Originally from Oregon, Joseph Boyd first discovered Unitarian Universalism at First Unitarian Church, Portland. He served as an adult mentor with what is now called the Unitarian Universalist Association Thrive Leadership Schools for youth and young adults of color and is a Master of Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. His interests as a minister range from contemplative spiritual practices, the integration of psychiatry and religion, theatre and storytelling as means of transformation, and those directly impacted by incarceration. He most recently finished working as a student chaplain at Rikers Island Correctional Facility, exploring the use of horticulture as therapy with inmates and detainees. He lives in New York with his beautiful and talented wife Jennifer, and cats Jasper and Simon.