
Karolyn Kinane, Ph.D.
Contemplative Guide & educator
Karolyn has been helping people live and learn more deeply– with playfulness and purpose– for twenty years.
Drawing from her expertise in contemplative science, spirituality, yoga, and nature connection, Karolyn offers customized classes and workshops both online and in person. She listens deeply, speaks with clarity, and helps awaken wisdom within individuals and groups. An award-winning professor, leadership coach, and Wild Church facilitator, Karolyn brings a presence that is both comforting and inspiring– creating spaces where introspection and creativity can thrive.
Karolyn holds a Ph.D. in English and is a former professor of medieval studies, recognized as a thought-leader in the field of contemplation in higher education. She teaches and researches mysticism, contemplation, and creativity at colleges and universities across the US. In addition, she is a registered yoga teacher with advanced training in nature-connected spirituality, Thai bodywork, Tarot, and other healing modalities.
As co-founder of Hearth Cville Wild Church— a place-based spiritual community rooted in nature– Karolyn’s personal practices include journaling, music-making, dialogue, dancing, and hatha yoga, as well as ritual and journeying within the living tradition of indigenous Irish paganism. She is a Reverend through Universal Life Monastery and is currently studying to become a Licensed Unity Teacher and Therapeutic Harp Provider.
With over 20 years of experience working with schools, churches, senior centers, non-profits, and individuals, Karolyn is a dynamic and engaging speaker. Her signature workshops include Contemplation in Everyday Life, Values Alignment, and Mindful Leadership. She also creates unique, tailored experiences aligned with her clients goals and intentions.
Whether you’re seeking a professional speaker, a playful personal exploration, or a sacred gathering with your close friends, Karolyn will honor your vision and craft an experience that resonates with your needs.
Working in Higher Ed?
Best known for her pioneering work in contemplative pedagogy, Karolyn occasionally consults with departments and faculty on course design and integrating contempaltive practices into the classroom. Reach out to learn more.
Writing
Rooting Institutional Change in Personal Practice
The Wellbeing Project
Contemplative Reading, Journal of Contemplative Inquiry
Critical, Creative, Contemplative, Religious Studies News
Contemplative Course Design Video Series
Contemplative Lab Curriculum
Get in Touch
Karolyn is open to side collaborations and talks worldwide. If you want to chat about learning and living deeply and wisely, don’t hesitate in reaching out.
Speaking
Contemplative Teaching and Learning
University of Virginia, Wabash College, U Mass Lowell, Suffolk University, and others.
Contemplation & Everyday Life
Sunrise Senior Living; Charlottesville, VA
Mindful Leadership
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Reading for Wisdom
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
Charlottesville, VA
Values Exploration
Dalai Lama Fellows Program; Wild Heart Yoga & Wellness; Plymouth, NH; Charlottesville Women’s Entrepreneurs