who I am
the basics
When asked to describe myself, I say I am a perpetual student and Bible geek, who finds joy in the challenge and education of exploring important ideas and Scripture with others. I spent my first life (career that paid the bills) as an intelligence analyst, dealing with international relations, cultures, economies, and trends. Later, I found the skills I honed in a job I loved translated well to a seminary education. I now am an amateur Bible scholar, exploring different traditions seeking ways to help people today relate to the ancient texts.
what I do
Studying the Bible helps me understand and relate to the world we live in. I lead bible studies, retreats, and classes around themes that feel pertinent to the news today. I create art, poetry, drama, and reflective prose to respond to hard truths and Scripture. I make art inspired by words. I write words inspired by reactions to stories. I tell stories aloud to invite new ways to hear old narratives in today’s context.
my background
In 2014 I received a Master of Art in Biblical Interpretation from Virginia Theological Seminary. In 2016 I completed a certificate in Theology and the Arts at Wesley Theological Seminary. I also hold an undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from what is now known as the National Intelligence University.
I am the longtime wife of David Crosby, an Episcopal priest. We live with our rescue dogs in Alexandria, VA.
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Imagining Collaboration
I am open to exploring any opportunities you might be considering to explore your faith individually or in a public setting.
Imagining Retreats
Here's a list of retreats I have ready to go, either because I've led them already, or because I wanted to see how the subject and process would unfold.
I am open to new topics or mixing up the programs I've already worked.
Imagining Bible Studies
I love to talk about the bible with anybody. I do traditional study with personal reflections, contemplative or lectio divina with silence and sharing, and the African Model of Reflection for understanding how the Bible speaks to us in our lives right now.
Imagining Art Reflection
Most of the art I make, both graphic and written, responds directly to bible stories that have moved me.
Imagining Illustrations
Some of my creations lend themselves to illustrating stories from the bible. Some are useful for letting the story seep into your bones, some are more interpretive about how characters might be feeling or reacting. All of them are (of course) based on my perceptions of a story at a particular point in my life. Sometimes I wonder, "What was I thinking?"
Imagining the stories between the lines
The Jewish tradition of midrash--reading between the words and lines of the text to explain what happens and why--is an ancient practice. We have literature dating to the 2d c CE, but based on older stories, illustrating this rich practice. For me, midrash allows exploring the human characters in the stories, and assigning emotions and motives where none are detailed.
It's just another method of interpretation.