She shared that many factors kept her from pursuing her education to become a Chaplain in the past. With her being out of school since 2006, Stephanie experienced an adjustment period to shift into online and distance learning. However, she is a testament to how Grace can be a perfect fit and benefit lifelong learners of all positions and seasons. She is grateful that even at 56 years old, she was able to take classes in an accredited seminary and graduate with a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy degree with the Class of 2022. His timing is always perfect, and she is continually reminded of God’s call to serve Him.

As she recollects her Grace journey, Stephanie shares the classes and professors that stood out and left an impact on her life and ministry. The courses on Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) taught by Professor Dallas Speight and his son, Scott Speight, were life-changing. She reflected on her core theological concepts as she learned to grow in her walk with God. Lessons she learned through the course gave her better understanding of how to communicate and minister to others. Stephanie considers the time she invested in this class invaluable to her ministry and life growth. CPE became a safe place to learn, grow, and allow God to sharpen and strengthen her for what God has called her to do in the future.