Grace Year Staff
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Rev. Dr. Matthew Calkins is the rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, New York. Although Matt has only been rector at Grace since September 2014, he is not new to this area. He built a timberframe home in nearby Lagrangeville when he was in business as a carpenter and general contractor and he and his family attended Grace. He heard a call to ministry and went off to Union Theological Seminary in NYC. After graduating with a Master of Divinity degree and being ordained in the Episcopal Church, he served in two churches in Connecticut and earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut along the way. Now he’s back, and delighted to be part of a vibrant faith community with strong social justice ministries.
Matt can be reached at calkins@gracemillbrook.org. |
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Abby Nathanson is the Director of Program Development for Grace Episcopal Church and serves Grace Year as its founder and director. She is also the founder and director for Engaging People in Change (EPIC), a bilingual, youth-directed leadership program for rural and immigrant teens. Abby graduated with a degree in Sociology and Africana Studies from Vassar College, earned a certificate in Justice Ministry Education from Auburn Theological Seminary in Manhattan, and is a yoga teacher and lifelong student of the Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga traditions. No one thought that Abby would end up both working in the church and loving it, and so she now delights in shifting people's perspectives about non-Christians in church ministry. Abby's work is guided by her favorite aphorisms: "Advocate For Yourself" and "Casual Not Sloppy."
Abby can be reached at hello@graceyear.org. |
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Kirsten Laursen Muth is the Education and Leadership Advisor for Grace Year. Kirsten brings over thirty years of experience in international development and programming, including the prevention of violence against women and girls, strengthening faith-based initiatives, poverty reduction, economic empowerment, asset-based community development, and public health. As a trainer specializing in adult education, behavioral and organizational change, and gender equity, Kirsten has created or supported the development of curriculum and learning methodologies around the world. Kirsten's previous positions include Senior Director of International Programs at Episcopal Relief & Development, Deputy Director of Programs at Church World Service, and Director of Community Education and Training at Helen Keller International. Kirsten earned a Master's in Education and Social Anthropology from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Kirsten loves crazy ideas and the people that think of them.
Kirsten can be reached at kirstenlaursenmuth@gmail.com. |
