Faculty at United Hospital

Kyle Vlach | M.Div., LMFT
Chaplain & ACPE Certified Educator

Kyle traces his pastoral-heart and passion for healthcare to his time as a Nursing Assistant during college. He has enjoyed dual education and development in the complementary fields of psychotherapy, spiritual care, and pastoral education. Kyle believes that each of us has strengths and expertise in our lives, and is passionate about how supportive, reflective communities like CPE can help us find more authentic expression as we seek to care for others. Kyle has served as a chaplain in three of Allina’s hospitals, managed Allina’s east region and CPE program, and has been providing CPE education since 2010. He has been faculty at United Hospital in St. Paul since 2012.

Kyle is ordained in the Christian tradition, and also draws from Buddhist and 12-step spirituality. His education includes a B.S. in psychology and M.Div. with a post-graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from Bethel Seminary. Kyle completed both his CPE internship and residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, focusing on Mental Health and Cardiac care. He has a small private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist. He lives up the bluff from United, and loves being part of the neighborhood where he teaches. He is a runner and amateur carpenter trying to keep up with his old house where he lives with his spouse and daughter. His family has ties to Thailand where they visit as often as possible.

Kimberlee Anderson-Diaz

Kimberlee loves a good story (preferably shared over a cup of tea), whether it’s in a book, a movie, or in a patient’s room. She cannot walk into a Target without reading a children’s book and will happily read aloud to you if you’re with her. Kimberlee’s clinical focus is oncology, though she serves in numerous areas around the hospital. Prior to chaplaincy, Kimberlee worked as a volunteer coordinator for Court Appointed Special Advocates, a non-profit that trains and supports volunteers who advocate for children in the foster system. As a Queer chaplain, Kimberlee has a special place in her heart for those who have been left out or cast out by institutional religion, LGBTQ folks, and the “nones” and “dones.”