By Judith A. Shemkovitz, LPC, BCC
As this article is written, autumn has arrived and as you read it we are approaching Thanksgiving. With autumn comes the transition from the warmth of summer days to the cool crisp air of fall. As the trees relinquish the green of their leaves, we enjoy the yellow, orange and red that exemplifies this time of change. And November draws us to that time when our awareness of all that we should be thankful for is heightened.
These thoughts are no less apparent with the membership of the Certification Commission and the Interview Team Educators. As 2012 comes to an end, three commissioners will conclude their terms of service – Rev. James Yeakel, OSFS, Sr. Geraldine Krautkramer, OSF, and Sr. Janet Bielmann, RSM, have served on the Commission for six years. We are grateful to all of them for their commitment and faithfulness to this role of service. And we thank Jim and Gerri for their leadership as commission chair and vice-chair.
Current commissioners Judi Shemkovitz, spiritual care coordinator for VNA of Ohio – Hospice, and Joseph Bozzelli, director of pastoral care services at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, KY, will serve as Certification Commission chair and vice-chair respectively. Of note, this is the first time in NACC history that board certified chaplains will serve as commission officers.
In 2012, Linda Bronersky, vice president of mission services at Wheaton Franciscan Health Care and Mary Denise Davis, director of the Spiritual Care Department at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care were appointed to the commission. And in 2013, Dr. Jane W. Smith, who is completing her service as the lead ITE, Dr. Gordon Hilsman, a retired CPE supervisor and Rev. John Bucchino, OFM, a CPE supervisor, will join the Certification Commission. Additionally, Carolanne Hauck, of Lancaster General Hospital, will assume the role of lead ITE. We are grateful to these members for accepting to serve the NACC in these positions.
The efforts of the Certification Commission and Interview Team Educators over the years have made our certification process a model for others. Many thanks to all.
Judith A. Shemkovitz, a member of the NACC’s Certification Commission, is spiritual care and volunteer coordinator at the Hospice Care Center for the Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio.
