Sonya McNeil
Indianapolis
Summary
Dynamic chaplain adept at delivering compassionate care and crisis support within multidisciplinary teams. Proven ability to tailor spiritual interventions to meet the unique needs of patients and families, enhancing overall care quality. Engages in ongoing assessment to improve service effectiveness and foster resilience among diverse populations.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resident Chaplain
IU Health- University, Methodist
Indianapolis
08.2025 - Current
- During my residency, the skills that I gained over the 10 months have allowed me to become more confident and knowledgeable in the role of chaplaincy.
- Providing Sacraments upon request by the patients/families
- Provided End-of-life conversations/care to families and patients
- Tailored intervention spiritual support
- Emotional support
- Evaluates presenting concerns and provides timely spiritual emotional and crisis support based on acuity and need.
- Delivered Pastoral care to patients, families, and team members in the hospital
- Participates and supports in the continuous assessment and improvement of the quality of care and services.
- Provides inclusive spiritual and emotional support that honors diverse religious spiritual, cultural, and racial identities.
- Integrated CPE learning, supervisory feedback, and reflective practice into ongoing spiritual care interventions.
Resource Chaplain
IU Health-North, Saxony, Riley University
Indianapolis
08.2025 - 08.2026
- As a resource chaplain, I had the privilege of serving at three hospitals over 11.5 months.
- During my time as a resource chaplain, I relied on my skills from my chaplain internship to enhance my awareness and skills as a chaplain.
- Triaging the multi-patient task list and the chaplains’ dashboard.
- Provides spiritual care during medical emergencies and trauma activations, deaths, and family incidents.
- Functions as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.
- Adapts chaplaincy practice to meet the unique needs across different hospital settings and patient populations.
Chaplain Intern
IU Health Riley
Indianapolis
- As a Chaplain Intern at Riley, I had the opportunity to be the first to work as the Pediatric Dialysis unit Chaplain, and I also worked on the NICU, through which I gained.
- Supported parents during medical emergencies and infant loss.
- Guided families through grief, fear, guilt, and trauma to facilitate healing.
- Established rapport with children and families to offer continuous emotional support.
- Supporting resilience, meaning-making, and hope.
- Helping families navigate uncertainty and disappointment.
Education
MASTER OF DIVINITY -
Christian Theological Seminary
01-2025
Bachelor of Social Work -
Indiana Wesleyan University
01-2019
Associate of Applied Science -
Illinois Central College
01-2008
Skills
- Consult Advance Directive
- Crisis Intervention
- Interdisciplinary Healthcare Collaboration
- Empathy/Compassion
- Pluralism & Cultural Competency
- Ethical Boundaries
- Active Listening
- Emotional Intelligence
- Surgical trauma critical care
- Pulmonary
- Gastroenterology (GI)
- Pediatric Dialysis
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Compassion Touch
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Websites
Accomplishments
- Christian Theological Seminary 2025 "Perseverance Award"
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid 2026
Timeline
Resource Chaplain
IU Health-North, Saxony, Riley University
08.2025 - 08.2026
Resident Chaplain
IU Health- University, Methodist
08.2025 - Current
Chaplain Intern
IU Health Riley
MASTER OF DIVINITY -
Christian Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Social Work -
Indiana Wesleyan University
Associate of Applied Science -
Illinois Central College