About us

Meet Our Spiritual Director

Rick Capezza

Ram Dass once wrote that “Life is an incredible curriculum in which we live it richly and passionately as a way of awakening to the deepest truths of our being.” Throughout the joys and traumas of my life, I have had a clear sense of divine purpose expressed through my work and calling as a spiritual care clinician, clinical supervisor and graduate level professor of spiritual care and counseling. 

 

While I’ve spent much of my career as an educator, my most life-altering education and experiences have come from observing, conversing, and interacting with others and the world around me. 

 

I have an immense curiosity about how to live this experience more passionately and richly, and my greatest joy in this life has been the opportunity stoke in others the divine spark that gives us breath and life. 

I am, at the deepest levels of my soul, merely a spiritual pyromaniac

Rick Capezza, Spiritual Director

 

Why The Spiritual Care Fund Matters

At the heart of The Spiritual Care Fund is a deeply personal narrative. I have had an interest spiritual questions for most of my life. I completed my bachelor’s in religion and literature, I went on to take another 275 graduate level credits in religion. It wasn’t just an academic interest either. I audited four different 3-year ministerial training programs (each in a different Christian traditions) and earned nine professional certifications because I wanted to apply all the things I learned to help others in my work as an interfaith chaplain. And I did. Unfortunately, I was  much better at helping others than I was at helping myself.

By the time I was 40, I was clinging to a marriage that had been deeply unhappy, emotionally turbulent, and reactive through its entire sixteen year span. I had worked two, three, and sometimes four jobs throughout the marriage, so I could provide for our family of six while (ex)wife cared for the home and homeschooled our four children. We were both miserable in every way. I was shrinking emotionally and spiritually every day while also ballooning to over 500 lbs.

Despite all my theological education and ministry service, nothing about my faith was healthy.

My life’s work was grounded in an earnest desire to jelp others navigate the questions that had plagued me. I wanted to provide solace and guidance to those navigating life’s profound existential and spiritual questions, especially in times of crisis. But the demands of my work and the tumult of my marriage did not leave much emotional space for me to process my own ongoing trauma. 

When the house of cards finally came tumbling down, I struggled to grapple with the reality that everything I had built to construct this identity was…gone. I had “followed my heart” for people rather than listening to what the rest of me was saying. I gave and gave and gave til that heart gave out. I learned all about God and tried my best to apply all the principles, but I hadn’t learned to deal with my own inner nature.  

It was ultimately an incredible gift that led me to nurture the mind-body-spirit connection within myself. It wasn’t a straight line to healing. There were a lot of circles and scribbles. There still are. But through this process, I was able to shed harmful spiritual beliefs and practices as well as over 300 lbs. 

It was in the crucible of personal hardship and recovery that the concept of The Spiritual Care Fund was conceived. 

A large part of my healing journey was, quite frankly, running away – just getting space from all the competing voices who were telling me who I should be. I couldn’t get away from my own voice. It had been trained to speak to me a certain way. We had to have many conversations.

Along the way, I learned to become a “travel hacker,” traveling the world cheaply.  I spent a lot of time in nature, by myself or with friends. As an interfaith chaplain, I had been trained to listen. Now I simply listened without having to plan a clinical intervention or create a plan of care. I just listened with wonder and appreciate for their willingness to share their stories authentically and vulnerably. I found joy and energy spending time with spiritual practitioners and religious communities that were different from my own, and I experienced a deeper appreciation for the unity found throughout the diversity of spiritual expression. In that place of appreciation, rather than that place of learning-for-the-purpose-of-knowledge-or-application, I heard my voice in their mouths.

I earned another doctorate in multifaith studies. I took graduate courses at a Buddhist graduate school and a Hindu seminary – learning directly from their spiritual masters, going on their retreats, and being a part of their communities. I didn’t want to simply learn about their beliefs; I wanted to walk in their shoes (well, most of them didn’t wear shoes).  I was invited to join indigenous communities in the desert and shamans in the jungle. I learned dervishes with Sufi sheikhs and pilgrimaged to energy portals with Lightworkers. I didn’t always feel the “power of moldavite” in my hands, but every time the diamond turned, I saw a new divine glimmer. As a life-long educator, innovator, and creator, I was refreshed and renewed by new scenery, new perspectives, and the divine breath that animates, not only people of my faith tradition, but all of creation.

The Spiritual Care Fund is the culmination of my personal journey and professional work, combining my love for diverse spiritual practices, my fervor for spiritual wellness and counseling education, and a belief that rest is a holy act of rebellion in an achievement-driven world. 

This initiative stands as a testament to the realization that helping others on their journey of spiritual wellness requires a foundation of personal well-being. The education and respite programs funded and facilitated by The Spiritual Care Fund are not just an abstract concept for me; they are born out of the crucible of my own struggles and the profound understanding that caregivers need care too.

Through this initiative, we aim to break the cycle of emotional and spiritual burnout, offering spiritual care professionals a sanctuary where they can reclaim their peace, reconnect with their spiritual roots, and rekindle their passion for compassionate caregiving. The weight of others’ existential struggles need not become a burden that hinders our own well-being.

I invite you to join us in this transformative journey—a journey toward creating a culture of self-care within the spiritual care community. Your support and engagement with The Spiritual Care Fund contribute to a vision where caregivers find the respite they deserve, and in turn, provide more authentic and compassionate care to those they serve. Together, we can cultivate a community where the well-being of spiritual care professionals is valued, nurtured, and prioritized.

Our Commitment

As stewards of the Spiritual Care Fund, we are committed to walking alongside each other in this wondrous experience of existence, appreciating that we are all doing our best. We pledge to uphold these principles, beliefs, and practices in our work and interactions, striving to create a world where spiritual health and love flourish. We ask our community to join us in this mission, embracing not only the support we offer but participating in a grassroots growth effort. Together, we can nourish those who nourish others, creating a ripple effect of well-being and love that touches every corner of the world.

Meet Our Team

Rick Capezza

Spiritual Director

Dr. Rick Capezza has been a spiritual counselor, clinical educator, and college professor for over 20 years, founding some of the world’s largest and most influential training institutes at the intersection of religion, spirituality, and counseling.

Priscilla chin

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Priscilla is an executive assistant with a diverse skill set, including expertise in funnel building, social media management, and virtual assistance. Formerly a legal secretary, she brings strong administrative capabilities to her current role as an operations manager at a museum, where she leads a team of visitor services staff. Passionate about self-care, Priscilla also runs an ecommerce business focused on health and wellness products. Her multifaceted experience and commitment to holistic well-being make her a valuable asset to any team.

Mian Ahmed

Marketing Specialist

Mian Ahmed is a marketing specialist with a diverse background in digital marketing, encompassing strategy development, content creation, graphic design, video editing, and more. With a track record of successfully growing numerous accounts, Mian leverages his creativity and strategic acumen to drive engagement and enhance brand visibility. His unwavering passion for his work is evident in every project, ensuring that each piece of content not only captivates but also resonates deeply with the target audience. Committed to continuous learning, Mian stays abreast of the evolving digital landscape, delivering exceptional results for clients and partners. Mian's faith is a cornerstone of his life and work. He believes in respecting and valuing all religions and beliefs, promoting an inclusive and compassionate approach in all his endeavors. Mian believes in the transformative power of Islamic principles such as compassion, integrity, and service. Through his work, Mian fosters meaningful connections and provides unwavering support. His content not only engages but also uplifts and inspires, reflecting his faith-driven dedication to making a positive impact. His commitment to these values helps him build meaningful connections and provide unwavering support to those he collaborates with, ensuring his work makes a positive impact.

Srabon Hasan

Information Technology

Srabon Hasan is a visionary IT leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and digital transformation. As VP of Information Technology, Srabon is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's IT infrastructure, systems, and applications. Srabon has a deep understanding of the ever-changing technology landscape and is skilled at developing and implementing strategic IT initiatives that align with business goals. With a focus on security, scalability, and efficiency, Srabon is a trusted advisor to senior management and is committed to delivering high-performance IT solutions that support the company's growth and success.

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial
Scroll to Top