All paths team, spiritual counseling

Rev. Shayna Lester 

Interfaith Minister Reverend Shayna Lester received her ordination from The New Seminary of World Religions, New York, in 2007. In 2010 Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi bestowed upon her the ordination of ‘Reverend Gabbai’ in recognition of her many years of service to the community, and, in particular, her work with incarcerated women. Since 2006 Rev Shayna has been the lead volunteer Chaplain with the Jewish Community at the California Institution for Women, a state prison. Her prison duties include teaching weekly classes, to an Interfaith audience, in Jewish Ethics and Restorative Justice, as well as providing counseling services.

Rev Shayna has certifications as a Spiritual Director, and, as a Mussar Facilitator(Jewish Ethics). In 2003, she co-foundered a Jewish/Muslim Women’s dialogue group, as well as, The Women of Faith Circle, both of which still exist today. She serves on the Board of the Southern California Committee for the Parliament of World Religions. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Am Or Olam a 501c3 that supports prison projects.

Rev Shayna has also been in private practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 35 years.

Areas of expertise include: Spiritual Direction and Counseling, Jail Ministry, Judaism, Nonviolent Communication, Interfaith Leadership,and Mussar (Ethics) facilitation as well as Relational Counseling.

Areas of expertise include: Spiritual direction and counseling, jail ministry, Judaism, Nonviolent Communication, interfaith leadership, Mussar (ethics) facilitation, and relational counseling.