About Me

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I was fortunate to fulfill my broadcasting career goals, including reporting and anchoring the news on LI and in the Garden State, while also spending decades on-air (freelancing) at qvc. Yet I was always searching, seeking answers to the existential mysteries … why are we here? what is love? how best can we explore spirituality & faith…?

As a busy working mom of 3, life unfolded with blessings as well as disappointments. After a series of traumas, from my own severe chronic illness to the unexpected losses of those I loved most, I broke down.  Years of not handling that grief well led to a pivotal day of sobbing hysterically in the back of a local house of worship. When I finally dragged myself outside on that grey, drizzly afternoon, despite my voice struggling for sound, the broken cries were answered by the first of many faith leaders that began my road to recovery...

The repair from “rock bottom” took years, but resulted ultimately in my return to school to become a board-certified Interfaith Chaplain. A lay person providing a “ministry of presence” for those of any faith, or none at all... 

After a lifetime of searching, I’ve finally merged my personal (and/or spiritual) quest with my professional skillset (in broadcast journalism), armed with a video-cam, and a production partner-literally my cousin Vinnie- we have created our passion project, SoulCheck.love. A multi-media exploration of spiritual wisdom, and ways to be inspired by it. 

For this first phase, we began by interviewing my own clergy circle, the seven diverse spiritual guides who have personally helped me, counseled me, lifted me, held space for me- A Pastor, a rabbi, a reverend, a cantor, a chaplain, a monsignor and a shaman-to explore the universal questions so many of us seek…The findings have been life-affirming and I hope they find a way into your soul, as the source of comfort they’ve been to mine.  Perhaps it will be an opportunity to shine your inner light…or at the least inspire your own search…

Rabbi Marc Katz came to Temple Ner Tamid in 2018. Since coming he has concentrated on a host of initiatives including expanding the Israel discourse, enriching adult education, engaging empty nesters, re-imagining parent engagement in Religious School, pursuing social justice, and opening up spiritual avenues during prayer. This is all in addition to his regular clergy duties (leading services, conducting funerals, visiting sick congregants, officiating at weddings, and working with b’nei mitzvah students).

Originally from Barrington RI, Rabbi Katz received a B.A. from Tufts University in 2006. At Tufts, he studied Comparative Religion while serving as the captain of his college swim team. Before entering rabbinical school, Rabbi Katz worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism lobbying for environmental protection and health care reform on behalf of the Reform movement. Rabbi Katz graduated from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2012 and began work as assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, Brooklyn where he had been working as a student rabbi and religious school teacher for four years. Rabbi Katz served a total of ten years at CBE, eventually attaining the title of Associate Rabbi.

Rabbi Katz is the author of two books, The Heart of Loneliness: How Jewish Wisdom Can Help You Cope and Find Comfort (Jewish lights), which was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and his latest Yochanan’s Gamble: Judaism’s Pragmatic Approach to Life (JPS)

I am a leader of Divine Reclamation.
Through divinatory arts and interdimensional grounding I witness and hold space for the mundane and profane potential of those who are magnetized to my frequency. In an otherwise desolate uncertainity I offer divine navigation. To those responding to their higher beacon I offer applied wisdom that may be engaged and made manifest so that personal revelation becomes inner illumination.
Turning Karma into Dharma...

As a spiritual leader at Temple Ner Tamid, Cantor Greenberg seeks Lahavot Eish, ‘to spark the fire’ within each of us, by creating meaningful davening experiences through music and prayer, teaching us to open through contemplative practice, study, and connection to one another.

Cantor Greenberg is also a certified Spiritual Director and offers counseling and individual spiritual support to all members of our community. Through the practice of integrating spirituality into every day Jewish living, Cantor Greenberg offers her experience and skills through Mindfulness based learning in classes, small groups, and one-on-ones, as needed.

Elliot Negron Black aka Ekesvara Shiva Baba is a Kali Odiyya (a Shaman & Sorcerer of the Divine Mother Kali, Mahavidya tradition)

31 years experience in: Shamanism, Sorcery, Humanistic Neuro-Linguistic Psychology NLP Master Practitioner & various Hypnotic Mind Power Modalities

Elliot Black Shamanism
Shrine & Healing Space
Montclair NJ
Jai Kali Ma

Dr. Gwen Parker Ames, licensed as a Minister at St. Paul Baptist Church in 2007, is a servant leader fostering collaborations in her community and beyond.  Guided by 2 Corinthians 2:15, she inspires others to embody Christ's essence.

With a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Ames serves as an educator, playwright, and filmmaker.  She previously served as the Dean of Student Success at Nyack College and is a Board-Certified Chaplain.

She is passionate about addressing educational disparities and mentors children failed by the school system.

Msgr. Paul L. Bochicchio, is a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Newark. Among a variety of assignments he has served as Pastor at Holy Rosary, Jersey City, Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Garfield and Holy Family, Nutley, and as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception, Montclair.

Hi, I’m Jeff Mansfield—a mystic, minister, and lifelong explorer of the spiritual realms. I’ve spent over two decades diving into life’s big mysteries, from the pulpit to the wilderness, always chasing the divine sparks that set fire along the way.

After earning my Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, I worked as a pastor and spiritual leader, helping people connect with their faith and navigate the highs and lows of life. Over time, I realized my deepest calling wasn’t confined to the walls of a church but is found in helping others encounter the divine directly—through nature, intuition, and personal experience.

These days, I live with my family in the shadow of the mountains in Ellenville, NY, where I offer Spiritual Direction and podcast about the intersections of faith, meaning, and human consciousness. Whether I’m hiking with my sons, cracking the mysteries of the universe, or dreaming up ways to bring more magic into the world, I’m always seeking that thin place where the sacred feels close.
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If you’re curious about my work or just want to explore, feel free to reach out or check out The Gospel of Direct Experience podcast for a taste of what I’m all about.