Our Spiritual Care Team

The spiritual care team at NYU Langone includes chaplains, rabbis, priests, and imams who are available to counsel people of all faiths, as well as those who do not have a spiritual practice.

Our chaplains are board-certified or eligible for certification, meaning they have finished their theological and clinical pastoral education and are completing an additional 2,000 hours of clinical work as well as a professional board review. Our chaplains are available at our inpatient facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island.

Manhattan Spiritual Care Team

Chaplains at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street are available weekdays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Chaplains at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital are available by request. If you would like to speak to a chaplain, rabbi, priest, or imam after hours, please ask your nurse to page the chaplain on call.

Rabbi Amy Ruth Bolton, MA, BCC, Manager

Rabbi Bolton is a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. She received her master of arts in rabbinic studies and ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at American Jewish University. Before joining NYU Langone, Rabbi Bolton served as a hospice chaplain with VNS Health. She has more than two decades of experience providing care in home, assisted living, long-term care, and hospital settings. Her professional experience also includes addiction recovery and adult and youth education. Rabbi Bolton is a co-founder of Lifestorms, a program offering integrated psycho-emotional and spiritual support. She speaks English and Hebrew.

The Reverend Matthew Dimick, BCC, Children's Services Chaplain

Rev. Dimick is a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He received a master’s degree in divinity and in social work from Boston University. He has been the staff chaplain for Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone since 2016. His prior vocational experience includes advocacy for domestic violence survivors in the LGBTQ+ community through The Network/La Red; social justice advocacy in Boston; a parish ministry in California; and a hospital chaplaincy residency in Utah. Rev. Dimick is on the leadership team of Not So Churchy, a progressive worshiping community, and is a volunteer for Comfort Zone Camp, a nonprofit bereavement organization for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.

Hondi Duncan Brasco, BCC, Staff Chaplain

Chaplain Brasco is a board-certified chaplain. She received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her master’s degree in divinity from Yale University. She leads spirituality groups for patients in the inpatient psychiatry unit at Tisch Hospital and has broad experience working with patients in the intensive care unit. Before her chaplaincy work, Ms. Brasco worked as a staff member at Episcopal churches and as a consultant to the national office of the Episcopal Church. She also served as a delegate from the Anglican Consultative Council to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Rosemarie Napoli, Staff Chaplain

Elder Napoli is a candidate in the Presbyterian Church to be a minister of word and sacrament. She has special interest in working with people with addictions and those living with HIV and AIDS. Elder Napoli serves as a pastoral resident at Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Elizabeth Kitamura, BCC, Staff Chaplain

Chaplain Kitamura is a board-certified chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. She received her master’s degree in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and is a master’s degree candidate at NYU School of Global Public Health. Before joining NYU Langone, she completed her clinical training at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and was also a research fellow at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Ahmet M. Atlig, PhD, BCC, Staff Chaplain and Imam

Dr. Atlig began his career at the Imams and Preachers Seminary in Izmir, Turkey, where he was ordained as an imam and Muslim cleric. He received his doctorate in philosophy from the Theology Department at the University of West Coast, and then served as the imam of New Peckham Mosque, in London. After relocating to the United States, Dr. Atlig completed the Clinical Pastoral Education program at VA New York Harbor Healthcare System and became a board-certified chaplain with HealthCare Chaplaincy Network in 2019. Before joining NYU Langone, he served as a chaplain at various New York City hospitals. Dr. Atlig speaks Turkish, Arabic, and English, and is married, with three children.

Shaul Praver, BCC, DMin, Staff Chaplain and Rabbi

Chaplain Praver is a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains and ordained by the Jerusalem Rabbinate. He received his doctorate in ministry from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and completed his clinical training at Norwalk Hospital, both in Connecticut. Before joining NYU Langone, he served as chaplain–rabbi with the Connecticut Department of Correction. Prior to that, Chaplain Praver served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown, Connecticut.

The Reverend Stephen Okeke, Roman Catholic Priest

Father Okeke received his master’s degree in pastoral theology from St. John’s University and his doctorate in pastoral counseling from Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. He worked in Nigeria for three years as an associate pastor and a chaplain with the St. Stephen’s Society. Father Okeke is also chaplain to the Igbo Catholic community in the Bronx, serving people whose roots are in West Africa. 

The Reverend Martin Ugochukwu Ene, Roman Catholic Priest

Father Ene is ordained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Nigeria. He received his bachelor’s degrees in theology and philosophy from Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu and his master’s degree in pastoral theology from Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University. Father Ene has a passion for pastoral ministry, and he trained as a chaplain at Sisters of Charity Hospital of Buffalo, New York, before arriving in New York City to serve as part of the spiritual care team at NYU Langone.

Jenelle Halley, Department Secretary

Ms. Halley’s passion for maintaining a positive and respectful work environment led her to our spiritual care team, where she manages all department events, meetings, patient requests, services, and training. Ms. Halley also provides administrative support to our department, and serves as the liaison between patients, the spiritual care team, and hospital leadership.

Brooklyn Spiritual Care Team

Chaplains are available on-site at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn on weekdays between 9:00AM and 5:00PM and on Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00PM. For more information, please call the Spiritual Care office at 718-630-7505; you can also request a nursing consult for spiritual needs. If you have an urgent spiritual need outside of the hours listed, please ask your nurse to call 718-630-7505 or the hospital operator for available resources.

The Reverend Emmanuel Conduah, Roman Catholic Priest

Father Conduah has a postgraduate diploma in education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. He is working towards his doctorate in educational leadership at Fordham University and his clinical pastoral education certification with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, under the endorsement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

The Reverend Keely Rakushin Garfield, Staff Chaplain

Rev. Garfield, an ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain, completed her clinical training at Mount Sinai Morningside. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, she served as clinical coordinator for Urban Zen Integrative Therapy program at Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Damien Pediatric Hospital, in Haiti. Rev. Garfield was also director of corporate trainings for Maripossa Wellness and developed Sitting with Dying workshops for VNS Health hospice volunteers. In addition to her work as a chaplain, she is a choreographer and dancer.

Monica-Lisa Mills, Staff Chaplain

Monica-Lisa Mills received her master’s degree in divinity from New York City’s Episcopal Divinity School. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, she completed her clinical training at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Columbia University Irving Medical Center and its Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Chaplain Mills is a visual artist and musician and previously worked as a high school ethics and religion teacher.

Long Island Spiritual Care Team

Chaplains are available on-site at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island on weekdays between 8:30AM and 11:00PM. Please call 516-663-4749 to arrange a visit. If you have an urgent spiritual need after hours, please ask your nurse to page the chaplain on call. Learn how you can support our Spiritual Care Program.

The Reverend Karen Jones, Director

Rev. Jones has led NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island’s spiritual care team since 2011, and is ordained and endorsed by American Baptist Churches USA. She received her master’s degree in Christian education with an emphasis in pastoral care and family ministry from Scarritt Graduate School in Tennessee, and her master’s degree in divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, Rev. Jones completed her clinical chaplaincy training at Beth Israel Medical Center and a year of residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where she was also a staff chaplain. She previously worked as director of field education at Union Theological Seminary and served as a pastor of congregational care. Rev. Jones is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Spiritual Care Association.

The Reverend Jayan Daniel, Staff Chaplain

Rev. Daniel received his master’s degree in arts from Madras University and his master’s degree in divinity from Church on the Rock Theological Seminary, both located in India. He was introduced to chaplaincy in the United States, and completed his clinical chaplaincy training at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island and a year of residency with Eger Lutheran Homes and Services in Staten Island, New York. Rev. Daniel currently serves as pastor at Living Water Church in Bellerose, New York.

Sister Mary C. Chikezie, Staff Chaplain

Sister Chikezie is a Roman Catholic nun in the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy congregation and a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. She received her master’s degree in philosophy from St. Thomas Aquinas University in Italy and moved to the United States in 2006. Sister Chikezie completed her clinical pastoral education residency at Valley Baptist Hospital in Texas. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, she worked as an instructor at St. Joseph and St. Peter Seminary in Texas, and served as chaplain at Rio Grande Hospital in Colorado, and staff chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Texas.

Christian Costeines, Staff Chaplain

Chaplain Costeines received his master’s degree in divinity from Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary in Manhattan. He served as chaplain intern at NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan, and completed his clinical pastoral education residency at the VA St. Albans Community Living Center of VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, Chaplain Costeines worked as a publications administrative coordinator with Chosen People Ministries in Manhattan.

Rabbi Anchelle Perl, Hospital Rabbi

Rabbi Perl has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Sholom Chabad Mineola since 1990 and director of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education on Long Island since 1974. He is also a chaplain at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow, New York, and host of “Jewish Talk,” a weekly radio program and podcast on 90.3 FM WHPC. Rabbi Perl joined the spiritual care team at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island in 1990, and focuses on the spiritual needs of patients and their families and the entire staff.

The Reverend Damian Umeokeke, Roman Catholic Priest

Father Umeokeke is ordained by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Nigeria. He received his master’s degree in pastoral theology from St. John’s University in New York, and completed his chaplaincy training at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, Father Umeokeke served as pastor at Beth Israel Medical Center and Elliot Hospital in New Hampshire. He serves NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island under the endorsement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre.

The Reverend Jerome Madumelu, BCC, PhD, Roman Catholic Priest

Father Madumelu is a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. He received his master’s degree from St. John’s University and his doctorate from Stony Brook University. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, Father Jerome spent more than two decades caring for those who are vulnerable, including his five years as a manager of Regina Caeli Specialist Hospital in Akwa, Nigeria. He currently lectures at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Connecticut and at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Akwa.

The Reverend Brenda Denise Ford, Associate Chaplain

Rev. Ford received her master’s degree in community health administration from Long Island University and her master’s degree in divinity from Union Theological Seminary. Before joining NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, Rev. Ford served as chaplain at Stony Brook Medicine, where she completed her clinical chaplaincy training. She also served as chaplain at Nassau County Correctional Center, Northwell Health, and the First Episcopal District Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Smithtown, New York. Rev. Ford is currently the protestant spiritual life chaplain and director at Stony Brook University and is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains, the Association for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Life in Higher Education, the Health Ministries Association, and the American College Health Association.

Gareth Bryant, Associate Chaplain and Imam

Gareth Bryant has been a chaplain and imam since 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Touro College. Chaplain Bryant completed his clinical pastoral education training at the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy in Manhattan and his chaplaincy residency at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Queens.

Sangeeta Gnanaseelan, Department Secretary

Before relocating to the United States from India, Ms. Gnanaseelan worked in the hospitality industry. She received a bachelor’s degree in hotel management and Microsoft certifications from the National Institute of Information Technology in India. Ms. Gnanaseelan was led to NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island by her enthusiasm for supporting spiritual care and education in our community. She provides administrative support to our department, and is the liaison between the spiritual care team and hospital leadership.