Juliana Perez

A portrait of Juliana Perez.

I have always been inspired to address individuals’ spiritual and/or existential issues or distress. I enjoy creating a safe and sacred space for patients to speak to whatever is in their hearts. Hearing their stories, their soul’s desires, even their struggles and concerns is a humbling and profound experience.  

In 2018, I joined Fred Hutch Cancer Center as a full-time Spiritual Health clinician. I currently work exclusively at Fred Hutch Cancer Center - Peninsula, where I provide long-term spiritual and emotional support to patients and staff, addressing the challenges presented by the experience of having, being treated for or treating cancer.  

I am also a facilitator in an FDA-approved clinical trial using psilocybin as a therapeutic tool for people with terminal cancer who are experiencing spiritual or existential distress.  

Outside of work, I love being outdoors, hiking and taking long walks. I am also an avid reader. During the fall and winter months, watching football seems to take up an enormous amount of my free time! 

Patient Care Philosophy

My primary role as a Spiritual Health clinician is to be a compassionate witness to the struggles and concerns that a patient and their family members may bring forward. I believe that every person has their own innate and unique calling to spirituality, and that tapping into that innate source of love, wisdom and support can be part of their healing journey.  

Education and Training

  • BA: Social Work, Austin Peay State University
  • MA: Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Chaplaincy – Essentials of Palliative Care Certification, CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care 
  • Clinical Pastoral Education, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education 
  • Critical Incident Stress Management Certification, WellSpan York Hospital
  • Spiritual Direction Certification, Chaplaincy Institute
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Mind-Body Medicine, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies 

Fred Hutch Spiritual Health

Your nurse, social worker or another care team member can connect you with us or you can reach us directly.