As a caregiving community for all generations with a vision of no one being left uncared for, Josephine’s Spiritual Care Department is rooted in God’s expansive love and exists to emotionally and spiritually support all affiliated residents, children, families and staff by honoring and nurturing their diverse stories, perspectives, values, and needs.

Eileen joined Josephine as the Spiritual Care Director in August 2021 with six years of previous experience in clinical chaplaincy serving at CHI Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care. Previously Eileen served as a Co-Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood (2006-2015) and as a Transformational Pastor at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Shoreline (2003-2006). Fifteen years of international business management comprises an important foundation in Eileen’s career.

Ordained in 2003 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Eileen has also received ecclesiastical endorsement by the ELCA to serve in specialized ministry being called by the Northwest Washington Synod to serve at Josephine. She received full certification from the Association of Professional Chaplains in 2017 and served locally as a Steering Committee Member of the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition 2013-15. Eileen also served as a chaplain and Clinical Pastoral Education Resident at Swedish Medical Center from 2000-2002.

She graduated with a BA from Whitman College (Walla Walla) in 1984 with a major in political science, and graduated with an MDiv from Luther Seminary (St. Paul) in 2003.

Eileen lives with her husband Brooke and their three dachshund/chihuahua mix dogs in Coupeville on Whidbey Island and has a special interest in astrophotography. They have four amazing adult children pursuing their career and life paths in Seattle, Columbus (Ohio), and Denver.

*What does BCC mean? Rev. Eileen Burdick responds:

“Board Certified Chaplain” which is a certification bestowed by the Association of Professional Chaplains which is a national credentialing board for chaplaincy.  The requirements for Board Certification are:

• Master of Divinity

• Ecclesiastical Endorsement (in addition to ELCA ordination, I completed a series of essays through the Specialized Ministry committee of the ELCA and interviewed in Chicago)

• Clinical Pastoral Education (4 Units—which is the equivalent of a one-year residency which I completed at Swedish in Seattle)

• 2,000 work hours as a chaplain (completed through my work at CHI Franciscan Hospice)

• Professional competency (i.e. 36 page series of essays and an interview in California)

 BCC is a recognized credential in most healthcare settings.