I’m currently an administrator and professor for the study abroad program of Valparaiso University, (Praxis Center) located in Costa Rica. I teach classes about Central American history, politics, religion, ethnicity, environmental issues, sustainable development and also Comparative Healthcare Systems. In addition, I occasionally lead short term service learning experiences for U.S. universities. In light of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on my work with college students, I´m also getting certified as a medical interpreter, which I hope to be doing online in the near future.
I served for 21 years in ministry with Lutheran congregations in Costa Rica which were located in squatter´s settlements with primarily Nicaraguan immigrants. I´ve also been involved in initiatives with the Costa Rican Lutheran Church for the past 6 years about climate change and with an ecumenical group of church leaders seeking to educate local congregations about environmental issues.
In addition, I live in an intentional Christian community, which seeks to be responsible stewards of the environment through a variety of local projects in our neighborhood. I bring a perspective about how climate change is affecting vulnerable communities in Central America, and also some of the solutions and mitigation efforts that are being implemented in the region.
Check out the educational presentation Heidi has uses in sharing the connections between faith and climate justice: