Jane Kuepfer

Contact
(519) 885-0220 ext. 24232
[During COVID-19 closure, call: (519) 625-8182]
jane.kuepfer@uwaterloo.ca
Office:  CGUC 2125

Education:
B.A., University of Waterloo, 1992
Supervised Pastoral Education Unit, Kitchener Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre, 1994
M.Div., Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, 1996
Jubilee Program in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction, Huron University College, 2010
Ph.D., Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2018
 

Spirituality & Aging, spiritual care in residential care, spiritual resources, baby boomers
 

Undergraduate
RS 387 – Aging & the Spiritual Life

Graduate
GERON 401A - Independent Study in Aging
HLTH 432A - Honours Thesis
TS 677 - Church & Ministry
TS 678 - Supervised Experience in Ministry I
TS 679 - Supervised Experience in Ministry II
TS 689 - Aging & the Spiritual Life
TS 691 - Supervised Reading Course: Aging and Spirituality

About:

Jane Kuepfer is the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, a joint appointment by the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and Conrad Grebel University College. She has extensive experience as a spiritual caregiver in long-term care homes and in the community, as a registered psychotherapist, a spiritual director, and an ordained Minister with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Jane completed a doctorate in Human Relationships (Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy) at Martin Luther University College with a dissertation focus in the area of Spirituality and Aging.   As part of her role at the Schlegel-UW RIA, Jane coordinates an annual Spirituality and Aging Seminar, conducts research, and teaches graduate courses in Spirituality and Aging.

She enjoys the outdoors in all seasons, colourful quilts, fiddle music, riding tandem bicycle with her husband, and paying attention to people of all ages and stages of life, including their own young-adult children.

Selected Publications:

Dissertation:

• Narratives of Baby Boomers: Envisioning Late Life Spiritual Resources (2018). 

Articles:

• Kuepfer, J. (2024). Exploring intersections of meaning and service in late life. In K. Harper, T. S. O’Connor & D. Maoz (Eds.). Spiritual, philosophical, and psychotherapeutic engagements of meaning and service. (pp. 365-378). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

• Farooq, Z., & Kuepfer, J. A. (2024). The experience of ageing, spirituality, and health as a Muslim woman in Canada. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/15528030.2024.2375354

• Dupuis, K., Kuepfer, J & Mitchell, S. (October 30, 2023). Holding Space for moral healing in long-term care. RIA News. https://the-ria.ca/news/holding-space-for-moral-healing-in-long-term-care/

• Dupuis, K., Kuepfer, J & Mitchell, S. (2023). Holding Space for moral healing in long-term care: The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on staff in long-term care. Long Term Care Today 34:2, 36-39. Link

• Kuepfer, J. (2022). God just isn’t finished with me yet: Meaning, memory, and mystery. Vision: a journal for church and theology, Special issue: Spirituality & aging, eds. Jane Kuepfer and Andrew Brubacher Kaethler, 23(2), 66-70. https://press.palni.org/ojs/index.php/vision/issue/view/69/95 

• Kuepfer, J. Supporting Spirits in Changing Circumstances: Pandemic Lessons for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes. Religions 2022, 13, 584. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070584

• Kuepfer, J., Schmidt, A., O’Connor, T. S. J., & James, M. (2022). Promise, Provision, and Potential:  A Hopeful Trajectory for Spiritual Care in Long-Term Care. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423050221090870

• Kuepfer, J., Schmidt, A., O’Connor, T. S. J., & James, M. (2022). Spiritual Care in Ontario Long-Term Care: Current Staffing Realities and Recommendations. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling, 76(1), 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423050211073571

• McAiney, C., Conway, E., Koch, M., Middleton, L., Dupuis, S., Keller, H., Dupuis, K., Lee, L., Fehr, P., Beleno, R., Kuepfer, J., Boger, J. (2021). In their own words: How COVID-19 has impacted the well-being of persons living with dementia in the community. Canadian Journal in Aging/ La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 40(4), 543–553. http://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980821000441

• Snider, Erin; Al-Thibeh, Ala'; O' Connor, Thomas; Kuepfer, Jane; Kost, Bavly. Clinical Wisdom in Evidence-Based Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy: What is It? (2022). Pastoral Psychology, 71, 639-651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-022-01018-y.

• Kuepfer, J. (April 2022). Today’s Wordle: DEATH. Embracing Change, 4(8), 22-23. https://embracingchange.ca/current-issue

• Kuepfer, J. Grieving well in residential care settings. Beyond (Bereavement Authority of Ontario), March 2022, 20-22. https://issuu.com/baomagazine/docs/3_issue_beyond_-_march_2022/s/14971544

• Kuepfer, J. (Spring/Summer, 2021). Spiritual resources for stressful times. Seasons. Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils.

• Kuepfer, J. (March, 2021). Remembering with love. It takes a village to care: Honouring a year of loss, courage, strength and resilience. Schlegel Villages.

• Kuepfer, J. (Winter 2020/21). Keep Breathing: Sustaining the spirits of long-term care workers. Long Term Care Today, pp. 10-12.

• Kuepfer, J. (December, 2020).  Hope for the Holidays?? Embracing Change. 
• Kuepfer, J., O’Connor, T., Kost, B., Erenay, A. (2020). Entering a Different World: Understanding what sustains, supports and connects the spiritual resources of those living with dementia, in a multi-cultural context. In M. Taher, (Ed.), Multifaith Perspectives in Spiritual & Religious Care: Change, Challenge and Transformation. (pp. 293-306).Toronto, ON: Canadian Multifaith Federation. ISBN: 978-1-896377-18-6. 
• Kuepfer, J. (2019). Boomers & aging: Seeking & recognizing spiritual resources. Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging. 
• Kuepfer, J. (April, 2019). Spiritual Resources: A word from Canada. Meaningful Ageing Australia News. 
• Kuepfer, J. (March/April, 2019). Spiritual Resources Boost Boomers. Aging Horizons.
• Kuepfer, J. (February, 2019). The Faces of February: Reflections on Spirituality & Aging.Embracing Change. 
• Kuepfer, J. (June 18, 2018). ‘God just isn’t finished with me yet’: Meaning, memory and mystery are part of the aging process. Canadian Mennonite, Vol. 22, No. 13, pp. 4-6. 

Guest Editor for Journal Issues:

• Vision: a journal for church and theology, Special issue: Spirituality & aging, eds. Jane Kuepfer and Andrew Brubacher Kaethler, 23(2), 66-70. https://press.palni.org/ojs/index.php/vision/issue/view/69/95 
• Religions 13(7), Special Issue - Spirituality and Aging: Finding Meaning in the Context of Personal and Societal Change, ed. Jane Kuepfer. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13070584  

Selected Activities:

• Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging 36(4), 2024, Special issue: Papers from the 10^th International Conference on Ageing & Spirituality, eds. Jane Kuepfer and Sally Mordike. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wrsa20/36/4?nav=tocList
• Kuepfer, J. (Jan 30, 2023) Live Q&A with local dementia experts. The Dementia Society: Ottawa and Renfrew County. Zoom (joined a neurologist, dementia care coach, LTC specialist for this online conversation). 
• Kuepfer, J. (Dec 7, 2022) Support for our spirits through the holiday and beyond. Community Support Connections Care partner Zoom.  
• Kuepfer, J. (released Nov 29, 2022) Dr. Jane Kuepfer on how spirituality in LTC & Retirement homes can build community  #ElderWisdom|Stories from the Green Bench podcast  
• Kuepfer, J. (Oct 19, 2022) Gather Groups. SV Echo LIMT presentation. 
• Kuepfer, J. (Oct 2, 2022) Wrestling with Aging: Jacob’s story & ours. Faith Mennonite Church, Leamington. 
• Kuepfer, J. (Sept 6, 2022) Looking back toward the future. Invocation homily, Conrad Grebel University College. 
• Kuepfer, J. Spirituality and Aging. Presentation and Q&A. Third Age Learning K-W. Online, May 3, 2022. 
• Kuepfer, J. Spirituality and Aging. Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hamburg. Zoom Education session. April 3, 2022.
• Social Isolation and Spirituality. Seniors Junction Podcast, recorded Feb 18, 2022. - YouTube - https://youtu.be/eFrQxEME-fE or - https://seniors-junction-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-49-social-isolation-and-spirituality
• Kuepfer, J. (December 14, 2021). Advent and Aging: Exploring Love, Hope, Peace and Joy in Later Life. LEMC Active Seniors Christmas Banquet Presentation.
• Dementia and Spirituality: Facilitating Spiritual Reminiscence for People with Dementia, Conversation with Elizabeth MacKinlay - Response by Dr. Jane Kuepfer, - Nov 24, 2021. Centre for Aging and Community, Saint Paul University, Ottawa. https://youtu.be/Zwh-nkpdink

• Kuepfer, J. (November 17, 2021). Listening for losses: the importance of connection in late life health. 11^th Annual Update in Geriatrics – Virtual Continuing Professional Development Conference. Presentation with Q&A.

• Kuepfer, J. (November 1, 2021). Nurturing our spirits. Presentation. Waterloo Newcomers.
• Spirituality, mental health & resiliency. Seniors Living Innovating Our New Reality Panel. ORCA Conference. Online, October 6, 2021.
• Kuepfer, J. (September 16, 2021). Nurturing your spirit during isolation. Teleconference. WOW (Seniors Without Walls) Waterloo.
• Kuepfer, J. with Faye Forbes and Lisa Loiselle. (April 19, 2021 ). Being fully alive: How spirituality endures. Podcast. Dementia Dialogue– Season 3, Episode 25. https://dementiadialogue.podbean.com/e/being-fully-alive-how-spirituality-endures-episode-25/
• Kuepfer, J. (March 11, 2021). Sustaining our spirits and our aspirations in a climate of moral distress. SV Leadership Town Hall (online).
• Kuepfer, J. (Dec 16, 2020). REFLECTING: Provider perspectives on caring in unprecedented times. Opening reflection and panel moderator. Waterloo Wellington Knowledge Exchange in Geriatrics, via Zoom.
• Kuepfer, J. (Nov 15, 2020). Counting our days, to gain a wise heart. Sermon and discussion time. Mississauga Mennonite Church, via Zoom.
• Kuepfer, J. (Nov 8, 2020). Wrestling with Aging: Jacob’s story & ours, part 2. Sermon. Poole Mennonite Church, Poole, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 28, 2020). Sustaining spirits and holding hope: Ministry with isolated older adults through pandemic and beyond. Webinar. Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo. ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (May 21, 2020). Honouring End of Life. ORCA (Ontario Retirement Communities Association) COVID-19 Weekly Update Webinar.
• Kuepfer, J. with Huseyin Unver and Salih Kara (Feb 24, 2020). World Interfaith Harmony week: Compassion and respect for the elderly. Presentations and discussion. Sunnyside Home.
• Kuepfer, J. (Nov 26, 2019) Aging well: What are your spiritual resources? Stirling Avenue Women’s Missionary Society Christmas Banquet, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (Nov 17, 2019). Wrestling with Aging: Jacob’s story & ours, part 1. Sermon and discussion time. Poole Mennonite Church, Poole, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (Oct 23, 2019). Successes and challenges for spiritual care in aged care in Canada. Luncheon conversation and resource launch (The Map of Meaning & Ageing). Mercy Health, Melbourne, Australia.
• Kuepfer, J. (Oct 17, 2019). Me, you, and growing older: transitions and communication in the second half of life. Grandview Baptist Church, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (Sept 23-24, 2019). Opening the Conversation: Engaging with (Yourself!) Friends, Family & God through the transitions of later life. Hidden Acres Seniors Retreat Days, New Hamburg, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (June 13-14, 2019). Spiritual resources for aging, illness and dying. Workshop. Aging and Spirituality: Finding courage and resilience retreat, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (May 26, 2019). Becoming a Welcoming and Inclusive Church. Sermon. Parkminster United Church, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 28, 2019). Aging Together - Compassion, Community and Change. Sermon and Worship Response Discussion. Bloomingdale Mennonite Church, Bloomingdale, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 24, 2019). Meaning, Memory & Mystery: Exploring spiritual care in long-term care. Webinar. Ontario Centres for Learning, Research & Innovation in Long-term Care (CLRI), Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 4, 2019). Aging Well: What are your spiritual resources? Presentation. Probus Women Waterloo, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (March 31 & April 7, 2019). Wrestling with Aging: Jacob’s story and ours, Parts 1 & 2. Sermons and Christian Education discussions. Wellesley Mennonite Church, Wellesley, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (March 3, 2019). Faith, friendship, and dementia. Christian Education presentation. Erb Street Mennonite Church, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (Jan 20 & Feb 17, 2019). Wrestling with Aging: Jacob’s story and ours, Parts 1 & 2. Sermons and Christian Education discussions. Crosshill Mennonite Church, Crosshill, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 28, 2018). The gifts of growing older. Sermon. Cavan United Church anniversary service, Winthrop, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 26, 2018). Baby boomers, spiritual resources and aging: Hopes for the future of spiritual care. Seminar. Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 18, 2018). The complexities of compassion: Caring for yourself while caring for others. Workshop. Canadian Boomerfest, Siloam United Church, London, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 18, 2018). Pulling up the anchor: As boomers set sail into later life what are their spiritual resources? Keynote address. Canadian Boomerfest, Siloam United Church, London, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. & Herman, D. (Sept 24 – October 15, 2018). Eldering: A 4-part webinar series for Spiritual Companions & Seekers. Webinar series. Spiritual Directors International. www.sdiworld.org.
• Kuepfer, J. & Luth, H. (June 14, 2018). Body, Mind & ??:  Addressing the missing dimension. Workshop. Schlegel Villages Innovation Summit, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (June 13, 2018).  Befriending Death. Presentation. Fairview Parkwood Mennonite Home Annual Meeting. Cambridge, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (June 6, 2018). Narratives of baby boomers: Envisioning late life spiritual resources. Presentation. Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Southwestern Ontario Networking Day. Guelph, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (May 8, 2018). Aging Volunteers: Issues and Ideas. Workshop for thrift store managers. Mennonite Central Committee, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (May 4, 2018). All you need is love… and hope, and peace, and joy: Spiritual Resources for all ages. Poster. RIA Curiosity Fair, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 24, 2018). Thinking about MAID from an Anabaptist perspective. Tri-County Mennonite Homes board, New Hamburg, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 11, 2018). Researching Spirituality? Wonder, Wit & Wisdom. Waterloo North Mennonite Church Seniors Connection, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (March 28, 2018). If I live to be 104. Three Minute Thesis. Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (February 24, 2018). Understanding Spirituality and Aging. IPE Geriatrics Conference. Village of Winston Park, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (February 15, 2018). Spirituality and Aging discussion. University Gates Residents Lunch. Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. and Penner, C. (February 6, 2018). Providing pastoral care to seniors: My experience. Pastoral Care Class. Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. and Penner, C. (October 19, 2017). Pastoral care in the context of MAID (Medical assistance in dying). Pastor’s forum. Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 15, 2017). Spirituality and aging. Christian Formation presentation. East Zorra Mennonite Church, Tavistock, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 15, 2017). Jacob’s second half of life. Sermon. East Zorra Mennonite Church, Tavistock, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (Sept 2, 2017). Spiritual Care in Long Term Care: How do we think about ‘assessment’? Waterloo Wellington Chaplains Association, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. and Dwyer, M. (June 14, 2017). Exploring the spiritual needs of today and tomorrow. Schlegel Villages Innovation Summit, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (May 11, 2017). Contributing to wellbeing in persons living with dementia. Nithview Community, New Hamburg, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (March 26, 2017). Spiritual Wellness. Presentation, Shantz Mennonite Church, Baden, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (March 23, 2017). Spiritual wellness: research and resources. Presentation, Village of Winston Park, Kitchener, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (January 21, 2017). Spiritual resources for dying (and living). Workshop, Pastors, chaplains and congregational leaders ‘Befriending Death’ day, Steinmann Mennonite Church, Baden, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (January 15 – February 26, 2017). Necessary conversations. Sunday Christian Education series, Wellesley Mennonite Church, Wellesley, ON.
• Kuepfer, J. (January 12, 2017). Spiritual resources for aging. Presentation, Chartwell Westmount, Kitchener ON, retirement residents.
• Kuepfer, J. (November 29, 2016). Mennonite faith perspective on death and dying. Lecture, Hospice of Waterloo Region, volunteer meeting.
• Kuepfer, J. (November 25, 2016). Spiritual considerations as we age together. Tavistock ON, Christian Business Men’s fellowship.
• Kuepfer, J. (November 21, 2016). Spirituality and Aging. Lecture, University of Waterloo, HLTH 201 class.

Conference Presentations:

• Co-creating Supportive Spiritual Community in Retirement. Pre-recorded presentation. Walk with Me Conference, May 2022.
• Appreciating the role and meaning of faith for residents. Poster. Centres for Learning, Research & Innovation in Long-term Care (CLRI) EDI forum. Online, April 13, 2022. With Loreta Sinn.
• Tapping Resident Spirituality as a Resource for Community Resilience & Support. Together We Care Conference (OLTCA/OARC), Pre-recorded video, April 6, 2022, with Loreta Sinn.
• Kuepfer, J.,  Dupuis, K. and Breadner, C. (October 21 , 2021). Fumbling with spirituality? Digging into the spiritual domain!Recreation Professionals of Ontario Annual Online Convention.
• Kuepfer, J. (June, 2021). Spiritual Care in Ontario Long-term Care: Current realities and hopes for the future. Pre-recorded presentation. 9^th International Conference on Ageing & Spirituality. Online.
• Sinn, C-P. L. and Kuepfer, J. (June, 2021). Spiritual resilience in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poster. 9^th International Conference on Ageing & Spirituality. Online.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 21, 2021). More than Bodies: Recognizing and addressing spiritual needs through pandemic and beyond. Presentation. Together We Care Conference. Ontario Long-term Care Association. Online.
• Kuepfer, J. (October 29, 2019). Boomers & aging: Seeking & recognizing spiritual resources. Paper presentation. 8^th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality, Canberra, Australia.
• Kuepfer, J. (April 26, 2018). In their own words: Baby boomers envisioning late life spiritual resources. SPED (Spiritual Education & Discovery) talk. Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Annual Conference. Deerhurst Resort, Collingwood, ON.
   

• Wallbridge Scholarship (New Testament)
• Richard Davidson Memorial Scholarship (Public Worship)
• Dr. Hugh Pritchard Memorial Scholarship (Preaching)
• Charles Wesley Webb Scholarship (New Testament)

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