Center for Continuous Learning

Dr. Robin S. Apparicio is the Minister of Collaboration and Engagement at the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. She draws on her experience as an educator and ministry leader to work with churches on ministry projects and global connections. As a thought leader, her research centers on aging, practical theology, and spiritual development. Connecting and learning from one another is vital in having and sustaining quality of life. Min. Robin convenes an annual convocation for older adults to reason and cultivate imaginations that pattern what the beloved community of God can look like. In addition to her work at the convention, she is an executive coach and health navigator. She holds an MS in Health Service Administration from the New School for Social Research, MA in Christian Education from Virginia Union University, MDiv from Wesley Theological Seminary, and PhD in Business from Capella University. She is associate minister at Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in DC, and a chaplain intern at MedStar Washington Hospital.

Rev. Kathryn Palen serves as associate executive minister for elder care ministries for the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island. In that role, she has innovated programs and resources for people navigating the third third of life and those walking alongside them, After a first career as a journalist, she has served congregations in Rhode Island, Iowa, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, and Connecticut. She also has worked for the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, Alban Institute, and several educational institutions. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master of divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School. She is working on a graduate certificate in spiritual direction at Saint Meinrad School of Theology.