Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas, M.Ed., is an educator, writer, poet and ordained interfaith minister. She has taught writing and poetry to students from K to adult. Presently, she teaches English as a second language to immigrants and refugees in Western Massachusetts. Rev. Linda’s dream has always been to pursue a career in ministry in which she utilizes her expertise as an educator along with her communications, technology and people skills to motivate, enrich and inspire those around her to do and be their best. She strives to be a positive force in creating a world where diversity, multiculturalism and social justice are embraced through an understanding and connection with the Spirit through interfaith dialogue.
Education:
1971-1973 Bay State Junior College, Boston, MA, graduated May 1973,
Recipient of Felix Albino Award for Humanitarianism
1991 University of Southern Maine, fall 1991 Dean’s List
2002-2005 University of Massachusetts Amherst, UWW Weekends Program
BA in Creative Writing for Spiritual Health, Cum Laude
2006-2008 University of Massachusetts Amherst, School of Education
M. Ed., Reading & Writing Education, Language, Literacy, and Culture International Honors Society
2011-2013 The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies, Interfaith Ministry
Ordained on June 15, 2013, All Soul’s Church, New York, NY
Experience:
2012-present Adjunct Professor of English as a Second Language, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA – Speaking and Listening; Reading and Writing; Grammar
2012-present ESOL Instructor, Citizenship Assistant Center for New Americans, North Hampton, MA – Permanent Part-time instructor for Level 5/6 class; Citizenship assistant
2011-present Gifted Instructor, Summer Institute for the Gifted, ONLINE – Teach online courses to middle school aged students from around the world
2011- Fall Adjunct Professor of English as a Second Language, Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA – Grammar and writing.
2007 -2012 Instructor, South Deerfield Congregational Church, South Deerfield, MA – Developed and facilitated Adult Education classes in Social Justice Issues; The Role of Women in the Church; Journaling for Wellness. Also co-facilitated children’s Sunday school classes.
Rev. Linda has been actively involved in various spiritual communities. Her experience includes guest minister, Eucharistic minister, lecturer, liturgist, lay minister, guest speaker, editor and deacon.
Publications:
2013 Neas, L.M.R. (2013) “Rocket’s Red Glare.” Caught in the Crossfire. Tennessee: Storyteller Publications. 37-38.
2013 Neas, L.M.R. (2013) “Budget Cuts.” 30 Poems in November! Center for New Americans
2011 Neas, L.M.R. (2011). “Multicultural Lesson Plan: Ramadan.” BrightHub! Education. http://www.brighthubeducation.com/middle-school-social-studies-lessons/126797-ramadan-lunar-calendar-and-muslim-tradition-lesson/
2011 Neas, L.M.R. (2011). “Teaching Multiculturalism and Diversity During Winter Holidays.” BrightHub! Education. http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-elementary-school/57301-teach-multiculturalism-and-diversity-during-the-holidays/
2010 Neas, L.M.R. (2010). Gogo’s Dream: Swaziland Discovered. Blurb.com
2010 Neas, L.M.R. (2010) “Incorporating Lessons on Peacemaking with Literature.” BrightHub! Education. http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-elementary-school/66705-teaching-peace-and-conflict/
2008 Neas, L.M.R. (2008). Winter of the Soul. South Deerfield, MA: Lone Wolf Production
Membership:
2010-present Interfaith Council of Franklin County (MA)
2013 Order of Universal Interfaith (OUnI)
2013 A World Alliance of Interfaith Clergy
2013 Interfaith Ministers of New England