List of Spiritual Directors - St. Louis & vicinity
Spiritual Directors
- Ethel-Marie Biri, S.S.N.D.
- Robin Black-Rubenstein
- Marian Boberschmidt, O.S.F.
- Erin Duffy-Burke
- Jared Bryson
- Denise Carpenter, LCSW
- Betty Cloughley
- Gloria Couvion
- Michael Crosby, O.F.M.
- Kathleen Geraty Davis
- Renée Dewhurst, D.H.M. MA, BCC
- Dave Ebenhoh
- Mary Pius Fagan, O.P.
- Rose Ann Ficker
- Jill Fisk
- Dan Frachey
- Mary Frigon-Milner
- Bernadette Marie Fronmuller, O.S.U.
- Carolyn Griffeth
- Ita Harnett, C.C.V.I.
- Judith Hehl
- Clarence Heller
- Christy Hicks
- Bob Hoffman
- Jane Jakoubek
- Mary Kempa
- Chris Kienstra
- Madeleine Lane, S.S.N.D. MA, LMFT
- Patricia Lane
- Jenifer Lohmann
- Marian Love
- Jo (Josephine) Ludwig
- Sally Macke
- David J. Malek, ACSW, LCSW
- Sr. Maureen Martin, ACSJ
- Janice Purdy McFarland
- Polly McWilliams
- Sharon O’Grady
- Mary Jacqueline Pratt, O.S.U.
- Katie Rademacher
- Lorraine Senci
- Lucia Signorelli
- Anne Simms, O.P.
- Scott Sparks
- Judy Spenner
- Jack Swank, D.Min.
- Catherine Swanstrom
- Mary Zabawa Taylor
- Susan Pflug Ulmer
- Rosalie Wisniewski, O.S.F.
- Marilyn Wussler
- Note for Spiritual Directors:
Ethel-Marie Biri, S.S.N.D.
314.633.7079
embiri@ssnd-sl.org
Ethel-Marie, a School Sisters of Notre Dame, has had over 30 years of on-going training and supervision in spiritual direction in the tradition of Ignatius of Loyola. Currently she serves as the director of novices for the North American provinces of her congregation and resides at the St. Louis SSND motherhouse in South County (320 E. Ripa Ave.; St. Louis, MO 63125.) She approaches spiritual direction with well-developed listening skills, sensitivity, and knowledge. She holds a MA in Adult Religious Education and an MA in Human Development. Ethel-Marie views spiritual direction as the developing awareness of the inviting Presence of the Triune God and conversion precipitated by the impelling experience of God in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the director and the direction is about movement toward God. The spiritual director is like a mid-wife, assisting and witnessing the process. Fee: Sliding scale.
Robin Black-Rubenstein
Metro-East, Edwardsville 62025
618.406.5562
Married, Roman Catholic laywoman with two adult daughters and two adult step-daughters. Director of Campus Ministry Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader, Certified Grief Counselor. MA Pastoral Studies and MA Certificate Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology, Certified Grief Counselor- American Academy of Grief Counseling. In listening to your story, we are listening together to how the divine is working in your life through people, nature, service, and self-knowledge. Available for Spiritual Direction, Grief Counseling, all faiths welcome, Metro-East and St. Louis area meeting in a location most suitable for your needs, or by phone and/or Skype. I am also available for retreats and speaking.
Marian Boberschmidt, O.S.F.
St. Louis
314.397.1935 marianboberschmidt@gmail.com
Marian is a mature Roman Catholic Franciscan sister. She has over thirty years experience in pastoral ministries and has enjoyed living and working with others from various cultures, giving her a broad world view. She loves companioning spiritual seekers. She received her certification in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas, and a Masters in Theology with a concentration in Franciscan Studies.
Erin Duffy-Burke
St. Louis, 63118 847.975.2972 erinduffyburke@gmail.com www.interweaveministries.com erinduffyburke.com
Erin prefers the name “spiritual companion” or “midwife of the soul” to spiritual director. She considers it a great honor and privilege to walk with those seeking deeper relationship with the One who gives all life and love. She is amazed at what happens when two gather to attune to the movements of the “golden thread” — the weaving of the Divine in our human life. She is an experienced minister and soul companion, having walked alongside seekers for over fifteen years now. She is also a yoga teacher, leader of conscious dance, and facilitator of embodied transformation. She loves incorporating these embodied sources of wisdom into soul work, should that be something that serves you. She holds an M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame, an MA in Multicultural Ministry from the Franciscan School of Theology, and an MA in Christian Spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union.
Jared Bryson
618-670-9570 jaredhbryson@gmail.com
Jared is a married Roman Catholic, father of three and is an oblate of St. Benedict of St. Meinrad Archabbey. He currently ministers as the Vice-President—Mission. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis and a Doctoral Degree in Christian Spirituality from Washington Theological Union in Washington, DC. He is has served as a Spiritual Director for individuals and for 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises. Jared has spent 20 years in retreat presentation, Spiritual Direction, parish and seminary education and health care ministries. He teaches in the Certificate for Spiritual Direction program that is offered by the Monastery of St. Scholastica. He is a member of Spiritual Directors International and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. Will meet with folks in the St. Louis area.
Denise Carpenter, LCSW
314.223.8284 dcarpen@fastmail.fm
Denise is an Episcopal lay person who holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute. She is comfortable working with directees from any Christian background. Her listening skills developed during a Social Work career spanning 25 years. Denise believes that God’s love is the central fact of our faith, of our lives, and of history. The spiritual director is privileged to accompany people as they become more aware of God’s love. She has experience in both Ignatian and Benedictine spiritualities.
Betty Cloughley
314.843.3572 nezloh@mindspring.com
Married Catholic laywoman; mother of three sons, two adult and one deceased. Spirituality Interests: Feminine Spirituality, meeting points of Eastern/Western spirituality; prayer; living in a spirit of gratitude; connections between the daily “ordinary” and the Holy; journaling, both written and creative, as a tool for spiritual growth; Lectio Divina using nature, photography, creativity, music, etc. Spiritual companion for 20+ years, lead private, individual and group retreats, days of prayer, seminars on Gratitude in daily life. In addition to meeting personally, open to “meeting” for spiritual direction by either phone or Skype. Certified pastoral minister, Archdiocese of St. Louis. Graduate of Aquinas Institute-MA in Pastoral Studies and in Spiritual Direction. Member of Spiritual Directors International. Moderator of international forum on spirituality. Adjunct Spiritual Director, Mercy Conference and Retreat Center 10+ years. Fee negotiable.
Gloria Couvion
Illinois, 62234 618.632.9343 gcouvion@charter.net
Gloria is a Catholic laywoman and has experience companioning all ages in their journey. She has two children and one grandson so she has her feet firmly planted in the world. She is open to working with anyone seeking to enrich their relationship with God. Her experience as a military spouse gives her insight with military life and its challenges. She is a graduate of Aquinas Institute of Theology holding a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction. She is currently the Pastoral Associate at a parish of about 600 families. Fees are negotiable/flexible.
Michael Crosby, O.F.M.
Kathleen Geraty Davis
Kathleen Geraty Davis is a spiritual director and retreat leader. She is an adjunct instructor and the Director of the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction Program at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. Kathleen’s retreats and lectures encompass a wide range of spiritual topics, her favorites include the wisdom of the mystics, feminine spirituality and universal wholeness. She cherishes the work of helping others discover their innate goodness and eternal connection to the Source of all life and love. She and her husband Jack live in Kirkwood, Missouri.
kmgdavis@gmail.com, 314-575-7363
Renée Dewhurst, D.H.M. MA, BCC
Meeting location ZIP code: 63090 314.494.2434 renee.c.d@att.net
Denomination: Catholic • Vocation: Religious Sister – Daughters of the Heart of Mary • Spiritual Interests and Perspectives: On the discernment journey – and on the journey towards intimacy with God and with one’s Larger Self - Renée values, as a healing and integrative approach, the cultivation of one’s ability to be in an empathic relationship with the parts of one's inner life, as well as with one’s life events and circumstances. Renée values inter-religious and inter-spiritual dialogue and diversity, and is experienced in walking with people of any tradition, age or culture. She is an Aquinas Institute of Theology MAPS graduate and holds an Aquinas Institute Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Currently Renée works as a hospital staff chaplain. Open to new directees. Fee: Negotiable. Sessions can be conducted in person, by phone, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom.
Dave Ebenhoh
St. Louis, 63143 314.616.7765) dave@stillwaterspeaks.com
Roman Catholic open to seekers of all religious and spiritual backgrounds: strong in faith or struggling to believe, comfortable praying or looking to learn, involved in everything or lonely wanderer. My hope is to help you listen for and see our God walking with you more and more deeply in the midst of your own life. Trained at Creighton University with a Masters Degree in Spirituality. Also available for directed retreats, group direction/facilitation, days of prayer, ministry consulting/mentoring. Fees negotiable.
Mary Pius Fagan, O.P.
St. Louis, 63119 314-963-0026 reetzie@sbcglobal.net
A Roman Catholic sister; graduate of the Aquinas certificate program. Has ministered in a variety of pastoral settings in the St. Louis area for over 20 years. Holds an MA from St. Louis University. Her passion is for those persons who, for whatever reason, feel disempowered.
Rose Ann Ficker
Area of availability: 63074 314.426.8641 raficker@ssndcp.org
Rose Ann is a Roman Catholic religious sister. She has been a religious woman in community for many years. Rose Ann is especially interested in exploring inclusive images/language for God; God as a Trinitarian-relational God, creation spirituality, care of the earth, and other justice/peace issues and our faith. A graduate of the Aquinas spiritual direction program. Spanish speaking and works with immigrants.
Jill Fisk
St. Louis, MO 314.973.2688 jillefisk@gmail.com
Jill is a Christ-follower and a wife and mother to three young children. She is currently completing her Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Aquinas. She has a passion for helping women of all ages discover and deepen their relationship with God, specifically an integrated spirituality (body/mind/spirit). She finds joy in the ancient practices of lectio divina, praying the labyrinth, and the Daily Office. New directees welcome. Fee is negotiable.
Dan Frachey
Springfield, IL 217.899.9918 dfrachey@chiaracenter.org
Dan obtained his Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies at the Aquinas Institute in 2009 and completed his Certificate in Spiritual Direction in 2010. He currently serves as Program Director at the Chiara Center; a place of Franciscan Spirituality in Springfield, Illinois. He has been married for 27 years and has two grown children (step-parent). While his religious background is Catholic, Dan has much experience in his community building strong ecumenical and interfaith relationships and will begin serving as President of the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association in January of 2020. Having worked in parish ministry with children, teens and adults for 11 years prior to his present work, he is well grounded in Catholic theology and practice. At the same time Dan is currently exploring how those outside traditional religious structures desire and need to feel connected to a higher power in order to honor and realize the fullness of their spiritual identities. Dan possesses an Incarnational spirituality that is rooted in image and metaphor in order to help others find clarity in one’s experience of God. His areas of strength include the use of story, visualization, tactile contemplation (using objects) and humor. When not doing direction, Dan plays trombone in community theater productions, makes his own jelly and flies his kite during the afternoon breaks when the weather permits it.
Mary Frigon-Milner
Brentwood, 63144 314.606.4821 frigonmj@sbcglobal.net
Mary is a Roman Catholic married laywoman with many years of experience companioning others on their faith journey. She brings her background in hospital chaplaincy and spiritual formation, as well as a deep appreciation for Ignatian spirituality, to her spiritual direction ministry. Mary especially enjoys accompanying persons seeking to deepen their prayer life, discerning life changes, or exploring how past hurts may have impacted their relationship with God. She is experienced in working with laypersons, clergy and vowed religious.
Bernadette Marie Fronmuller, O.S.U.
South St. Louis, 63122 314.822.2520 bernadettemf@yahoo.com
A Roman Catholic sister; pastoral care chaplain and experienced spiritual director. Interested in developing one’s prayer life; skilled at working with individuals on all levels of spiritual development and retreat direction. Meets with directees in the Kirkwood area. Fee is negotiable.
Carolyn Griffeth
St. Louis, MO 63106 341.588.8351 cdgriffeth@yahoo.com
"Carolyn holds the hand of your soul allowing it to go just where it needs to go." This is how a directee recently described my work. Struck by her words, I asked: "How do I do such?" She responded, "By using everything you've learned holding the hand of your own soul through so much fire!" Her words describe my work well: It is an honor to hold space for you as you open to soul. Sometimes the first voice of soul is grief; always there is a longing to transcend the smallness of limiting beliefs and oppressive conditioning and open to wider dimensions of faith and life! My tools are passionate prayer, contemplative practices, cultivating consciousness, dream work, emotional release work, oppression awareness, grief work, and earth centered ceremony. Those who work best with me are ready for expansion or desiring to grow their spiritual wings. All faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, and ethnicities are welcome! I also warmly welcome spiritual directors to work with me for spiritual direction supervision. Carolyn is a divorced mother with twenty plus years of experience in the Catholic Worker movement and working for social change--an on-going passion. In 2003, she graduated from Aquinas Institute with a MAPS degree and certificate in spiritual direction, and has studied spiritual direction supervision thru Spiritual Directors International. She also holds a degree in Shamanic Energy Medicine, and leads women's groups, and workshops on whiteness and dismantling oppression. Carolyn has a background in the UCC, Catholic, and Quaker tradition. Currently, she serves as facilitator of a womenist spiritual community called Spirit Rising, which unites spirituality with liberation.
Ita Harnett, C.C.V.I.
314.533.4040 (H) or 314.238.4196 (C) Itaccvi44@gmail.com Area of availability: midtown/central west end, St. Louis;
Ita is a Roman Catholic religious sister in her 60’s. One of her areas of interest is Jesuit spirituality. She has a certificate in grief counseling and third degree in reiki. Ita is a graduate of the Aquinas certificate program in spiritual direction.
Judith Hehl
Kirkwood, 63122 314.835.1554 judith.hehl@gmail.com
Judith is a Roman Catholic laywoman, divorced/widowed, with grown children and ten grandchildren. Besides offering the ministry of spiritual direction to those who seek assistance, she is interested in Eastern spirituality and meditation shaped by 12-step spirituality. Judith is able to listen with compassion and assist others in exploring the sacred ground of their lives. A graduate of the Aquinas certificate program. Open to new directees.
Clarence Heller
Manchester, MO 63021 314.2589066 clarenceheller@gmail.com
Husband, father, son, grandpa, friend of Jesus. Masters in Pastoral Studies and Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Ecumenical Catholic. I have a gift for listening with love. Coordinator of the Moments of Grace + Prayer retreat in everyday life ministry (www.momentsofgraceandprayer.org). At the directee’s choice, I meet with directees at a church in Webster Groves or his/her church if within reasonable distance from my home in Manchester.
Christy Hicks
573.418.7373 (C) christy.hicks@slu.edu
I am currently a Campus Minister at Saint Louis University and have been ministering to young people for over twelve years primarily in the field of Campus Ministry. I am engaged to marry a wonderful man in the fall of 2019. My spiritual direction certificate was completed at the Aquinas Institute of Theology my MA in Pastoral Ministry is from the University of Dayton. I am open to all who are interested in exploring their own faith journey, seeing every path as unique to the person. After spending a year in India and Nepal, though my studies have been through the lens of Catholic-Christian faith and thought, I reverence the perspective and beauty that other faith traditions share. The fee is on a sliding scale.
Bob Hoffman
314-791-3553 bob@hoffman8.com
Bob is a married, Catholic layperson and father of six. He holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas and is completing his MA in Pastoral Studies. He is comfortable working with individuals from any religious background and views spiritual direction as an opportunity to walk with others through their life to witness and experience God in all aspects. He has experience in the area of adoption and its impact on relationships with God and neighbor, as well as the areas of 12-step, MBTI, prison work, and the business world. Open to new directees. Donations accepted.
Jane Jakoubek
Mary Kempa
314.504.8717 marykempa2@gmail.com
I am a Roman Catholic married lay woman with two grown sons. I have a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. I am honored to companion people on their spiritual journeys: listening for God's presence in their lives and reflecting back what is shared. Through ordinary moments, God invites us to open our hearts to increased awareness of the Spirit's person, power and presence.
Chris Kienstra
St. Louis City 314.651.2730 chrisk2008@yahoo.com
MAPS/Certified Spiritual Director. Sliding scale fee. Area of Focus: Guiding people through transitional periods of life and those seeking to live out of their God-given gifts. Consideration regarding parenting, divorce, how can I best live as the unique person God created me to be?
Madeleine Lane, S.S.N.D. MA, LMFT
314.963.9600 tfamilyc@aol.com www.tfamilyc.org
The Family Center | 9450 Manchester Rd. | Suite 204 | St. Louis, MO 63119 School Sister of Notre Dame; Marriage and Family Therapist. Welcome for Spiritual Direction, Retreat Ministry, Days of Prayer and Group Facilitator. Ministers through the Family Center Webster Groves, MO. Meets with directees at The Family Center, Webster Groves, MO.
Patricia Lane
University City, 63130 314.458.3927 patricialane1@gmail.com
Presbyterian layperson. Married with a grown daughter and son. A compassionate listener with a deep desire to help others explore the presence and movement of God in everyday life. Knowledgeable about the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, and the 12-Step AL-ANON program. Interested in dreams.
Jenifer Lohmann
ZIP code for meetings: 63108 and 62234 618.345.4343, ext. 302 jeniferl@saintspeter-paul.org
Denomination: Roman Catholic Vocation: Married woman with young son. Professional lay minister who is the Director of Adult Faith Formation for Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Collinsville, IL. Spiritual Interests and Perspective: Great attentiveness to the work of the Holy Spirit in our human experiences. Has a great love for a loving, merciful God and all God’s creation. Works out of a relational theology that holds a belief in the inter-connectedness of all creation. Has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology.
Marian Love
I am a lay Catholic woman, married with two adult children and seven grandchildren. With 25+ years of spiritual direction, retreat work, and adult faith formation programs, I am passionate about helping seekers discover God within themselves and their life experiences. Trained in Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, I also hold a MAPS degree and Graduate Spiritual Direction Certificate from Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Mo.
If you are seeking a warm, safe, and compassionate space to explore your relationship with God, I offer my gifts of deep listening, discernment, and gentle presence. My approach is contemplative, using scripture, music, art, and movement to help explore the presence and guidance of the Spirit..
I am available to meet in person, via Skype or Zoom, and in a limited way via phone. You may contact me at flourishfaith14@gmail.com, or by text or phone 314-496-6157.
Jo (Josephine) Ludwig
ZIP codes meetings: 63108 (Aquinas Institute), 63301, 63031, and 63042. 636.255.0341 (H) and 314.805.1702 (C) Kjlcstl@aol.com
Denomination: Roman Catholic. Vocation: Married Lay woman, late 40's. Mother of two daughters. Spiritual Interests and Perspective: Interested in helping those who wish to grow closer in relationship to God. I would be particularly helpful to women working through addiction and recovery issues for themselves or in conjunction with their spouses or children. Other: Open to all ages and to those who are ecumenically minded.
Sally Macke
St. Louis 314.330.3354 sallymacke@sbcglobal.net
Sally is an Episcopalian laywoman, married with young adult children. Besides offering the ministry of spiritual direction to those who seek assistance, she is interested in the integration of spirituality and psychology and helping people come to greater self-awareness. Sally is also interested in helping women look at ways to find balance in their lives and nurture their sense of spirituality as they nurture others. A graduate of the Aquinas certificate program. Meets with directees at Mercy Retreat Center (63131) or via Zoom.
David J. Malek, ACSW, LCSW
I hold a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction as well as a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from the Aquinas Institute of Theology. I identify as gay. I am a transitional deacon in the Episcopal Church and currently serving at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Saint Louis. I am a candidate for priesthood as well. I am primarily interested in Benedictine spirituality, the awareness of God’s presence in our ordinary lives, and the sacrament of the moment. I work with men and women of college age and older. I have experience in working with clergy and religious as well as members of the LGBTQ community. My focus is achieving a balanced life through prayer, work, study, recreation, and rest. I offer spiritual direction in person at the Mercy Conference & Retreat Center or via Zoom. My fee is in line with the standard for the St. Louis metropolitan area.
On a more personal note, I live in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis City with my husband of over years. We share our home with our dog Bella and our cat Ariel. Our hobbies include hiking, cooking, writing, traveling, gardening, photography, music and the arts.
Phone: 314-580-5000
Email: d-malek@sbcglobal.net
Sr. Maureen Martin, ACSJ
As an Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I am an experienced “deep listener” with a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Steeped in our charism of the Sacred Heart, I attempt to foster the personal knowledge of the heart where one can hear the heartbeat of God that supports, comforts and challenges to full growth. With further influences from the Ignatian tradition, I suggest varied prayer experiences with scripture as well as wisdom of saints, mystics and other holy lives. Journaling, art and music are recommended sources of personal insight.
I can be reached at mmartin@ascjus.org or by phone 203-606-9105.
Janice Purdy McFarland
Polly McWilliams
ZIP code: 63034 phone numbers: office 314.427.3755 ext. 205; home 314.972.9789; or cell 314.703.9789 pmcwilliams@echmail.org or pjmcwiliams@earthlink.net
Denomination: United Church of Christ; Vocation: an ordained (11 years) minister in the United Church of Christ. Spiritual Interests and Perspective: SLOWLY completing a Doctor of Ministry focusing on pastoral care, spirituality, and building a beloved Christian Community while serving as a full-time chaplain to troubled youth and their families. Polly is a strong person of faith. She is committed to helping others deepen their spiritual lives through using positive spiritual disciplines to grow in their daily lives. She is a graduate of the Aquinas spiritual direction program and a member of ASSIST.
Sharon O’Grady
St. Louis 314.381.3400 sharonorgs@msn.com
Sharon is a Roman Catholic sister with many years of experience in offering spiritual direction. She serves those who are interested in finding God in their everyday experience, and discerning where God seems to be leading them. In her direction sessions she seeks to be open to the directee’s experience as he or she articulates it, and assists them in discovering the possible light and presence of God within that experience. She is a graduate of the Aquinas certificate program. The fee is negotiable. She meets with her directees in Normandy, MO, 63121.
Mary Jacqueline Pratt, O.S.U.
Kirkwood, MO 63122 314.686.1781
Mary Jacqueline is a Roman Catholic sister with many years of experience in offering spiritual direction. She writes: “After receiving a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute, I was invited to ministry as associate director at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI. Five years of service there preaching and directing retreats has enlarged my experience and practice of spiritual direction.
Katie Rademacher
314.724.2081 katierademacher@att.net
Katie is a single Catholic layperson. She has a Masters in Pastoral Studies and Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Katie sees spiritual direction as a sacred space to explore, discover and claim our true and authentic self-in-God; a safe place to encounter and deepen our relationship with the God who is with us. Her desire is to accompany others seeking to move forward in the spiritual life with freedom. Meeting space is at Aquinas Institute and fee is negotiable.
Lorraine Senci
Troy, IL 62294 618.604.1891 lsenci@gmail.com
Married Catholic laywoman who is a mother and grandmother. Completed a master’s degree in pastoral studies and earned a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. Currently serves in parish ministry as a pastoral care associate. Feels blessed to accompany others on their faith journey by offering compassionate listening, helping those seeking direction to recognize God’s movements in the conversations, events and relationships of daily life. Can meet at Aquinas Institute. Donations accepted.
Lucia Signorelli
314.323.0209 luciasignorelli@sbcglobal.net
Roman Catholic lay woman with background in consecrated religious life. Compassionate listener to another’s sacred story of how God draws him/her to the fullness of love. Seeks to companion and guide those who desire to explore, find, and respond to God’s love revealed in all things and all moments. Brings experience in contemplative prayer, centering prayer, lectio divina, journaling, and Ignatian spirituality. Graduate certificate in spiritual direction from Aquinas Institute. Also available for directed retreats, days of prayer, group spiritual direction, and coaching. Meeting space is in the Creve Couer/Chesterfield area.
Anne Simms, O.P.
314.481.7032 simms.anne@yahoo.com
A Dominican sister who has been a spiritual director for seventeen years. Besides offering spiritual direction Anne has been a part of retreat teams, sabbatical programs for both men and women, and has had extensive experience of being with dying and those in the grief process, as a former hospital chaplain. She is interested in Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Journaling as tools for spiritual growth. Anne received her training in Spiritual Direction from Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. She is a member of Spiritual Director International and has a Masters in Theological Studies from the Graduate Theological School in Berkeley CA. Fee is negotiable/sliding scale.
Scott Sparks
314.517.0770 scott_sparks@outlook.com
Profile: Roman Catholic laity in his mid-40's. Involved in several ministries including, Secular Franciscan Order, Knights of Columbus, Jonah Prayer Ministry, and retreat leadership. Special interests include Franciscan spirituality, contemplative prayer, addiction recovery, healing/deliverance, charisms, formation/consecration, and discernment of spirits. Member of Spiritual Directors International and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Mission: To be a companion of those on the spiritual journey of growing closer to God by listening for God’s call and asking questions that help articulate what is happening and formulate a response. Open to all spiritual backgrounds. Fees: Negotiable. Free initial session.
Judy Spenner
Eureka, MO 636.938.7654 SpennerSDI@aol.com
A Roman Catholic married layperson with 7 grandchildren. A 1997 graduate of the Spiritual Direction program at Aquinas Institute of Theology. Experienced in the Contemplative dimension, Bridges/Ignatian, Charismatic, Carmelite and Cistercian Spiritualities. Also familiar with the 12-Step process as applicable to personal spiritual development. I believe that we have the inner wisdom to discern and be grateful about the presence and action of God in our lives and that the “director” can act as a mirror to reflect that back to the directee by active listening with the heart and the Spirit. Accompanies persons of all faiths.
Jack Swank, D.Min.
New Baden, IL 62265 217.816.3029 crossfitjack@yahoo.com
Jack received training in spiritual direction at Aquinas Institute and at the Graduate Theological Foundation. He is spiritual but not religious; prefers spiritual adventuring rather than direction; is a long time student of A Course in Miracles; practices staying in the Present Moment engaging the Living Jesus and Holy Spirit; believes a healed mind is possible via the intentional practice of non-judgmentalism and detachment. Call or email me if you are interested
Catherine Swanstrom
cswanstrom2000@yahoo.com 314-960-1725
I am a lay Catholic contemplative, available for accompaniment to all faith traditions, to seekers, and young people. I will listen with you to discern the Spirit's presence in the uniqueness of your life, as you are, where you are. I trained at Aquinas Institute and have experience individual direction and retreats. I am a married and am a mother. I spent my early years in community with women religious (RSCJ). I have knowledge of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Available for individual direction and individual or group retreats. I meet at Aquinas Institute or by phone, Skype. I can normally accommodate meeting at a location of your choice. I speak English, French, and have a working knowledge of Spanish. Fees are on a sliding scale, according to your ability.
Mary Zabawa Taylor
St. Louis, MO mzt3522@gmail.com
Mary Taylor is a Spiritual Director/Guide in private practice. She received her training at Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, D.C., an ecumenical program of experienced directors in the contemplative tradition. She sits with both individuals and groups who want to deepen, and view, their lives through a spiritual lens. She is also a lay chaplain for hospice patients and provides spiritual guidance at the St. Louis County Jail. She facilitates a Contemplative Prayer group at the jail, as well as at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Central West End of St. Louis. She is Spiritual Director for the Deaconess Anne House in Old North, St. Louis, part of the network of the Episcopal Service Corps for young adults. She attends Trinity Episcopal Church in the Central West End. Her prior work life began as patient advocate at Michael Reese Hospital, listening to terminally ill patients and their families, and she then founded the risk management program at Rush Medical Center in Chicago. Moving to Boston, she worked for the Risk Management Foundation of the Harvard Medical Institutions. Back in Chicago, she became General Counsel and Director of Legal Services at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois. She is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. She meets with all seekers who want to see their lives through a sacred lens, even those who may not be sure of their religious beliefs. Doubt is essential to faith and there is no admission requirement for beginning this journey. Mary has experience with recovery programs, domestic violence, grief and sits with many people at threshold times in their lives, including clergy, young adults and those in the midst of retirement questions.
Susan Pflug Ulmer
St. Louis, 63119 314.307.9488 spiralspirit@sbcglobal.net
A lay woman in the tradition of the United Church of Christ. Susan was trained through The Wellstreams Ecumenical Training in Spiritual Formation and Development offered by The Spirituality Network in Columbus Ohio. In a twenty year ministry as a church educator, felt increasing awareness and call to the ministry of God’s movement in her own life and in the lives of others as well as ways of deepening and nourishing that awareness. As a director, she understands the ministry of spiritual direction to be one of spiritual friend, mentor and guide. Fees are based on a sliding scale.
Rosalie Wisniewski, O.S.F.
314.956.7519 (c) 314.965.7519 (w) srrosalie@fsolph.org
Rose is a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She has ministered in the educational and social work fields. She presently serves on her Congregational Leadership Team. She has been a sister for 50 years. Sister loves accompanying others as they discover God within. Sister Rosalie believes that essentially “God comes to us disguised as our life.” She works with women and men of all walks of life. She meets those seeking spiritual direction at 335 South Kirkwood Road, the site of her congregational headquarters. She received her spiritual direction training at Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA in July 2007.
Marilyn Wussler
1276 St. Cyr. Rd., 63137 314.609.5420 mwussler@sbcglobal.net
A Roman Catholic sister who has been a spiritual director since 1982. Marilyn was trained in Ignatian spirituality and has worked with the Bridges program. She is interested in cross-cultural understandings of God and spirituality, in the mystical tradition and a modern development of centering prayer; also in the feminist critique of traditional models of spirituality and prayer, and in prayer and spiritual growth using the MBTI. Meets with directees every weekday but Wednesday from 9-5. Fee is $35 per session but will negotiate for hardship cases.
Note for Spiritual Directors:
If you are listed on the spiritual directors list below and have either changes to your information or description, or if you would like to have your name removed from the list, please contact Kathleen Davis at davis@ai.edu with either request. If you are not on the list and would like to have your name and information added, again, please contact Kathleen at the above email address and attach a description of yourself similar to those listed below.