Pam Dintaman, Bethany Christian Schools class of 1971, has spent her life guiding others in their spiritual journeys. As a spiritual director, former pastor, and chaplain, Pam’s work focuses on helping individuals navigate transitions, grief, and personal growth. “I see spirituality as the lens for all of life,” she says. “And my role is to show up to what’s important to the people I meet with.”
A Career of Deep Listening and Compassion
Pam currently serves as a spiritual director at Canyon Ranch, a holistic wellness resort with locations across the United States. Working in Tucson, Arizona, she meets one-on-one with guests, helping them explore faith, healing, and purpose. Over the past decade, she has guided individuals from varied backgrounds by providing support in life transitions, grief, loss, and spiritual wellness.
One-on-one guidance is Pam’s primary work, but she has led presentations and enjoyed group workshops, addressing topics like mindfulness, spiritual renewal, and navigating change. “When people come here, they often think they’re just taking care of their bodies,” she explains. “But soon, they realize true wellness is about body, mind, and spirit.” She works closely with an interdisciplinary team, including physicians, mental health therapists, and nutritionists, to provide holistic care. “What I appreciate about Canyon Ranch is that it integrates spirituality into overall well-being. People may come for a health reset, and then often discover that renewed health includes something deeper.”
Pam works three days a week in an on-call position. “Being on call gives me flexibility,” she says. “I can take time away and return refreshed, ready to be present.”
From Bethany to the Desert
Looking back at her years at Bethany, Pam recalls how the school expanded her worldview. “Coming from a public school in Shipshewana, Bethany was a big shift—particularly with the number of students and teachers having international experience. It made my world bigger.” She fondly remembers deep friendships with her fellow students, especially the strong connections she formed with other young women. “There was a warmth in those friendships that lasted beyond Bethany,” she says.
She acknowledges that the open and thought-provoking chapels at school played a role in shaping her faith. She was struck by how teachers and visiting speakers encouraged thoughtful engagement rather than indoctrination. “That expansiveness helped me grow,” she says.
Looking Ahead: Creativity and Community
Now in her 70s, Pam is gradually transitioning into a new phase of life, one where she has more freedom to choose how she serves. While she still works part-time, she continues to explore her love for art and creativity. “At work, I include creative writing and art, like visual maps, to help people understand their lives,” she explains. She also sees art as an important spiritual practice for herself, one that brings joy and guidance. In 2026, she is preparing for an art exhibit at the Parrot Gallery located at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she will share her work alongside Bethany alumnus Chad Martin (‘93) and his wife Jessica King. Pam and Chad pastored together previously at Community Mennonite.
Pam likes her Arizona desert home but now enjoys getting out of the extreme summer heat. During these months she plans to head east and be with friends and family, along with volunteering at Apple Farm Community, a Jungian retreat center in Three Rivers, Michigan.
Looking ahead, Pam remains committed to being “an instrument” of peace and service. “I want to continue showing up for others while respecting my energy and pace,” she says. “There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world; I hope to help people become more rooted—like a tree planted by the water, as the psalms say, so they will not be blown over when the winds come along.”
Pam is one of six siblings, children of Carl and Salina Dintaman, who attended Bethany: Phil Dintaman, Phyllis Stutzman, Carol Birky, Carl Dintaman Jr. and Stephen Dintaman.
As Pam moves forward, her journey is a testament to the values instilled at Bethany—faith, service, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The Bethany community celebrates her story and looks forward to seeing where her path leads next.
