Trent University works with a group of volunteer Chaplains and Community Liaisons from various faith traditions in the community. Chaplains are available for one-on-one appointments with students, and are trained to provide support and counseling to students. Community Liaisons, while not formally trained to provide spiritual care, can offer a point of connection with the faith group they represent. They can share information about the faith, service times, meeting locations, and may be able to discuss questions of an ethical, spiritual or religious nature with students. All Chaplains and Community Liaisons sign a volunteer contract with Trent University and submit an annual police record check.
Chaplains
Seeking individualized spiritual care? Our volunteer Chaplains are trained to provide care through their respective certifying bodies. Feel free to reach out to a Chaplain using the email address provided, and they will support you in setting up an appointment.
Indigenous
The First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University provides cultural support to First Nations, Inuit and Metis students. For information about cultural events and support, please visit the FPHL website. Indigenous students are also welcome to access any of the supports below. Please contact Johanna Hart for more information about culturally-sensitive religious support.
Jewish
Dr. Rabbi Denise Handlarski (she/her), a Professor in the Trent School of Education, is affiliated with Secular Humanistic Judaism. She serves people who are Jewish, Jew-ish, secular, agnostic, atheist, spiritual but not religious, or culturally Jewish. She is an ordained Rabbi through the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism and a member of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis. Denise can act as a guide to help folks through difficult moments, mental health challenges, decision-making, transitions, and more. She loves having conversations about how to have a more spiritually connected and engaged life. Find her at secularsynagogue.com.
Unitarian Universalist
Stephanie Wildheart (she/her) is a Trent Alumni who has worked at Trent for 12 years. She graduated with a degree in Psychology, then spent 5 years in Ireland running a mansion-turned-hostel and exploring Europe. Stephanie has a daughter that she adores. Her family also includes two Yorkipoos and a Sphynx cat. Stephanie grew up in a religious family and while interested in ministry, she took some time for self-reflection and ultimately found her spiritual home with the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough. She has since held many roles including the President of the Board, Chair of several committees, and occasional service leader . She is thrilled to support humans in the role of Lay Chaplain, offering thoughtful ceremonies in celebration of life transitions. Please reach out for more information about Unitarian Universalism, Rites of Passage ceremonies, or anything else. Unitarians love questions and believe we are all on our own journeys. Good company only adds to the fuller adventure!
Christian - Catholic
Father Chukwudi Jieme acts as the Director of the Catholic Diocese of Peterborough Campus Ministry, and as Catholic Chaplain to the students at Trent University and Sir Sanford Fleming College. Born and raised in Nigeria, he is a priest of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation. He has worked in Manitoba and Alberta before transitioning into campus ministry for the Diocese of Peterborough.
frchukwudijieme@peterboroughdiocese.org
Christian - Non-Denominational
Ben Peltz lives in the north end of Peterborough with his wife and daughter. Ben and his wife were students at Trent University from 2006-2010 before going into pastoral ministry. Ben currently serves as a pastor at Curve Lake Christian Assembly and is a doctoral candidate at Tyndale Seminary. He also runs summer camps for First Nations youth and oversees a student-run group called Christians For Trent. Ben is always happy to meet with students to discuss spiritual matters, regardless of their background. If you wish to find out more about him or his work you can visit his personal website.
Christian - Non-Denominational
Cormac Culkeen holds a degree in Cultural Studies and Philosophy from Trent University (’10). Cormac has experience in many different faith spaces, and currently holds a number of leadership roles with the Anglican Church for the spiritual care of youth and young adults, including being the Area Coordinator for Youth Ministry for the Trent-Durham Area, and being the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Peterborough. Cormac brings an inclusive, affirming, and queer-positive attitude toward their spiritual care work. They love talking about all things spiritual, and they make space for students with wide-ranging beliefs and experiences. Cormac believes that everyone deserves to have safe spaces to explore and deepen their spiritual practices! When they are not working, Cormac likes being a volunteer Chaplain for Camp fYrefly – a camp for LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, producing radio at Trent Radio, and teaching their big, nervous rescue mutt Bruno how to be a dog.
Quaker
Katryna de Salaberry graduated from Trent with a BA in Western Philosophy. She later completed an MA in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from Wilfred Laurier University. Her education and life experience have led her to work privately as a therapist and spiritual care provider. She describes herself as a contemplative and a mystic. Katryna was not brought up in a faith tradition, but as a teen began a journey of self-discovery and exploration of different faiths. This eventually led her to the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers, and to become and interfaith Chaplain. Katryna has lived in several countries, and loves to sing, dance, garden, read, knit, paint in water colour, and work on her ancient house (1861). She is blessed to be the mother of three young adults. She's passionate about honouring the earth and building community. In all of these pursuits she feels a connection to the divine.
Community Liaisons
Interested in finding out more about one of these faiths, including meeting times and locations? Please reach out individually to the Community Liaisons below.
Muslim
Dr. Quazi Abidur Rahman, an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Trent University, is involved with the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association (KMRA) in Peterborough. Quazi is eager to meet Trent students interested in learning about KMRA's services. He is particularly enthusiastic about welcoming new students and helping them connect with the local Muslim community in Peterborough.
Buddhist
Terri Morrison has a degree in English from University of Toronto. Terri considers all spiritual journeys to be like paths up a mountain - the summit being the same regardless of which path one chooses. Terri has been practicing with The Buddhist Place in Peterborough for seven years. She would be happy to share with students the Buddhist teachings on alleviating suffering and finding peace and joy, as well as providing guided meditations. Terri also enjoys family, spending time in nature, yoga, reading, music, theatre, good movies, documentaries and podcasts.
Humanist
Esther "Tess" Coalter (she/her) is a Humanist officiant and celebrant whose work centres compassion, connection and the shared meaning of human experience. Humanists celebrate life and focus on cooperation and inclusive problem-solving. Tess warmly invites students and colleagues to be curious about life's existential questions and to feel at home exploring them through the tools of science and critical inquiry. She believes that as human knowledge expands, so too do our responsibilities, our own ethics and our understanding of our place in the world. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Religious Studies, with a minor in Spiritual and Personal Development, and an MSc in Social Psychology. A lifelong lover of poetry, nature, and quiet reflection, Tess finds renewal by canoeing on still waters, cross-country skiing, or walking among old-growth forests. She practices mindfulness meditation, paints with encaustics and volunteers in hospice care.
Risk Management: All of the volunteers with Trent University Spiritual Affairs have signed a volunteer contract and have submitted a current criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening. If ever you feel unsafe when meeting with a Spiritual Affairs volunteer, please call Trent Security at x1333 and report the incident. Please feel free to share feedback on any experiences you have had, both positive or negative, by reaching out to Johanna Hart, Coordinator of Spiritual Affairs.