Chaplain Ian Perry graduated from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BA in Literature, emphasis in Creative Writing.  As an undergraduate, his poetry was published in the student publication Into The Teeth of The Wind. It was during these years that Ian’s sense of Jewish identity and faith first took root.  His interest in Jewish studies and desire to understand Jewish Tradition, belief and culture flourished.  As graduation neared, he came to realize that his true calling was to pursue a profession in the Jewish community.  Ian learned about AJRCA’s Chaplaincy School and recognized that he had found a program that best suited his professional aspirations.

Ian is on his way to becoming a board certified Chaplain and has completed the four required Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) units.  During his years at the Academy, Ian has served as Chaplain Intern at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, working with Adolescents from the foster care system with mental illness as part of Vista Del Mar’s residential program.  As part of Vista Del Mar’s Nes Gadol program, Ian worked with Jewish autistic and disabled children and their families.  In addition, he has interned at Methodist Hospital of Southern California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Ian is a current student in AJRCA’s Rabbinic Program and looks forward to continuing meaningful work in spiritual care.

Email: ianrichard.perry@gmail.com