Waveny LifeCare Network Appoints New Spiritual Services Director

NEW CANAAN, CT — Waveny LifeCare Network has named Danelie Millien as its new spiritual services director.

According to a news release provided by the nonprofit, Millien's experience includes chaplain roles at Boston Medical Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, Stamford Hospital, Westchester Medical Center and more recently Hospice Chaplain for Constellation Health, caring for patients and their families.

Millien was also the Associate for Caring Ministries at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgefield.

Millien has spent her life in ministry, pursuing her calling to love and serve those in need of emotional and spiritual care, according to the nonprofit. She is currently working toward her board certification in chaplaincy through the Association of Professional Chaplains and discerning her calling to become an ordained priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

"I am thrilled to begin my journey at Waveny LifeCare Network," Millien said in a news release. "I look forward to providing compassionate care to patients, residents and families in collaboration with the spiritual services team, Waveny staff and local clergy."

Millien is a Norwalk resident and has a daughter, Christina, who is currently pursuing her college education. Her therapy dog Lily, a 1-year-old Morkie, keeps her busy and motivated.

The role of the Waveny's spiritual services director is to use their theological and clinical training to help residents and families cope more effectively and find enrichment, comfort and support as they practice their faith.

Spiritual care is an important aspect of Waveny's health care that supports the inner person (spirit/soul) to help deal with the health challenges that its residents and their loved ones are facing, according to the nonprofit. This may include concerns or questions about personal meaning, purpose, legacy, hope and faith.

The spiritual services director collaborates and communicates closely with Waveny's interdisciplinary clinical team and with other members of the spiritual services team, including Rev. Derrick Fallon and Father Paul Sankar, volunteers and clergy from the local community of faith in providing care and comfort to all those in their care, especially during end of life and bereavement.

The Carol Bauer Fund for Spiritual Services supports the provision of this unique blend of care, tailored to the needs of each individual and family, according to the nonprofit.