Seminary Interns
The Christian Association is proud to have a helpful group of interns put forth their efforts to keep the house in motion.
- Nikki
Nikki Kelley Kleinberg showed up on the steps of the CA house this summer (2008) looking for a Pastoral Care internship. Hoping to learn from Rev Bev and all the CA staff, she gave it her all in a one-hour interview. With a clean shirt, funny smell, full resume and plenty of good jokes and stories, we were excited to take her on board. She is our Congregational Outreach Seminary Intern.
She came from Northern California to Philadelphia in 2001, graduated from Eastern University with a BA in Biblical Studies and was married to Chris Kleinberg in 2003. Since then she spent a lot of time traveling with Chris’ band (mewithoutYou) as tour manager, stage designer, vagabond, cook and friend. Chris and Nikki both went back to school last fall to pursue other career dreams.
Nikki completed her first year at Palmer Theological Seminary working on a Master of Divinity, which brings her to the CA. When she finishes, she wants to pursue a career as a spiritual caregiver (Chaplain) in a secular institution, such as a hospital, prison or school.
She likes cooking, gardening, playing with dogs, doing home construction, praying and creating amateur folk art. She currently lives in the Kensington neighborhood of North Philadelphia with Chris and ten of their closest friends.
- Amanda
Amanda Hamill joins the Christian Association this year as Public Voice Seminary Intern. Starting her second year pursuing her MDiv at the Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University, she is simultaneously working on an MA of International Economic Development for Developing Nations at Eastern. This dual degree program combines her passions for faith and social justice. Working with Youth With a Mission as a missionary for two years after graduating from Wheaton College, Mandie began her placement in Kona, Hawaii working with the surfing community, served alongside the Peace Corp in Micronesia doing disaster relief, facilitated a conference in Harendon, England hosting people from 24 nations for dialogue about faith issues, and lived in Brasil working with the backpacking community. She loves tasting the food and cultures of the world, speaking Portuguese, running marathons, surfing, traveling, and good coffee. She hopes to continue working with the traveling community in eco-tourism opening the world of travel to people in ways that promote ecological responsibility and sustainable development and that celebrate indigenous cultures.
Kirk T. Houston Jr. is a native of Norfolk, Virginia and second year student at Palmer Theological Seminary pursuing his Masters of Divinity Degree. Before moving to Philadelphia, due to a strong passion for people, he pursued and attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University in May of 2006. During his tenure at Norfolk State, he was a respected leader in Campus Ministries, Student Government, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. In addition to this he has worked as an in-home counselor for at risk youth and has served in his home church as musician, mentor, associate minister, and ministry leader. At the present time he serves as the 2008-2009 Moderator for the Student Assembly at Palmer Theological Seminary.
Over the last couple of years Kirk has been afforded the opportunity to share his various gifts and talents throughout the State of Virginia and currently Philadelphia. In reflection on all that he has accomplished He affirms that his success and effectiveness in all of his endeavors is only achievable when opportunities are met with diligent preparation. Kirk is excited about life and the future God has in store for him and has accepted the charge to inform, instruct, and inspire all people to live out God’s will in their lives.
