Emmanuel recently welcomed the Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson as its new priest-in-charge.
Dr. Christianson comes to Chatham from Jericho & Underhill, Vermont where she served Calvary Episcopal Church, founded the Green Mountain Children’s Choir, led church music workshops, was an active member of the board for the local ecumenical food shelf and emergency fund, facilitated the local grief group, led Celtic spirituality retreats, and advised community clergy and others about mental health issues.
Regina began her career as a music teacher in an Episcopal Independent School in New York City, St. Hilda’s and St. Hugh’s. At that time she was a Sister in the Community of the Holy Spirit, the Episcopal Religious Order that founded, partly staffed, and owned the school during those years.
After leaving the Order, Regina became a private music educator and professional musician in New York City. Following several years of teaching and performing, she was invited to be the harpist-in-residence at the Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT, owned by the Von Trapps of Sound of Music Fame.
Regina's study in church history and spirituality led to her Master’s and Doctoral thesis on Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century mystic, theologian, and composer, receiving both her M. Div. and D. Min. from the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., well known for its pastoral orientation.
Dr. Christianson is also an experienced interfaith mental health chaplain. She is currently completing her qualification for certification as a Spiritual Director.
Regina met her husband, Stephen Whiteley, M. Mus., when they both sang as professional choir members at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Madison Avenue, where they were later married. They love to garden, travel, go camping, listen to the ocean, and make music together.
Dr. Christianson will also serve as Episcopal Chaplain at Chatham Hall. She may be reached by email at rector.emmanuelchatham@gmail.com.