Rev. Vonshelle J. Beneby, MPA, MDiv

My Journey.

I was ordained by the United Church of Christ in 2009. I served for 15 years as a hospice chaplain and later as a Bereavement Manager, Bereavement Coordinator, and community educator in the Daytona Beach, Florida, area. My hospice work experience involved providing pastoral end-of-life care, assessing and evaluating bereavement needs and services, community education, as well as facilitating grief, loss and caregiver support groups.

Prior to hospice care, I served as the Logistics Coordinator and Assistant to the President of Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. I have over 15 years of experience as a counselor and program director in Florida. My work settings have varied from law enforcement to director of a treatment program for women and their substance-exposed newborns, a juvenile assessment center, and a juvenile day treatment program.

As both an administrator and a person in ministry, I offer training in subject areas of critical thinking and active listening skills, effective strategies for program development, management, and administration skills, appropriate methods for interacting with diverse individuals, and various aspects of pastoral care. I am also a local and national presenter on end-of-life care, caregivers, and specialized populations, including various cultures and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Managing agencies, providing pastoral care to hospice patients and their families, and being involved in the community and church have all been invaluable. These career experiences and involvement in serving and educating others have created my desire for individuals and communities to live a life of joy and peace by achieving restorative wholeness of Mind, Body, and Spirit. 

In my free time.

When not engaged in social justice advocacy, outreach, and service, I enjoy creative dancing, writing, meditation, and bicycling. My favorite activity is spending time with the people I love.

Education and Accomplishments.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bethune-Cookman University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a Master of Divinity from Florida Center for Theological Studies (St. Thomas School of Theology and Ministry).

My work recognition includes being a certified trainer, local and national lecturer, and multiple recipients of awards for Employee of the Year, Outstanding Chaplain Service, and Performance Recognition. I serve as Moderator of the United Church of Christ Florida Conference Board of Directors. I am a trained member of the Florida Crisis Response Team to respond to disasters, traumatic events, and catastrophes. 

My publications include contributing to Orange County Public Schools’ resource guide and an international book of daily meditations. I also served as a content expert reviewer for LGBTQ-inclusive hospice and palliative care guides for professionals.