JUDE SMITH
I wear many hats — Interfaith minister, spiritual teacher, mentor, counselor, healer, and guide. At heart, I’m a teacher of being human — celebrating the joys and untangling the challenges that come with living a meaningful life. My passion is helping others remember who they truly are, and supporting them as they live from that deeper, more authentic place.
I’m the founder and Executive Director of The Center for Authentic Living, an organization devoted to personal and spiritual transformation. Through my private practice, I offer spiritual counseling, mentoring, and energy and shamanic healing. I also facilitate workshops, retreats, and sacred ceremonies that support people in navigating transitions with presence, clarity, and grace.
My journey has been anything but conventional — and that’s what allows me to meet others with depth and compassion. Before being ordained as an Interfaith minister, I was a classroom teacher, curriculum developer for the State of New York, and radio host for a show called Life Talk, which reached an audience of over 300,000 listeners. I’ve produced large-scale events for well-known voices in personal development — and ultimately discovered that I had a voice of my own.
My academic background includes degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany and an advanced degree in Education from Pace University. I received my ministerial training at the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City, and my years of study in the healing arts were guided by Australian shaman Raym Richards and spiritual teacher Shakti Durga. I consider myself a lifelong student — especially in the realm of consciousness and the art of living with authenticity.
In addition to my work at the Center, I’ve officiated over 500 weddings through Hudson Valley Weddings, where I bring the same presence and personalization to each ceremony. I also lead trainings and advanced healing sessions through Crystal Dreaming USA, a sister site devoted to the shamanic modality I teach and practice throughout North America.