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Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne

Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne founded and leads an inclusive virtual community for those navigating faith and OCD called Stick with the Ick. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she spent 7 years as the Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, simultaneously consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. Drawing on this experience, Katie educates clinicians and clergy, promoting culturally responsive treatment across religious/spiritual traditions. As an IOCDF lead advocate tackling 50 ultra-marathons for OCD awareness, Katie proudly received the IOCDF Advocate Spirit Award and finds joy in inspiring others on their unique journeys. She is also the proud recipient of the award for "distinction in integrative care practices" from Vanderbilt's Doctor of Ministry program.

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Education

Vanderbilt Divinity School - Doctor of Ministry in Integrative Chaplaincy

August 2021-May 2024

GPA: 4.0

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Mental Health Integration for Chaplain Services - Intensive Training

August 2021-December 2022

Official Transcript

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Candler School of Theology at Emory University - Master of Divinity with Certificate of Faith and Health

Atlanta, GA — September 2012 - May 2015

GPA: 3.894

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Elon University - B.A. in Human Services & Religious Studies

Elon, North Carolina  — September 2008 - May 2012

GPA: 3.983

Awards/Honors

Vanderbilt Doctor of Ministry Award - Distinction in Integrative Care Practices (2024)

Vanderbilt Divinity Merit Scholarship (2021-2024)

Interfaith Atlanta Airport Chaplaincy Board of Directors (2021)
Phoenix Tribute (2021)
Sims Garrett Scholarship, Full Tuition (2012-2015)
John D. And Alice Slay Award Nominee (2014)
Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities Nominee (2014)
Member in Discernment in the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ (2014)
Phi Beta Kappa (2012)
NCAA Southern Conference Bob McCloskey Insurance Graduate Scholarship (2012)
President's List (2008-2011)
Charles D. Johnson Ministerial Scholarship (2011-2012)
Religious Studies Scholar Award (2011)
Zint Family Scholarship (2011-2012)
W.L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award (2011)
SURF Speaker on Female Ordination (2011)
Tau Upsilon Alpha, Human Services Honors Society (2011-Present)
Phi Kappa Phi, Academic Honors Society (2011-Present)
Academic All-Conference Team (2011)
Academic All-District Team (2011)
Theta Alpha Kappa, Religious Studies Honors Society (2010-Present)
Rawles Religious Studies Scholarship (2010-2011)
Celebrate! Service Learning Speaker on Developmental Disability (2010)
Outstanding Service-Learning Paper Nominee (2010)
SoCon Commissioner’s Medal (2008-2010)
Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society (2009-Present)
Presidential Scholarship (2008-2012)

Experience

Academy Chaplain / The Pauline and R.L. Jr. ‘35 Chair of Religious Studies

Atlanta, GA — 2015-2022

  • Develop a project-based model for Comparative Religions that fosters empathy/religious literacy & teach 150 Upper School students per year

  • Provide pastoral care to 600 faculty/staff and 2,700 students in times of joy and crisis from an interfaith perspective

  • Coordinate age-appropriate religious life activities for PK-12th grade on two campuses

  • Serve on the Woodward Council and other boards/committees to provide a voice for all faiths

  • Manage the Religious Life budget/endowment

  • Create the Chaplain’s Council made up of 20 student leaders from various faith backgrounds for student-led faith initiatives on campus

  • Lead interfaith prayer services and other religious understanding initiatives

  • Lead the invocation, benediction, and prayers at all major campus events (Opening of School, Veteran’s Day, Founder’s Day, Baccalaureate, Commencement, etc.)

  • Serve as a calming presence on campus engaged in student life

  • Create/facilitate DEI workshops while encouraging faculty to create safe spaces for students

  • Lead policy revisions to better support our transgender and non-binary students

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OCD Advocate

  • Lead advocate on the National Level for the International OCD Foundation (2021-Present)

  • Vice President of the OCD Georgia Board of Directors (2021)

  • Assisted with planning & leadership of the first IOCDF Faith & Mental Health Conference (2021)

  • Planned, facilitated, & moderated the first Southeast Regional OCD Conference (2021)

  • Plans/facilitates/speaks at multiple mental health conferences per year with the IOCDF & local affiliates

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Center for Spiritual & Ethical Education

  • Plans & facilitates annual School Chaplaincy Conference

  • Plans & facilitates annual Grief Conference

  • Regular publications on chaplaincy, grief, and interfaith programming

  • Consultant helping schools build & assess interfaith chaplaincy programs

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Student Minister, Kirkwood United Church of Christ

Atlanta, GA — 8/14-8/15

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Program Intern, Back on My Feet

Atlanta, GA — 5/14-8/14

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Clinical Pastoral Education, Atlanta VA Medical Center

Atlanta, GA — 6/13-8/13​


Pastoral Care Intern, Twin Lakes Continuing Care Retirement Community

Burlington, NC — 3/11-5/11​

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Case Management Intern, Family Abuse Services

Burlington, NC — 5/10-7/10​


Service-Learning Intern, Ralph Scott Lifeservices for Individuals Experiencing Developmental Disabilities

Burlington, NC — 9/09-12/09​


Student Ambassador & Peer Advisor, Candler School of Theology at Emory University

Atlanta, GA — 9/12-5/15​

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