My introduction to Spiritual Direction was through Campion Centre of Ignatian Spirituality, where I made the Full Spiritual Exercises. I went on to train as a Spiritual Director in the Kardia Heart Wisdom program. My background is in education, and I believe Spiritual Direction has much to offer that profession, in support of teachers and leaders experiencing the challenges of accompanying young people on their education journey. I also have a developing interest in working with school leavers – young adults navigating post-school life with all its questions of identity and purpose. Spiritual Direction is a privileged ministry, and I feel blessed with each opportunity to walk alongside people who have the courage to ask questions of themselves and their world attuned to God’s presence.
I am currently studying a Doctor of Professional Practice with a particular interest in Celtic Spirituality, exploring how ancient wisdom can speak into the Spiritual Exercises.
Favourite Scripture: Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being
Favourite Book: Tough question – Pride and Prejudice is my favourite classic but I loved Ann Patchett’s ‘Bel Canto’ and have returned to it several times
Favourite Movie: A Few Good Men – this is a family favourite and it makes me laugh to hear my sons quoting the lines together
Favourite Quote: Mary Oliver: “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Memorable Moment:
In 2019 I led a pilgrimage to Ireland and visited Brigit’s Garden, a centre for eco-spirituality in Galway. The Garden is shaped around the Celtic seasons and the Winter Garden contains a sculpture of a woman made of bronze leaves, curled over in hibernation. During this time I was moving through my own formation as a Spiritual Director and giver of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and the sculpture reminded me of my own experience of praying with the lifeless body of Jesus in the tomb on Easter Saturday. It was an experience that sparked my interest in studying Celtic Spirituality more deeply and a growth in awareness of God’s presence alive everywhere in all things at all times.
