How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since the fall of 2023.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
Before coming to Saint Philip’s I would have said that I grew up in the Presbyterian church. But I think it was more evangelical than I understood at the time.

How did you find your way here?
Initially, it was the beautiful campus. Our family chose this church as the backdrop for family photos.

But Saint Philip’s was a church that resonated with my husband, Aaron, so we attended at Easter with friends. I remember sitting in the courtyard and feeling comfortable with what was going on.

The other draw was the Blessing of the Animals. We brought our two English bulldogs and ran into Holly Crawford. Our children played basketball together but I didn’t know she was a parishioner. She was very friendly and welcoming.

Running into Holly at church turned out to be a real gift, correct?
It was. We discovered that Aaron had Thymic Carcinoma in July 2023. He received aggressive chemotherapy but it didn’t work. He had a “Hail Mary” surgery that lasted 10 hours and removed most of the tumor.

Unfortunately, during the operation a major vessel got nicked and Aaron lost a lot of blood and received a lot of fluid. His brain swelled and he had a massive bilateral stroke and died the next morning. That was on October 19, 2023.

When Holly heard the news she texted me and asked if I needed any spiritual support. I said yes and she introduced me to Mtr Taylor.

How did Saint Philip’s help you following Aaron’s death?
Mtr Taylor came around our family and helped me put a service together. We did it quickly because I needed the children to understand what happened.

She also introduced me to Bill Symonds and the Stephen Ministry. He has taught me a lot of things and I’m very grateful for that ministry.

Also, his passion for this parish, the music program, the children’s ministry, and the families helped me overcome my initial reluctance to attend. And thank goodness because the Parents Formation Group is filled with amazing people.

What was your reluctance about?
I was reluctant because of what I’d been taught as a child. Namely, that ritual is a barrier between God and me, and unhelpful. I valued the direct pipeline to Jesus through praise songs and bible study.

What changed?
I’m at a different point in my life now. What appealed to me—and was helpful—as a younger person has changed.

And I remember an “Aha” moment during my time at Loyola, a Jesuit medical school. My best friend at the time was Roman Catholic and found real connection and joy in the liturgy. That always stuck with me, and helped me begin to look for the benefit that ritual can offer.

I continue to love the intellectual challenge and the provocative ways I’m invited to think. And I now treasure the solace, chanting, incense, communion, and Book of Common Prayer.

What do you do professionally?
I’m a psychiatrist, and work with children and adults. I’m the Chief Medical Officer at Easterseals Blake Foundation. I also work at COPE Community Services at one of its methadone clinics.

How do you balance all that while raising two children?
Well, I’m not alone. I see what my patients balance and feel fortunate. I’m lucky to have generous friends who I consider family, and great bosses who support me. Aaron’s family is large and really loves us. My family and Saint Philip’s have been supportive, too.

And both kids have flexed a little. They’ve adjusted to not getting home-made lunches anymore or getting picked up early.

Our amazing dog walker keeps the dogs going and also helps me out. Having the financial resources necessary to maintain stability is also a big blessing.

What’s one of your superpowers?
I’m able to connect with people on a fundamental level and get to the core of what’s really going on with them.

We’re all human and ultimately on this journey together.

What about your work engages you?
It’s really satisfying work because I can make an impact—with or without medicine.

I went to medical school thinking I wanted to do emergency medicine or gynecology/obstetrics—something with a little kick. But what I found most interesting were my psychiatry rotations.

I called my mom every day and told her how amazing people’s brains are; they can go off-line and then come back online. Especially with psychotic illnesses where medicines can really help a high functioning person after a psychotic episode.

My interest in addiction medicine is more recent. It’s a real pleasure working in this area. They are invested in their sobriety and want help.

I feel very lucky to have a job where I can use my talents and I feel needed. I don’t see myself ever retiring.

You have a very easy presence about you that probably helps you connect with people.
A lot of people tell me that. The irony is that I’m generally an anxious person and wound up on the inside.

That was something I loved about my husband. He was very funny and easy to be with. When I was around him I relaxed and didn’t feel any anxiety.

We balanced each other out really well.

How do you relax and replenish yourself now that he’s not here?
Being with my kids one-on-one is very replenishing.

I’m trying to re-establish a regular exercise routine. Yoga nourishes me and I love my Peleton classes.

And I love to cook a nice meal and enjoy it with friends. That’s definitely how I recharge.

What’s a belief that you’ve let go of?
All the expectations I used to have about what is appropriate and desirable. I now let my instincts and God guide me.

People’s contributions don’t always appear equal or obvious even though they might make a huge difference.

For example, Aaron was an athlete and an artist who embraced an alternative lifestyle. He didn’t own a car when we met and definitely didn’t own any life insurance. But he loved God, loved me, and was a joy to be with. I was able to appreciate his strengths—and we had a great relationship.

Same thing with my kids. I no longer wage battles about what they should wear and fight about getting to church on time. They’re interested in attending formation classes so I’ve embraced that instead.

What’s something that concerns you?
I’m generally an optimist but I do worry about the state of our country. Expressing views—regardless of what they are—is risky now.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of how I was able to shift and pivot without Aaron and prioritize what I think was really important for my kids: to be with them before and after school.

I’ve given up some hours and income to make that happen because I think that’s what they truly need.

I’m proud of my kids for being so resilient. In fact, I think they’re thriving. They’re really keepin’ on and not looking back.

What are some of your core values?
Authenticity and integrity. Also leading with love. I try to always assume the best in other people and believe they’re acting with good intentions.

How has your faith helped you?
Knowing God helps me move forward because I’m not alone. It also lets me trust that no matter what happens I’ll be ok.

What’s something about you that friends have said they really appreciate?
My laugh. My kids sometimes get embarrassed and tell me everyone can hear me laughing. But I think my friends and kids appreciate that I’m open and authentic.

What’s something you haven’t done that you’d still like to do?
I’d like to get up at 7:00am instead of 5:30am! But there aren’t any big things I don’t think I’ve done. I have what everybody wants: love and fun and joy.

I used to want to travel all over the world and go on safari and now I appreciate down-time at home.

What’s something you look forward to?
I’m looking forward to growing more into this community and participating in additional ways—perhaps when things shift and time isn’t so tight.

I’m looking forward to a healthy rhythm of sleep, exercise, and food. I think health—mental and physical—is what I desire most. I get that through laughter and relationships–which is probably why I do what I do. The relationships fill me up.

What are you grateful for?
So much! I love my job because I get to help people. I’m in a place that’s beautiful aesthetically, and that’s important to me. At this church and in my home, I’m with people I love and laugh with.

I feel very lucky that I got to get married, and have amazing kids who are funny and loving. What more is there?

What have I not asked that you would like people to know?
I feel lucky to have found this church. So many people have come from different places but we’re all seeking community, good sermons, knowledge, and closeness. Everyone is welcome and I’ve found acceptance here.

And I appreciate that the culture isn’t top down. We’re all invited to explore.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I lived the Boys in the Boat story because I was a coxswain on the men’s crew team at the University of Washington for four years.