Education:
I work as a pre-licensed marriage and family therapist supporting individuals, couples, and families, in Massachusetts. I’ve been a pastor for 18 years creating spaces for curiosity, mental wellness, and healthy community. I received a Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy degree (CFT) at Antioch University New England, a Master’s in Christian Ministry (M.A.C.M) at Harding School of Theology and a B.A. in Bible from Ohio Valley University.
Working as a Pastor:
People join faith communities in search of sacred relationships. Many people find their community. But some of us land in toxic religious institutions that cause distress and trauma. I have personal experience navigating religious trauma and am sensitive to how religion has harmed individuals and communities. As a pastor it is my intention to create spaces for curiosity, mental wellness, and healthy community and I’ve been working at it for 18 years. For the last 10 years I have served the Burlington Church of Christ with great joy.
I have worked with leaders from all faith traditions to develop healthy practices in both public and religious spaces. I am passionate about creating communities that embrace wellness and inclusion. I want to bring a greater focus on diversity and equity to religious and local communities. As people live out of their faith, they’re looking for more than tools and products. They’re looking for guidance for nurturing a culture of spiritual growth and wellbeing. I’ve worked with families and congregations for years and have come to recognize how every house of worship is uniquely skilled in serving their members. Supporting these houses of worship, I empower both leaders and members, and address behaviors and structures that limit wellness.
Working as a Community Member:
I am a member of the Burlington Area Clergy group which cares for the community of Burlington through various social actions. I also currently serve on the community board for Burlington Youth and Family Services which assists in supporting mental health workers and local families in Burlington.
As a member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness, I previously co-facilitated a support group for families with mental health challenges through NAMI Massachusetts. I also moderated the Faith Communities and Mental Health forum (FCMH) in cooperation with NAMI Central Middlesex. FCMH is a biennial forum focused on helping faith communities build healthy communities for families with mental health challenges.
Expertise:
In my work as a therapist I support clients processing Relationship Issues, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Family Conflict, Grief, Marital and Premarital, Peer Relationships, Religious Trauma, Spirituality, Gender Identity, Trauma and PTSD
In my work as a pastor I am skilled in Professional Speaking, Pastoral Care, Collaborative work ethic, Cross-functional Team Building, Event Organization, Leadership, Community Building, Conflict Resolution, Pastoral Counseling.
Chais DiMaggio 