Debra Jarvis, MDiv

Debra Jarvis, MDiv, “the irreverent reverend with something to say,” is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ. She is the author of several books, most recently It’s Not About the Hair: And Other Certainties of Life and Cancer which was a finalist for the 2009 Washington State Book Awards.

Rev. Jarvis is writer-in-residence at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle. She has worked as a hospice spiritual counselor and served as a staff chaplain for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. She is a commentator for National Public Radio, frequently speaks at conferences and gives workshops on medical staff care, spirituality and finding meaning in life’s challenges. She also accompanies her Cairn Terrier, Max, in his therapy dog work.

Rev. Jarvis received her master’s in divinity from Northwest Theological Union, Seattle in 1989 and a master’s in Christian arts from New College, Berkeley, Calif. in 1984. She is board certified through the Association for Professional Chaplains (APC) and is a certified thanatologist through the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).