Spiritual Care & Chaplain Support

Direct Care When You Need It

At the Order of Hildegard, we believe spiritual care should be compassionate, accessible, and responsive to the real experiences people carry through life. Our chaplains serve people from many backgrounds—religious, spiritual, secular, questioning, and everything in between.

This page connects you with chaplains within our community who offer support in different areas of life and spiritual care. Whether you are navigating religious trauma, faith deconstruction, grief and loss, life transitions, or the creation of meaningful rituals and ceremonies, our chaplains are here to listen and walk alongside you.

Each chaplain brings unique training, lived experience, and areas of focus. Below you’ll find individual profiles introducing our chaplains, the kinds of support they offer, and how to contact them directly.

Our goal is not to prescribe belief or doctrine, but to provide compassionate presence, thoughtful reflection, and practical support as you move through whatever season of life you find yourself in.

Dr. Frances Jeanne Smathers

Frances, founder and abbess at The Order of Hildegard, is a coach, leadership consultant, public speaker, and chaplain. She works with individuals, congregations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and mission-driven organizations seeking to foster healthier cultures, deeper belonging, and more resilient leadership.

Rev. Sarah Eiley

Sarah Eiley is a traditional community midwife (CPM), folk herbalist, flower farmer, doula and devoted mama of four Wild Things. Rooted in ancient traditions and guided by a commitment to community care, her work sits at the intersection of community midwifery and chaplaincy - holding space not only for birth but for the thresholds, losses, joys, and deep questions that arise along the way.

Rev. Britt Edwards

Britt Edwards is an ordained community chaplain with a background in evangelical ministry, music, and education. After years of touring as the frontman and pianist for the Christian band The Swift, and serving as a youth pastor, missionary, and educator, Britt began deconstructing many inherited beliefs. Today, he helps others explore faith, doubt, and spirituality in a safe, honest, and compassionate space.

Aimée Bostwick

Aimee Bostwick is a spiritual director rooted in The Episcopal Church and shaped by interspiritual, embodied practices. She holds an M.A. in Spiritual Formation and has additional training in forest bathing, interfaith chaplaincy, and yoga. Through her work with Kanuga and the Order of Hildegard, she creates spaces for connection with self, community, nature, and the Sacred.