Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs

Hello, I'm Chaplain Bre—a Buddhist chaplain, community builder, and believer in the transformative power of collective care.

Based in Decatur, Illinois, I dedicate my work to creating spaces where people feel heard, seen, and deeply connected. With a background in psychology and two decades of writing experience, I bring mindfulness, compassion, and practical wisdom to everything I do.

My Approach

I believe that healing and growth happen in community. Whether I'm supporting an individual through spiritual guidance, helping an organization build a more compassionate culture, or facilitating dharma study, my focus is always the same: fostering resilience, understanding, and shared growth.

My work is grounded in Buddhist teachings, but I welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. Spiritual wisdom isn't meant to divide us—it's meant to reveal our common humanity and help us rise together from adversity to hope.

What I Offer...

Through The Rising Phoenix community and my dharma talks, I translate ancient Buddhist wisdom into practical guidance for modern American life—without jargon, without pretense, just honest reflection on what it means to live with intention and compassion.

I work with nonprofits to help people in need, offering compassionate support through mindful presence and empathetic listening to those seeking resources and connection within the community.

My background in psychology informs how I support people through life's challenges, helping them develop emotional resilience and self-compassion alongside spiritual practice.

From Discord channels to in-person gatherings, I create containers for meaningful connection. I know what it's like to seek belonging, and I'm passionate about ensuring everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to show up fully.

Psychological Insight

Organizational Support

Accessible Dharma Teaching

Community Building

Why This Work Matters

We're living through times of deep division and uncertainty. Many of us feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure how to make sense of it all. Buddhist teachings offer us tools for working with our minds, our hearts, and our relationships—tools we desperately need right now.

My role as a chaplain isn't to have all the answers. It's to walk alongside you, to hold space for your questions, and to remind you that you're not alone on this path.

Together, we can cultivate the wisdom and compassion needed to meet this moment. Together, like the phoenix, we rise.

My work centers on writing and nonprofit collaboration—keeping things sustainable while staying impactful. If you're interested in exploring how we might work together, I'd love to hear from you.

Something went wrong. Please try again or email us at Bre@TheRisingPhoenixDecatur.com

Thank you for reaching out to The Rising Phoenix. We're a digital sangha in the Plum Village tradition, offering mindfulness practice and community to all—especially those facing hardship. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

I have formally taken refuge in the Three Jewels — the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha — and received the Five Mindfulness Trainings in the Plum Village tradition.