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, either virtually or in-person.
Indigenous
Indigenous students interested in accessing cultural support can reach out to the First Peoples' House of Learning at fphl@trentu.ca.
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 and staff member. 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 and some fur babies. 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.
Christian - Catholic
Fr Adam Pantaleo - bio coming soon!
Christian - Anglican/Interdenominational
Ben Peltz lives in the north end of Peterborough with his wife and teenage daughter. He and his wife were Trent students from 2006-2010. During that time he earned a BA in Political Studies and became involved with a Christian group on campus (InterVarsity at Trent) that he continues to support. Since then, he has earned a Master's of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Tyndale University; pastored independent Evangelical churches in Peterborough and Curve Lake; and run summer camps for First Nations youth. He is currently taking steps towards ordination with the Anglican Church of Canada. Ben is always happy to meet with students to discuss spiritual matters, regardless of their background.
Christian - Lutheran
Ále (they/them) is a Spiritual Care Provider at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. They hold a Master of Divinity and are preparing for ordination with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). Rooted in the Christian tradition and expressive arts practices, Ále is committed to inclusive spiritual care grounded in welcome, deep listening, and exploration. They enjoy accompanying people of all faiths, spiritualities, and worldviews, including those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or spiritual but not religious. Ále is passionate about creating spaces where people can encounter the sacred and explore questions of meaning, purpose, identity, and belonging. At Trent, they hope to foster opportunities for contemplative practice, creative spirituality, queer theological exploration, and conversations about reconciliation, justice, and our relationship with the land.
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.
Sikh
Jeevi Mann Panaich - bio coming soon!
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.