About | Board of Directors | Emergency Deployments | History | Staff

Rev. Julie Taylor, MDiv, CTR, Executive Director

Rev. Julie Taylor has served as Executive Director of Disaster Chaplaincy Services since March, 2005. Through her leadership, the organization has increased the number of active chaplains involved and faith traditions represented. Julie is constantly working to increase the capacity of Disaster Chaplaincy Services to respond to disasters, emergencies, and crises that occur every day in the greater New York metropolitan area.

A Certified Trauma Responder (CTR), Julie has served as a chaplain in a variety of local and national disasters, including St. Paul’s Chapel at the World Trade Center site during the 9/11 recovery. She is the current Spiritual Care Coordinator for the Critical Incident Stress Management Network of New York State, a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists, and the Association of Professional Chaplains. In addition to her work with DCS, Julie volunteers with the Hudson Valley CISM Team and the UU Trauma Response Ministry.

Julie is a dynamic trainer and has presented on trauma and disaster to local, national, and international audiences. She is the author of the chapter “Spiritual First Aid” in the book Disaster Spiritual Care: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy, as well as other articles and chapters. In February, 2007, Julie was presented with the ICISF Spiritual Leadership Award. Julie earned her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York.

Rev. Julie Taylor can be reached at jtaylor@dcs-ny.org

Paola Lamarca, Communications Coordinator

Paola is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is pursuing a Master degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications at NYU. Settled in New York since January 2007, she has also worked as a volunteer for BrazilFoundation and Metro International (Fulbright Association.) At DCS, Paola is responsible for keeping you updated with news on DCS and other useful information through newsletters, emails and the DCS website. If you wish to share a story or experience or contribute with information and ideas, please contact Paola.

Paola Lamarca can be reached at paola@dcs-ny.org

Diana Bell, Volunteer Coordinator

Diana brings to DCS her diverse experience with non-profits and interfaith religious organizations. Her work includes program design, volunteer training, fundraising, and leadership development. Witnessing the aftermath of hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita solidified Diana’s desire to work toward building strong communities that can prepare for and respond to disasters of all types. Diana is a candidate for ordained ministry with the Presbyterian Church, USA, and earned her Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Diana Ball can be reached at VolunteerCoordinator@dcs-ny.org or 646-210-9173.