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.
Indigenous students seeking Indigenous cultural support can reach out to our campus partners at the First Peoples' House of Learning at fphl@trentu.ca.
Chaplains
Seeking individualized spiritual care? Our volunteer Chaplains are trained to provide 1:1 spiritual 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. Our Chaplains are listed in alphabetical order below.
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 - Catholic
Fr. Adam Pantaleo is a Roman Catholic priest currently serving as the Chaplain & Director of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Peterborough. His role is to support Trent University and Fleming College students in their faith and spiritual journeys. Prior to being ordained, Fr. Adam studied chemistry, earning his BSc and MSc degrees from McMaster University and the University of Toronto. During his seminary formation, he also earned an MDiv degree from U of T and an STB (Bachelor of Sacred Theology) degree from St. Augustine’s Seminary. Fr. Adam is passionate about helping young adults navigate the joys and sorrows of post-secondary studies. He brings a Catholic Christian focus to his work, which flows from his diverse background as a practicing Catholic, a science major, and a theology graduate. He can provide sacramental and pastoral care to Catholic students and is also willing to meet with those from other religious backgrounds. Apart from science and faith, Fr. Adam loves the outdoors, is a good swimmer, and can play the flute.
fradampantaleo@peterboroughdiocese.org
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.
Email coming soon!
Humanist
Esther "Tess" Coalter (she/her) is a Humanist Chaplain endorsed by the Humanist Society, offering compassionate, inclusive care to people of all backgrounds. She welcomes conversations about life's challenges, transitions, questions of meaning, and what helps us find hope, purpose and resilience. Tess has completed the BTS Centre's Navigating Spiritual Care for Climate Grief pastoral care course. She is part of a network of climate-conscious chaplains (eco-chaplains) who specialize in providing spiritual care for people experiencing eco-anxiety, climate grief, and burnout. Inspired by Trent's commitment to inclusive community, dialogue and personal growth, Tess is dedicated to creating a welcoming space where students, faculty and staff can reflect, connect and feel heard.
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.
Muslim
Aisha Patel is an Islamic scholar holding a degree in Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence (Alimiyyah). She is also a mature student at Trent University, specializing in cognitive and behavioural neuroscience. She has experience as a mental health worker and faith-based counsellor with Islamic organizations, providing support that bridges spiritual guidance and mental health. In addition, she has served as the VP of External Affairs for the TDSA and the Senior Sisters' Representative with the TMSA. As the founder of Al-Mukhlis Institute, Aisha brings eight years of experience in Islamic education, teaching and counselling. Aisha is passionate about interfaith collaboration, education, student leadership, mental health advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces that empower individuals and strengthen communities.
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.
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.
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 using the email address provided. Our Community Liaisons are listed in alphabetical order below.
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.
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.
Sikhi
Prabhjeevit Kaur is a student at Trent University and founder of the Trent Sikh Students' Association. Jeevi is passionate about creating spaces where Sikh students can gather in shared practice, learning, and community — and where students of all backgrounds can learn about Sikhi. She also serves on Trent's Spiritual Affairs Advisory Committee, advocating for awareness and equitable representation of Sikhi on campus, and is currently working with community partners toward the establishment of a Gurdwara for the city of Peterborough. Jeevi is happy to connect with students who want to learn about Sikhi, find community, or explore how to practice their faith on campus without barriers.
Email coming soon!
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.