Rev. Helene (na Coille)

I began my journey into nature spirituality and Paganism while studying physics at MIT in the early 1990s, and I have always loved a mix of science and spirituality. I was an active-duty Air Force officer for four years after graduation, then worked in fields related to computer network security, technology consulting, office management and web accessibility. As a queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent person, I have also been involved in advocacy supporting the value of disability and LGBTQIA+ perspectives.

Pagan spirituality and magic have long been deep passions of mine, mostly as a solitary practitioner connected to community. I am an ordained Cleric with Sacred Well Congregation, and my current devotional practice follows dual paths of Irish Pagan spirituality and Hekatean sorcery. I currently serve on the Boards of both Sacred Well Congregation and Cherry Hill Seminary, where I earned my Community Ministry Certificate in 2024. This year I am embarking on the new Rewilding the Soul Ecospirituality Certificate with Cherry Hill as well, which will allow me to deepen both my own practice and my community offerings.

My academic pursuits have continued as well, and I have earned a master’s degree in sociology while working toward my Ph.D. in the same. I am also an avid martial artist and fitness enthusiast, seeking to cultivate strength and flexibility of mind, body and spirit.

I live in the wooded mountains of western Massachusetts with my spouse, rescue dogs, and much surrounding wildlife. You can find videos of my wildlife sightings on the Woodland Spirituality YouTube channel, or follow me on BlueSky. If you're interested, the name I use online, Helene na Coille, means "Helene of the Wood" in Irish Gaeilge.