Beyond the Bedside: Finding New Paths in Chaplaincy with Alyssa Foll

What happens when your calling begins to evolve? In this episode of The Chaplain’s Compass, hosts Alice Tremaine and John Betz welcome Alyssa Foll for a thoughtful conversation about career pivots, vocational discernment, and the many ways chaplains can expand their impact beyond traditional bedside care. Drawing from her journey from healthcare chaplain to Director of Ministry Formation at Ascension Health, Alyssa reflects on how clinical pastoral education shaped her leadership, the difference between education and formation, and why chaplaincy skills like deep listening, discernment, and navigating complexity remain invaluable in leadership settings.  Together, they explore how burnout and calling can intersect, the challenges of maintaining a pastoral identity in nontraditional roles, and the growing opportunities for chaplains in leadership, ethics, education, coaching, patient experience, conflict resolution, research, and organizational formation. Alyssa also shares practical advice for chaplains considering a career transition, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, networking, storytelling, and trusting that vocation continues to grow throughout every stage of life.  Whether you're just beginning your chaplaincy journey, discerning a new direction, or looking for fresh inspiration in your current role, this episode offers encouragement to embrace change, honor your gifts, and discover new ways to serve with purpose. Connect with Alyssa FollFollow Alyssa on LinkedIn to learn more about her work in ministry formation, leadership development, and healthcare chaplaincy. Connect with Alice and John:Instagram: @alicetremaine (Alice) | @researchchaplain (John)LinkedIn: Alice Tremaine | John BetzPhone: 502-536-7508 Learn more: Chaplaincy Now | Association of Professional Chaplains