Shannon Blower, MA, MAR, is the Director of Pastoral Care Services and Education at Summa Health System, where he oversees spiritual care for patients, their families and our providers. He holds MA and MAR degrees in Leadership and Counseling. Shannon is a certified grief recovery specialist with 30 years of experience as a senior pastor in the local church. He received his clinical training through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education at Summa Health System where he has served since 2012. Pastor Shannon is a member of Summa’s Ethics Committee, Schwartz Rounds and is a faculty member of Palliative Care Services. His spiritually integrative work supports the healing process in our hospital setting. Shannon is the father of four adult sons, father-in-law to their wives, and most importantly Papa to his 13 grandchildren. 

 

“My mission as a Clinical Chaplain is twofold: to help people mitigate meaningless suffering by helping them claim a path that honors their unique life. Providing spiritual care for patients, staff and our community begins with the conviction that our lives thrive in the presence and participation of loving and being loved. This generative approach nourishes the wounded heart by strengthening the spiritual qualities of trust, personal agency, and hope. I am regularly in awe of the infinite ways life presents and prevails. ‘Amore Fati!’”

 

Gary Foreman, Th.D., is a highly skilled and compassionate clinical chaplain with expertise in trauma and critical care. He has served as a staff chaplain for five years and is a certified grief recovery specialist, a healer’s arts facilitator and has been trained in trauma-informed care. Chaplain Foreman received his Clinical Pastoral Education from Summa Health System (four Units) and received his Doctor of Theology from Tabernacle Bible Institute in Huber Heights, Ohio. Chaplain Foreman is an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Assembly of the Word Inc and Senior Pastor of Koinonia Apostolic Faith Church in Akron, Ohio. Outside of the Summa Health System, he enjoys fishing and attending sporting events. 

 

“As a clinically trained Chaplain, I view my work as a sacred privilege. I begin by understanding each patient’s spiritual distress from their perspective—an approach known as “crossing the street.” By listening without judgment, I create space for reflection and help individuals draw on their inner wisdom to support healing. Through compassionate conversation, I guide them toward peace and wellness.”

 

Tiffany A. Little, M.T.S. is a Clinical Pastoral Chaplain at Summa Health System. She has served as a chaplain here since 2021. Born and raised in Akron, Chaplain Tiffany believes in the mission of Summa Health population in the city. She received her master’s in theological studies from Malone College. She has trauma-informed training, healer’s art training and certification as a grief recovery specialist. Outside of work Tiffany enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and walking.

 

“What is my raison d’etre as a chaplain? I believe it is to honor the stories of the patients. Every patient encounter brings to life the name on the census. Their stories help me as a chaplain learn how to provide spiritual care that speaks to each and every unique situation.”

 

Bonnie Montgomery, M.Div., is a clinical chaplain at Summa Health System and an ordained minister.  Raised in Michigan, Bonnie has been a chaplain for approximately 15 years. A graduate in science from the University of Michigan and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, she is currently studying to be a supervising chaplain with Capstone University.  Special interest in chaplaincy involves palliative care, detox care and infant demise.  She has a “green thumb” and enjoys growing organic vegetables, fruits and herbs .

 

“Being a chaplain is not just a role, it’s my calling. I’ve never felt such deep purpose in any other work. When I enter a patient’s room, I’m fully present, offering comfort, connection and spiritual support. Each encounter is a sacred chance to be with someone in their most vulnerable moments. Whether through silence, prayer, grief or hope, I want them to know they’re not alone. This work is hard, but it’s exactly where I’m meant to be.”

 

Mirit Balkan, (she/her) MA, BCC., is a clinical chaplain working at The Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion at Summa Health System. She holds an MA in Jewish Studies and is a Board-certified chaplain through Neshama - the Board of Jewish Chaplains. Mirit is a certified Life Cycle Celebrant® and is authorized to solemnize marriage in the state of Ohio. She brings her three decades of experience in group facilitation and community building together with her education in Conflict Transformation into her chaplaincy work. Mirit is a Reiki 1, mediator and a trained Crisis Interventionist. She serves as a board member for NAMI Greater Cleveland (National Association for Mental Health). Mirit is a proud mom of three children, a dog and a cat.

 

“Before I became a chaplain, I was a patient: vulnerable, scared and searching for meaning. That experience led me to chaplaincy, where I now walk alongside others on their own journeys of healing. At The Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion, I support patients, families and staff with presence, compassion and deep respect for the human spirit. I don't try to fix it, but to listen, to hold space, and to help others find strength and hope in their stories. Each day, I’m reminded that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”