In addition to the CPE Supervisors, many other people will be part of your CPE training. You will be encouraged to focus on learning from people, the “living human documents,” rather than primarily learning from books. As the supervisor, Keith Espenshade will oversee your training and provide both group and individual supervision.

The Pastoral Services Department employs several individuals.

• Keith Bitner is the director and has served as a chaplain at Lancaster General for more than 25 years. He is certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. He provides some didactic instruction, orientation and consultation to the CPE students.

• Carolanne Hauck, chaplain at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital (WBH), is pursuing certification by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. She works closely with CPE students who do part of their clinical time at WBH. She is also available as a consultant to other students.

• Pete Jupin, staff chaplain, coordinates the care for Catholic patients as well as provides care to patients, family and staff. He and Keith Bitner co-lead a spirituality course for employees. He is available for consultation in the areas of staff support and patient care.

• Kelly Kleckner is the department’s secretary. She is involved in the day-to-day scheduling and activities of the students.

Individuals from several disciplines are involved with the CPE students as didactic presenters. Recent presenters include physicians, psychologist, nurses, social workers, hospice chaplain and pastors.

The Professional Consultation Committee consists of 14 individuals who provide oversight to the CPE program. Eight members are part of the hospital community and the remaining six come from the surrounding religious and educational community. These individuals are available for consultation.

Many other hospital staff members will be involved in your education. Some see their involvement in your training as part of their ministry.

CPE students learn a great deal from the patients and family members to whom they minister.

Last, but certainly not least, the CPE students learn a vast amount from their peers. Each student makes valuable contributions from their unique perspective, based on their personal history, education, training, ministry experience and spirituality. The goal of the peer group is to creating a learning community. Peer groups are comprised of at least three students and not more than eight.