International Day of Education 2024

Jan 18, 2024

Meet Maddy, Our Learning Design Specialist

Introduction

On this International Day of Education, we introduce you to a special member of our team, Maddy. Maddy is our Learning Design Specialist, and her life journey and beliefs play a pivotal role in the contributions she makes to our community.

A bit about Maddy

Maddy has had a deep-seated interest in spirituality from a young age. This interest led her to pursue a degree and a Master’s in Theology and Religious Studies. Maddy greatly treasures the visits she made to spiritually significant locations in Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal, experiencing first-hand how people across cultures find the sacred in everyday life.

She resides in Birmingham with her husband, Mike, and their rescue dog, Lucy. Maddy and her family love basking in nature’s beauty by exploring the UK’s forests and beaches. It’s their favourite pastime over the weekends.

Journey to OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation

When asked about what led her to become the Learning Design Specialist at OneSpirit, Maddy shared her journey:

“I completed a Theology and Religious Studies degree and trained as a secondary school RE teacher. I found my passion in teaching students with additional needs. Seeing the ways the mainstream school system was letting these students down led me to specialise in teaching students with a range of additional needs. This was a challenging but incredibly rewarding role.”

“After a research master’s, I felt disillusioned with the school system and started to contemplate what I wanted from a job. That was when I found OneSpirit. The job was everything I loved about education and held a belief that education can change the world. Since joining in 2021, I’ve been learning and growing as the role and I evolved. It changed so much about how I see the world and myself in it. I’m excited about the future!”

Background and personal beliefs influencing her work

Maddy’s unique background and beliefs significantly shape her approach towards learning design at OneSpirit:

“I was lucky to have the freedom to explore faith and spirituality from a young age. This freedom inspired my approach to education. I am passionate about freedom and creativity in exploration. My approach with the content I create is to give people something to explore further.”

Interfaith education: What it means to Maddy

For Maddy, interfaith education is crucial in our increasingly divided world:

“Interfaith education can equip us to engage with others more compassionately and empathetically. It not only teaches us about different faiths’ beliefs and practices but also allows us to see the humanness in everyone.”

Bonus: A peek into Maddy’s favourites!

Favourite book: The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf (also loves Be Here Now by Ram Dass)
Favourite movie: The Goonies
Favourite song: Going to California by Led Zeppelin
Favourite band: Death Cab for Cutie
Favourite cuisine: Thai food when eating out and experimenting when cooking at home (and brownies for snacks!)
Favourite places to visit: Alnmouth in Northumberland and Ynyslas in Wales, typically, any place by the sea!

We believe that every person has a unique story to tell and no one’s story shows it better than Maddy’s. As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us remember the influences and experiences that make us who we are today. After all, every day is a chance to learn something new!

GO BACK

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Indigenous women have long been central to the spiritual and cultural life of their communities, yet their leadership has often been overlooked. From ancient traditions to contemporary movements, women are reclaiming spiritual authority and revitalising practices passed down through generations. In communities such as the Lakota and Haudenosaunee, women have historically held positions of spiritual leadership, and today, figures like Winona LaDuke and Tiana Ngata continue to lead efforts to preserve and strengthen Indigenous spiritual practices. As these women reclaim their rightful roles, they ensure that Indigenous spirituality remains a powerful force in today’s world.

Women’s History Month: Women in Spiritual Traditions

Women have played a crucial role in shaping spiritual traditions, from revered figures like Kuan Yin and Táhirih to trailblazing leaders such as Harriet Tubman and Phyllis Curott. Despite facing exclusion, women continue to reclaim leadership roles and push for gender equality within spiritual communities, ensuring traditions remain inclusive and vibrant. This Women’s History Month, we honour their resilience and lasting influence.

Month of Ministry ‘War’ Reflection

In Day 21 of #MonthOfMinistry, the prompt "War" reflects on the internal battles we sometimes fight, between our true selves and the identities imposed upon us. The author of this post, Birch Pathway Student Justin, shares a personal struggle, likening the inner conflict to the external wars that ravage our world, both born from the destructive belief that peace can only come through conquest. The message encourages finding true peace not through domination, but through understanding, justice, and love, reminding us that we must first reconcile with ourselves to end the wars we impose on others.

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In a recent interview with MysticMag, our Communications and Marketing Lead, Kailee Smart, shares her insights on creating marketing that is both peaceful and inclusive. She discusses the heart of OneSpirit’s approach to communication — fostering connection, clarity, and a sense of belonging for all. From shaping the tone of our messaging to ensuring accessibility, Kailee highlights how communications can be a bridge for understanding and community.

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OneSpirit Staff Reflections: Kailee

In this first staff reflection of our "OneSpirit Reflections" series and the first reflection of 2025, Kailee shares her journey to becoming the Communications Lead at OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Driven by a lifelong passion for global cultures and inclusive communication, Kailee reflects on her diverse experiences—from teaching English abroad to advocating for marginalized communities in Washington, D.C. She explores how these experiences have shaped her work at OneSpirit, where she is inspired to create content that fosters connection and empowers individuals in alignment with the foundation's interfaith mission.

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Introducing the Cherry Tree Pathway

The Cherry Tree Pathway is our new blended learning programme, offering a mix of online and in-person experiences for those seeking a flexible approach to spiritual development.

Redefining Interfaith

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Demystifying Interfaith: Moving Forward

Interfaith dialogue goes beyond religious boundaries, embracing diverse spiritual and secular perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and respect for all paths.