplain and Board Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Dale is the Manager for the Office of Service and Spiritual Engagement at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He did his CPE residency in pediatric chaplaincy at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. He has served as a chaplain at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston, Texas. He also worked with the Seton Family of Hospitals in which he served as Supervisor at Dell Children's Medical Center and covered hospitals throughout the system including Seton Medical Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Children's Hospital of Austin, Shoal Creek Psychiatric Hospital, and Seton Medical Center Williamson. He also served as the Director of Spiritual Care at Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke Counties. Dale served as the Manager of Spiritual Care at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and helped establish the THRIVE peer support and resiliency program. Throughout his chaplaincy career, Dale has also served as a congregational pastor, hospice chaplain, and on-call trauma chaplain, currently at Children's Hospital Medical Center and CHI Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. He received his Bachelor's in Theology/Philosophy at Texas Lutheran University and his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dale is interested in the intersection between spiritual distress and its impact on health outcomes and has a Healthcare Administration degree from Bellevue University. He also attended Social Work education at Rutgers University and Medical Ethics education at Creighton University and Baylor College of Medicine. Following that education, he joined the American Society for Bioethics and the Humanities (ASBH) and became only the second certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant in Nebraska. Dale is also a Certified Therapeutic Musician. He has co-written several articles on the intersection of spirituality and health. Dale is married with 6 children ranging from junior high school to post-college. Dale's wife has served in healthcare for almost her entire career, currently serving as a Medical Assistant for surgical dermatology. I love to ride my bike 20 miles. Follow the Cubs, and play guitar while singing. I love RV'ing with my wife and exploring the mid-west. I most recently received by Doctorate in Theology in Spiritual Direction specializing in Spiritual Distress Assessment. I am now in the process of creating a CPE program at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
ICPT’s Interactive Distance Learning Management Team Includes:
CPE Supervisor~Educator, Dale Wratchford, D.Th, MHA, BCC, HEC-C, CPES-E
Besides being a Board Certified Chaplain and Board Certified Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Dale is the Manager for the Office of Service and Spiritual Engagement at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He did his CPE residency in pediatric chaplaincy at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. He has served as a chaplain at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston, Texas. He also worked with the Seton Family of Hospitals in which he served as Supervisor at Dell Children's Medical Center and covered hospitals throughout the system including Seton Medical Center, Brackenridge Hospital, Children's Hospital of Austin, Shoal Creek Psychiatric Hospital, and Seton Medical Center Williamson. He also served as the Director of Spiritual Care at Indiana University Health La Porte and Starke Counties. Dale served as the Manager of Spiritual Care at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and helped establish the THRIVE peer support and resiliency program. Throughout his chaplaincy career, Dale has also served as a congregational pastor, hospice chaplain, and on-call trauma chaplain, currently at Children's Hospital Medical Center and CHI Immanuel Hospital in Omaha. He received his Bachelor's in Theology/Philosophy at Texas Lutheran University and his Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dale is interested in the intersection between spiritual distress and its impact on health outcomes and has a Healthcare Administration degree from Bellevue University. He also attended Social Work education at Rutgers University and Medical Ethics education at Creighton University and Baylor College of Medicine. Following that education, he joined the American Society for Bioethics and the Humanities (ASBH) and became only the second certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant in Nebraska. Dale is also a Certified Therapeutic Musician. He has co-written several articles on the intersection of spirituality and health. Dale is married with 6 children ranging from junior high school to post-college. Dale's wife has served in healthcare for almost her entire career, currently serving as a Medical Assistant for surgical dermatology. I love to ride my bike 20 miles. Follow the Cubs, and play guitar while singing. I love RV'ing with my wife and exploring the mid-west. I most recently received by Doctorate in Theology in Spiritual Direction specializing in Spiritual Distress Assessment. I am now in the process of creating a CPE program at Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
ICPT’s Interactive Distance Learning Management Team Includes:
Jose A. Hernandez
SCA Chief Operating Officer
Jose joined SCA in 2013 following eight years as CEO of the YWCA of Trenton, NJ. After successfully turning around a multi-million-dollar organization that was suffering from large debt, aging infrastructure, and dwindling revenues, Jose grew the annual budget by over 45% in just three years. He developed and founded the national “Stand Against Racism” movement – a call to people from all backgrounds to "Stand Against Racism" and discrimination. Previously, Jose served as Chief Development Officer for RENEW International, a faith-based organization that promotes spirituality through its international base of over 25 million small faith-based communities. From 2007-2010 Jose served as an Advisor to the Governor in the matters of Human Services. In addition, he currently serves on a number of local and regional boards, including the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, where he is also a member of the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Hispanic Business Council for the central New Jersey area. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in religious studies and social work from Iona College, and theology post-graduate work at St. John’s University.
Christopher Leone
Director of Technology
Chris brings over 30 years of IT, management, and creative direction. Chris has worked extensively within the corporate, legal, and government sectors. Most recently, Chris' focus has been driving emerging technologies within the healthcare industry. During his work in Asia and Europe, Chris has acquired significant experience in international business administration, staff management, and practices. Prior to founding Correlative Incorporated, Chris was employed with the international law firm of Morgan Lewis as Network Manager and Chief Technology Architect. Chris led a twelve-member team of network engineers and administrators directly responsible for the design, implementation, and management of the firm's international network consisting of 15 offices and over 3,500 nodes. Chris has also been employed with leading international companies including Computer Sciences Corporation and McMillian Publishing.