2025 Annual PPCA Conference
Thank you Everyone for a wonderful Conference – See you Next Year!
2025 Conference: The Chaplain as Counselor
August 26-28, 2025 – Bongiorno Conference Center
To register for the 2025 PPCA Conference, click the button below to register.
a registration receipt will be sent to your email.
If you need a paper form, please contact Treasurer Ben Dunlop bend@jub.org
Membership Dues are now included with in the price of the conference.
Due to recent changes in Tax Law & IRS Procedures,
we are no longer accepting credit card payments.
For State Employees: Inform the Business Office that the
Vendor# is now 0000563350
If you have any questions with regards to registration
please contact PPCA Treasurer Ben Dunlop bend@jub.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Lunch on your own (Before arrival)
- 12:30-1:15 p.m. Registration
- 1:15-1:30 p.m. Opening remarks & Welcome
- 1:30-2:15 p.m. Business Meeting
- 2:45-3:45 p.m. Panel Discussion/Workshops
- 4:00 p.m. Room Key Distribution
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner
- 6:45-8:15 p.m Free Time/Faith Group Gathering
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- 7:00-7:30 a.m. Worship*
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:45-9:45 a.m. Keynote – Pamela Bower
- 10:00-10:30 a.m. Break
- 11:15-11:45 a.m. Keynote – Paul Chaim Schenck
- 12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:15-2:15 p.m. Keynote – Paul Chaim Schenck
- 2:30-3:45 p.m. Keynote – Dr. Brian Schneider
- 5:30 p.m. PPCA Banquet**
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- 7:00-7:30 a.m. Worship*
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:30-9:30 a.m. Business Meeting
- 9:30-11:30 a.m. Legal Issues with Abby and Tara
- 11:30-12:00 p.m. Certificate, Close
Session titles and times are subject to change.
* Indicates optional activity
**For Banquet Only: Please note a need for a Kosher meal on registration form in advance
Chaplain as Counselor
Spiritual counseling focuses on life issues through a religious or spiritual lens, often involving faith practices like prayer, scripture, and moral guidance. G general counseling is rooted in psychological theory and addresses mental and emotional health using clinical techniques. While both aim to support healing and personal growth, spiritual counseling emphasizes connection to the divine, whereas general counseling centers on mental wellness and behavior. The two approaches can overlap but differ in their foundations, goals, and methods.
Speakers Include
Paul Chaim Schenck is an advanced practice board-certified clinical chaplain with advanced training in mental health and grief counseling. He holds advanced degrees in religion, theology, psychology, and interfaith studies with doctoral research was on empathy in pastoral situations. With over 40-years of experience in hospital, rehabilitation, and prison chaplain, he is the author of the upcoming book Neurotheology in Clinical Chaplaincy: A Practitioner’s Guide. He and his wife Rebecca Wald have been married 48 years and have eight children and eight grandchildren.
Pamela Brower is a licensed clinical social worker in both Pennsylvania and New York. She and her husband are the owners of Pathways Counseling Services in New York State and New Pathways Counseling Services in Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor’s from Roberts Wesleyan College and Master’s from Temple University. Pamela has a special interest in creating healthy attachments in relationships. Pamela is the mother of three adult children. She and her family reside in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Brian Schneider serves currently as the Director of Psychology Office for the Department of Corrections in which he handles and oversees the psychological practices over the Department of Corrections.
Abby Tovinger is an Assistant Counsel for the Department of Corrections, where she handles inmate litigation matters.
Tara Wikhian is an Assistant Counsel for the Department of Corrections, where she handles inmate litigation matters.