Religious & Spiritual LifeShannon Farrand-Bernardin

Rev. Shannon is an ordained Christian minister, interfaith chaplain and a grief counselor.  She is passionate about religious dialogue, interfaith work, exploring the intersections of higher education and spirituality, and providing spiritual care that supports students in building lives that reflect their deepest values and passions.

 Prior to serving at Amherst College, Rev. Shannon was the Assistant Chaplain for Christian and Interfaith Life at Carleton College, where she also facilitated grief support groups and co-taught a Philosophy Department course about death and dying. 

Beyond college campuses, Rev. Shannon has undertaken chaplaincy in prisons, on the streets, counseling women who are survivors of domestic and sexual assault, supporting individuals who’ve experienced disaster and trauma, and walking alongside people in recovery.   She also provides grief counseling to young adults nationwide.  Rev. Shannon’s favorite things include taking her four dogs and three kids on walks, having long theological discussions, and curling up with a good book.

Rev. Shannon received her Master of Arts in Social Ethics and Theology, with a focus on women and public healthcare, from Union Theological Seminary in New York, and a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, with a focus on spiritual counseling.  She was the Yale Divinity Henry Hallam Tweedy Fellow in 2008, and completed three units of Clinical Pastoral Education through Social Justice CPE in Minneapolis.  She holds certifications in Psychological First Aid, Strategies for Trauma Resilience, and Suicide Alertness.  Rev. Shannon speaks nationally on topics related to young adult mental health, grief, and suicide prevention.

Reach out to Rev. Shannon to introduce yourself, learn more about the regular Protestant programs listed below, or to schedule an appointment for spiritual support or counseling.

Programs: More detailed descriptions can be found here
Dinner Church: Monday nights at 7
Midweek Retreat: Prayers in the Christian Tradition, weekday morning 20 minute service, TBD

Special gatherings, programs, service opportunities and field trips, held throughout the year.

Position: Christian Chaplain and Interfaith Coordinator
Office hours: By appointment
Email: sfarrandbernardin@amherst.edu