Alum Spotlight: A Sanctuary for Healing in the Desert
I am Dr. Jen Anderson and I graduated from CST with my PhD in Practical Theology, Education and Formation in 2024, following completing my MA in 2017. I’ve taken the action-oriented training from CST’s Practical Theology program and channeled it into a tangible place of healing. As the founder of the Anderson-Arroyo Foundation (501c3), I oversee the Sonoran Desert Sanctuary, a 330-acre wilderness retreat center, botanical garden, and land regeneration project in Arizona.
My work there is deeply rooted in engaged ministry. I run group retreats and provide individual spiritual direction for veterans and other trauma survivors grappling with PTSD and the existential crisis of Moral Injury.
CST provided me with the depth and breadth of education I needed to do this type of ministry. The practical theology department at CST is one of the few in the country that transforms the heady topic of theology into real-world social action, like spiritual direction, restorative justice, mediation, and nonviolence. I’ve taken those lessons and applied them far beyond the Sanctuary, even writing alternative sentencing recommendations for non-violent offenders and fostering children. I use the tools I developed at CST daily in both my personal and professional life.
My biggest hope is that more people will grasp the power of practical theology—the vital importance of training individuals to turn the wisdom of all great spiritual traditions (Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jain, and others) into thoughtful, grounded, and engaged community action.
To learn more about the Anderson-Arroyo Foundation or how you can support the Sonoran Desert Sanctuary, click here.