Rev. Dr. Lorna Graham, Clinical Chaplain, specializes in Hospice & Palliative Care and Addiction Counseling
Vermont Business Magazine Chaplain Lorna Graham has joined the White River Junction Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System as Chief of Chaplain Services. Dr Graham is a proponent of chaplain leadership that promotes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to Spiritual Care.
“It is essential to recognize and genuinely consider the acute complexities that are part of the human experience of illness because they directly impact behavioral and cognitive processes.” Her areas of specialty have been Hospice & Palliative Care and Mental Health.
Chaplain Lorna Graham
Lorna has served at Massachusetts General Hospital, Care Dimensions Hospice & Palliative Care Services, Recovery Centers of America, and VA Boston Medical Center. Her primary focus at VA Boston was the Women in Treatment Recovery Program. During that time, she initiated a spiritual care curriculum, facilitated groups and presented at seminars on spirituality & trauma, alcohol/substance use disorder and factors related to relapse.
“The goal is for Veterans to establish or regain their spirituality, begin the search for purpose, seek change through positive growth and reconnect with self and the world instead of chasing the need of their addiction. The outcome enables patients to move from a place of brokenness to wholeness.”
Lorna earned her Doctor of Ministry Degree in Homiletics and Master of Divinity in Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA, where she received the Athanasius Scholar Award. Lorna is an Ordained Minister with the World Council of International Christian Churches. She is a candidate for Board Certification with the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy (NAVAC), an affiliate of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Her vision is to integrate Spiritual Care within the operational structure of the hospital and to contribute to the wider community of learning through teaching, networking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lorna is also a graduate of Northeastern University, Boston, MA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Before becoming a professional chaplain, she had a successful career in finance and worked for the Massachusetts Division of Banks as a Bank Examiner. Her blend of corporate expertise, spiritual insightfulness, personal integration and clinical curiosity have guided her through each step of learning, training and leadership.
Lorna appreciates nature, enjoys traveling, spending quality time with friends, and good laughter.
"We were eager to welcome Lorna to White River Junction VA Healthcare System.” Chris Husmann, Social Work Executive said, “The wealth of experience she brings to the Chaplain department will further enrich this important clinical service, offering direct benefits to our Veterans.”
Source: WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – VA Medical Center 7.31.2020