Bio?

Joliene grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and is proudly the 6th generation of her family to live here. Born and raised in San Mateo, Joliene is “hella Bay;” She has spent her life living and studying in San Mateo, San Jose, Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and the San Lorenzo Valley.

Joliene grew up in a non-religious family with Irish Catholic and Mormon roots. She considers the cultures of these traditions part of her upbringing. Joliene began studying religion independently as an adolescent and formally at university. She joined the United Church of Christ, a progressive Christian denomination, in 2006.

Joliene’s multi- and non-religious upbringing in a working class family placed in a multi-cultural and economically diverse environment, gives her a unique perspective and ability to “translate” theological ideas and concepts to those of us who don’t spend our lives studying spirituality. She is passionate about bringing mainline Protestantism out of the 1960s and into the 21st century.

Joliene believes strongly that a spiritual practice can elevate all aspects of your life. She is an avid reader and learner and is passionate about helping others find resources for their own spiritual journey and practice, as well as updating spiritual practices to meet our modern moment.

She also pastors Divergent Spirit Church, a spiritual community in Boulder Creek, CA. We worship on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. at ____.

Joliene’s ministry helps fund spiritual and emotional literacy for youth by distributing educational materials to churches and families with financial need. Knowing God’s love and preference for the disenfranchised and impoverished, she believes firmly in working for a better world.