Dot Walsh
Program Coordinator

Although my role at The Peace Abbey and Life Experience School and my past experience have framed my title of Program Coordinator, I see myself as a Peace Chaplain, and educator for nonviolence. My background in education and training in nonviolence has led me down many paths where I have had to use my skills to adapt to the needs of the people I served.

My own spirituality and faith have been the foundation of my life work. My deep belief in a God who could be called by many names and related to in many ways allows me to be open to the gifts of compassion and mercy in a multi-faith environment. The idea of service to my brothers and sisters began in my family and childhood experiences with some of the volunteer work that I was involved with. Early on I knew that what a person had or didn’t have, did or didn’t do, was not as important as knowing that every human being was created with equal value although their lived experience might not reflect that.

In my adult life, with education that focused on cultural and spiritual diversity, peace and social justice, and understanding the root causes of violence, I began my work in the Massachusetts prisons, which started with the Norfolk Fellowship, and led to becoming a lay team member in prison chaplaincy. Over the course of twenty years I developed and implemented programs which included designing staff training, pastoral counseling, student supervision, spiritual direction, crisis intervention-helping resolve a hostage situation, public speaking, and community outreach. I created the Sesame Street program for children in the prison visiting rooms, and coordinated and supervised the Second Thoughts program for DYS juveniles and prison inmates.

Then, in my community work, I trained volunteers at Rosies’s place where the women who were guests taught me the importance of empowerment and how to develop that in any environment with any individuals. As STEP Program Coordinator, I provided overall agency management and supervision and assisted in the design and implementation of service programs. I also created curriculum and provided clinical supervision for off-site programs and staff. My experience as a facilitator for the Norfolk District Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Program has helped me to better understand the needs of our young people. I am currently an adjunct faculty member of Harvard University and Stonehill College and a Board Member for the Lionheart Foundation.

I became connected to The Life Experience School and The Peace Abbey through Mother Teresa’s visit in 1988. I had the life-changing experience of being in the presence of this humble and loving woman who cared more about being with the people than being put on a pedestal. What I found at The Peace Abbey was a sincere and committed group of people who value all life and find meaning and purpose in their relationship with one another and the world. They are able to dream together and imagine a better, more peaceful world and in doing so create an environment that is nonviolent, loving, and kind. This circle of love extends out to include visitors and friends as well as animals and the earth. I have found through my understanding of violence the importance of spirituality as lived here at The Peace Abbey and Life Experience School in bringing about nonviolence both in the individual and in our culture.