Building on experience as a program coordinator for local Quaker communities, I help small and mid-sized religious communities renew participation among children, youth, young adults, by building cultures of belonging that are sustainable, aligned, and rooted in real relationships.
Elizabeth Freyman holds the position of Youth and Families Program Coordinator for the Albuquerque Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Her role emphasizes placing children, youth, and young adults at the heart of spiritual communities. Her approach combines a passion for children's spiritual nurture, programs development, and advocacy for mutual care within religious organizations. Elizabeth is convinced that the attributes that strengthen spiritual communities for children, youth, and families are practices that enrich everyone universally.
Contact Elizabeth for more info.
Selected Speaking, Leadership & Contributions
This work has developed through sustained local ministry, regional leadership, curriculum design, teaching, and collaboration with communities seeking deeper belonging across generations. I bring experience both in hands-on work with children, youth, and families and in helping organizations think strategically about culture, structures, and long-term sustainability.
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Led a three-day adult workshop, Mysterious Play of Light, at Intermountain Yearly Meeting, using Godly Play / Faith & Play storytelling to explore relationships with sacred texts and spiritual formation (2022).
Facilitated intergenerational plenaries for faith communities in New Mexico and the Southwest using storytelling, shared reflection, and participatory worship practices (2022–2025).
Invited as a Conversation Starter for the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative’s monthly Conversation Circle, an international online gathering for religious educators exploring current opportunities and challenges in faith formation (2023).
Led community conversations in Colorado and Arizona with parents, caregivers, and congregational leaders on how communities can more fully support children, youth, and families (2023).
Presented workshops and storytelling sessions for gatherings hosted by Friends General Conference both in person and online (2022, 2023, 2025).
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Served multiple years as Children’s Yearly Meeting Coordinator for Intermountain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker), overseeing programming, volunteer coordination, and hospitality for children and families during annual sessions (2023–2025).
Appointed to the Intermountain Yearly Meeting Next Generation Working Group, charged with strengthening support for youth, young adults, and families across the region (2024 - 2025).
Developed and submitted a proposed year-round support structure—including paid staffing capacity—for children, youth, young adults, and families within the yearly meeting system (2024).
Accepted invitation to serve on the Intermountain Yearly Meeting Coordinating Committee a committee that facilitates the mission, vision, and operation of the yearly meeting (2025).
Joined the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative Conversation Circle Working Group, helping design and facilitate ongoing gatherings for religious educators across regions and traditions (2023–present).
Provided consultation and collaborative support to meetings in Phoenix, Fort Collins, and Los Alamos regarding children’s ministry, volunteer systems, curriculum planning, and family engagement.
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Served as adult staff for Mountain Friends Camp, supporting youth community life, mentorship, and spiritual formation (2023).
Coordinated intergenerational programming for youth and families at Friends General Conference, a national gathering for unprogramed Quaker communities (2023).
Organized multiple community fundraisers to expand access to youth camp and children’s programming (2022 - present).
Initiated fellowship and support gatherings for parents and caregivers, creating space for nourishment, connection, and mutual encouragement (2024 - present).
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Designed and led sustained children’s religious education programming at Albuquerque Monthly Meeting, a local Quaker congregation, including multi-year thematic curricula on spiritual practice, Quaker history, testimonies, and faith in daily life (2018 - present).
Hosted Playing in the Light a Godly Play / Faith & Play training weekend for local leaders and volunteers (2023).
Received advanced training to serve as a Godly Play / Faith & Play Trainer (2025).
Had an original Faith & Play style story about Sarah Mapps Douglas accepted by the Faith & Play Steering Circle and published by the Faith & Play Foundation (2025).
Participated in the Hall-Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy in Ministry, hosted by Children's Defense Fund (2025).
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Helped initiate and adopt regular intergenerational worship practices within a local congregation.
Launched programming specifically for middle and high school youth within congregational life.
Collaborated with a building planning group to integrate the needs of children and families into future construction and space design decisions.
Let’s talk about your community
Every congregation carries its own gifts, growing edges, and hopes for the future. If your community is seeking deeper belonging across generations, I’d be glad to explore what support might be helpful.