New Chaplain Joins Lawrence Hospital Center

Bronxville, NY (October 13, 2006) - Simmons Gardner has been appointed the new Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at Lawrence Hospital Center in Bronxville. Chaplain Gardner comes to Lawrence from Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland where he served in the same capacity for a dozen years.

The board certified chaplain plans to use his first year on the job to listen and learn. "I want to maintain the harmony I see here at Lawrence and only make changes if needed. And, I look forward to meeting the local clergy so we can find meaningful ways to work together," states Gardner.

Chaplain Gardner believes pastoral care should be at the patient's request. To be the best at his job, he says it is crucial to respect and understand different religions and beliefs. At Lawrence, Chaplain Gardner will also be available to minister to the entire hospital community.

Ordained for 30 years, Chaplain Gardner received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and his Masters of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. Originally from Florida, Chaplain Gardner lives in Ossining with his wife, Reverend Doctor Susan R. Andrews.