Dawn Ravella

MSW, Fordham University (1998)

DMin, New York Theological Seminary (2013)

Death and Dying

Dawn Ravella is a social worker who has organized faith communities to respond to human suffering, poverty and injustice – both locally and internationally – for more than 25 years. She mobilizes congregants to engage in direct service projects and programs.

Some of Dawn’s favorite accomplishments include the establishment of two overnight shelters for homeless men; Co-founding East Side Congregations for Housing Justice, a vehicle to mobilize people of faith to dialogue with elected officials regarding blueprint to end homelessness in NYC; and the International Ministry she created to facilitate funding and support for economic development projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, Africa.

Currently as Director of Mission at The Reformed Church of Bronxville, Dawn created and directs a “Coming Home Prison Ministry.” This program provides life skills empowerment classes and mentoring to formerly incarcerated individuals within the context of supportive trauma-informed community. This multilayered project has mobilized community members to engage in many new ways, including systemic change efforts and restorative justice initiatives.

Dawn has also worked with Rainbows International as a National Registered Director – providing training and leadership to individuals and organizations supporting children experiencing crisis and loss.

She has maintained a practice of holistic psychotherapy including spirituality and mind/ body practices.