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Presbyterian News Service

Louisville Seminary announces three faculty appointments

Seminary bolsters its Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy degree program

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June 30, 2025

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the faculty appointments of three distinguished scholars and practitioners who will strengthen and expand the seminary’s Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program.

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Louisville Seminary
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (contributed photo)

The Rev. Dr. Hee Jin Lee will join the faculty on July 1. Lee holds a doctorate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Emory University, Candler School of Theology. Her research explores collective and intersectional trauma narratives among young Korean American survivors of childhood domestic violence, considering historical, cultural, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.

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Rev. Dr. Hee Jin Lee
The Rev. Dr. Hee Jin Lee

She also holds degrees from Claremont School of Theology and Methodist Theological University in Seoul, Korea. A Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church (Missouri Conference) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lee brings deep pastoral and clinical expertise to our community.

Sarah Flannery will also begin her faculty appointment on July 1. She is currently earning her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Eastern University in Philadelphia. She holds a Master of Science in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s in English from Asbury University.

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Sarah Flannery
Sarah Flannery

In her current role as Director of the Faithful Formation grant, a Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative, she equips parents and guardians to share their Christian faith with their children. She is also a published author, with two books on ministry and family engagement.

Dr. Verena Schmidt will begin her faculty appointment on July 1, 2026. Schmidt holds a doctorate in Social Work from the University of Louisville, where she researched the incarceration experiences of older African American adults. She also earned her Master in Social Work at Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule Munich, University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

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Dr. Verena Schmidt
Dr. Verena Schmidt

She is currently pursuing dual degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Louisville Seminary, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work.

“This is a pivotal moment in the history of Louisville Seminary and the Marriage and Family Therapy program,” says the Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford, Vice President of Academics and Dean of the Seminary. “For the first time in program history, we will have four faculty colleagues in the MFT program. This expansion enables us to offer a wider range of courses, including options accessible to MDiv, MAR, and DMin students. Each of these practitioners and scholars brings a wealth of knowledge, unique gifts, experiences, and worldviews. Under the leadership of Program Director, the Rev. Dr. Lesley Ann Earles, this growth will propel the Marriage and Family Therapy program to new heights.”

Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville adds, “This is an extraordinary time of celebration for our Seminary community. This exceptional group of new professors demonstrates our Seminary’s commitment to continued excellence in our Marriage and Family Therapy program. These outstanding theological educators are joining an incredible faculty community dedicated to the continued success of our students.” 

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