Al has vast experience in public speaking as well as with ritual.

Journeys of the Heart was fortunate to discover him in 2010 after being recommended to us from several unrelated sources.

Immediately upon coming on board, the first couple to request Al as their wedding officiant was a former student who, upon finding his bio on our web site, could hardly believe his good fortune in discovering that one of his favorite teachers could serve as his wedding officiant.

Al finds it an honor to work with couples to create ceremonies that embody their own unique sense of wonder, blessing and meaning in the world.

He finds satisfaction in creating ceremonies that are intimate and romantic, while at the same time enjoyable for all involved.

Al is respectful of, and interested in, the entire range of belief systems, from the traditionally religious to the spiritual (but not traditionally religious) to purely secular.

His own spirituality is multi-faceted, incorporating Catholicism, Quaker Meeting for Worship and mindfulness practice.

His core belief is that there is that of God in everyone and so people need not have any defined belief system for Al to see their deep, intrinsic value.

With 20 years’ experience as a high school teacher, Al is ever renewed by the challenges young people present and he never tires of their exuberance for life.

His students’ sense of wonder helps him to continually see the world through their eyes.

Al holds degrees in theology and education, and in the 1990s served for four years as the volunteer coordinator and trainer for an area AIDS service organization.

Al is a popular guest speaker at colleges, community organizations, and various faith communities where he is invited to share his expertise in areas of healthy adolescence, parenting, relationship and education.

His presentations are known to be deeply insightful, yet spiked with just the right amount of humor.

Al enjoys theatre, reading, and occasionally relaxing at home viewing some favorite T.V. shows.

He and his life partner enjoy cooking at home, a stately and handsome old Victorian in Philadelphia.

They are also drawn to the many fine culinary venues the city restaurant scene has to offer.

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