Our Leadership

After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Dr. Lansden spent ten years in this vocation working mainly with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary where she received the Helen Dean Preaching Award, given to students who exhibit promise for effective preaching and the James and Elizabeth Appleby Book Award, given to those whose commitment to Christ and spiritual promise indicate particularly fruitful pastorates to the glory of God. 

In June of 2023 Dr. Lansden completed her Doctorate in Ministry at Union Presbyterian Seminary focusing on trauma informed preaching and spiritual practices that aid in healing the black community. She aspires to use her experience in social work and theological education to cultivate brave healing spaces that aid in personal and public liberation. To reach this goal, Dr. Lansden curated Phanta Lansden Ministries, an online platform and consulting service where she provides one-on-one coaching, trauma healing consulting for churches and organizations, and public speaking. Dr. Lansden seeks to inspire people, organizations, and churches to embrace a powerful journey toward healing from a spiritual perspective. 

Dr. Lansden is committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the most vulnerable among us which is seen through her involvement on multiple boards: Presbyterian Intercultural Network, Union Presbyterian Seminaries Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation, the Guilford County Infant Mortality Review Board, and AuthoraCare Collective (formerly known as Hospice and Palliative Care). 

Rev. Lansden is a native of Morganton, North Carolina, daughter of the late Perry and Donna Lattimore. She treasures time spent with her husband and three daughters. She enjoys exercising, reading, action movies, listening to music, and being in nature. 

Living by Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in the Lord with all her heart, she has dedicated her life to serving God and others with love and compassion.