UNION News

Angela Moscheo Benson M.A. ’06, ’10

Categories: Alums in the World

What do you do?

After teaching for the past decade, I accepted a job earlier this year at Cumberland Heights, an internationally renowned drug and alcohol treatment facility. In addition to leading inter-religious services, I also teach group classes on Twelve Step spirituality and religion, guilt and shame, anger and resentment, and loss and grief. I also am the Pastoral Care Director, so I regularly counsel individuals and families in issues surrounding spirituality and religion and other recovery needs.

How did Union prepare you for this?

At Union I was able to have rigorous discourse with people from a variety of faith traditions, an opportunity that regularly inform my work today. I also took advantage of the opportunity to attend classes at Columbia’s Teachers College. Those courses related directly to my professional goal of becoming a chaplain and teacher of religion, a goal I have reached with my current position.

What is the best thing about your job?

I get paid to have in depth theological and philosophical conversations every day. In turn, I have the honor of ministering to the spiritually wounded.

How have stayed connected to Union?

I return to Union at least once a year to attend a chapel service, participate in a seminar or even sit in on a class. The Landmark guest rooms are a great way to be on campus and in the city I love where I can meet up with old friends and classmates. I also stay in touch with a number of my classmates and a few of my professors through email.

What would you say to someone considering going to Union?

UTS is an opportunity of a lifetime. I felt honored to be chosen to attend the school where every one of my favorite theologians either attended, taught or both. In addition to the academic growth, the different service and Field Ed positions allow each student to grow in her/his chosen profession. And it is a small campus that provides for the forming and building of lifelong friendships.

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