Fidelia is made possible through the work of the Fidelia Work Group, headed by a managing editor and two content editors. The editorial team meets regularly with Fidelia’s content writers and writers in residence to generate ideas, plan series, and share projects. YCWI’s administrative assistant supports the work group by managing the practical aspects of the e-zine.
Managing Editor
The Rev. Ali Van Kuiken (she/her) is the managing editor for Fidelia. Previously she was a writer-in-residence for Fidelia, focusing her writing on mental health concerns, liturgical resources, and book reviews. Ali serves full-time as a chaplain at a psychiatric hospital where she provides both individual and group support to the men and women receiving treatment there. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and cat and enjoys playing the piano, board games, and reading.
Content Editing Team
The Rev. Brittany Baurle Kooi, ordained in the ELCA, serves a congregation in Colorado. Prior to being a pastor, she taught high school English in Minneapolis; she remains a staunch advocate for the Oxford comma. Just as stubbornly, Brittany roots for the Chicago Bears with her clergy husband. She is one of the content editors for Fidelia.
Rune Marie Nielsen is a pastor, writer, and illustrator who seeks to show ‘a glimpse of divine eternity’ in her work. Rune finds creativity in both the complex and simple aspects of life, from meditation and theology to the bowl of noodles she ate for lunch. To view her paintings and illustrations, visit runepainter.com.
Rev. Shannon E. Sullivan (she/her/hers) is a life-long feminist and United Methodist currently serving the community of Frederick, Maryland, as the senior pastor of Trinity UMC. She is a graduate of Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey. She is married to Aaron Harrington, her high school sweetheart, who is a pilot and all around aviation geek. They have two living children who they are raising in a house cluttered by books and airplane parts. Shannon is a proud former Managing Editor of Fidelia, and more of her writing can be found through Fidelia and at shannonesullivan.com.
Rev. Julia Burkley serves as Pastor of Concord Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and reading fantasy books in her spare time.
Rev. Rachel Sutphin (she/her) has served as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Hammonton (NJ) since 2024. She deeply resonates with the church’s history and identity of community outreach and mission with underserved populations. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys kayaking, reading, playing clarinet, and embroidery.
Rev. Kristen Levens lives on her family’s ancestral farm land in North Carolina and serves as a PC(USA) pastor. When she’s not pastoring or cooking, you can find her gardening, reading, or snuggling her miniature poodle, Cassie.
Rev. Leslie Lang Denny is ordained in the PCUSA and currently serves as an associate pastor in Spartanburg, SC. She is also a member of the Young Clergywomen International Board. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband David, hiking, bike, playing the flute in a community band, and exploring local coffee shops and restaurants. She is a content writer and editor for Fidelia.