Meet Dr. Bonner
Meet Dr. Bonner
Dr. Holly Bonner is a blind interfaith minister, seasoned nonprofit leader, certified spiritual director and coach, writer, and devoted Episcopalian dedicated to creating a more accessible and inclusive Church for all. She is the founder of The Disabled Episcopalian, a platform offering practical guidance to Episcopal churches on disability accessibility—alongside powerful personal reflections on faith, resilience, and radical welcome.
From Personal Challenge to Passionate Advocacy
Drawn to the Episcopal Church as an adult, Dr. Bonner was inspired by its inclusive theology, liturgical richness, and commitment to social justice. Her journey into disability advocacy is deeply personal. A breast cancer survivor, she lost her eyesight as an unexpected side effect of chemotherapy and lives with post-chemotherapy alopecia, a condition that causes her hair to grow only to a short length before falling out. She navigates the world with the help of her loyal German Shepherd guide dog, Teagan, and a steadfast belief in God’s grace.
A Career of Service and Scholarship
Before entering seminary, Holly built a successful career in nonprofit administration and social work, serving diverse communities across New York City. She holds multiple graduate degrees from prestigious institutions, including Columbia University and the Episcopal Divinity School, as well as both a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
An Advocate for Inclusive Faith
Today, Dr. Bonner is a certified spiritual director and coach, as well as a professor and lecturer, offering compassionate guidance to individuals and faith communities seeking spiritual growth, discernment, and renewal. As a spiritual director, she creates safe and sacred spaces for people to explore their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and navigate life’s transitions with courage and grace. As a coach, she empowers leaders, clergy, and laypersons to embrace their gifts, clarify their vocations, and cultivate inclusive ministries.
Dr. Bonner also serves as a trusted consultant to congregations of all denominations and the nonprofit community. In her congregational work, she conducts comprehensive Congregational Accessibility Assessments (CAAs) and teaches faith communities how to embrace accessible social media, inclusive marketing practices, and disability allyship as integral expressions of their ministry. She carefully evaluates attitudinal, technological, and architectural factors within each congregation to ensure her recommendations create a truly inclusive experience for the disabled community, helping organizations move beyond surface-level accommodations toward deeply welcoming environments.
She has spoken around the world about her experiences with vision loss, Christian faith, and the joys and challenges of blind parenting, weaving her personal journey into transformative teachings on resilience, hope, and inclusion. Her voice is a trusted resource for congregations seeking to move beyond compliance and live into a deeper calling of full inclusion.
She lives in Staten Island with her husband and two daughters, and finds joy in thoughtful liturgy, a good coffee hour, and the occasional heretic.