SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS
Get to know those who are a part of our network of Spiritual Directors in Arizona! We have a variety of people who are involved in ministries including spiritual direction, pastoral ministry, counseling. leadership development, retreat ministry, and more.
If you are looking for a Spiritual Director, along with our own directory below we’d also suggest perusing the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association website. (see below) They’ve done a great job of putting together a great directory of Spiritual Directors – some are local to Arizona and others, who live around the country, are available to meet over Skype or by phone. What is Spiritual Direction?
Note: this list is intended to help you connect with a Spiritual Director. Please do not use this list for any other purposes. In addition, the SFSAZ is not responsible for discerning if a particular person is the best fit for you. Each person in this role in this directory is individually responsible as a solo practitioner and not employed by the SFSAZ in this role. By accessing and using this list you understand and agree that the SFSAZ is in no way responsible for the acts, omissions or services of any of the members listed or for any other actions taken.
SFSAZ Directory
Nancy Albers
Spiritual Director and Supervisor: Nancy has a passion for walking alongside others on their spiritual journey. She just recently moved to Arizona from California and is excited about the opportunity to serve in the Phoenix area and have fellowship with other spiritual directors. Nancy is a clinical psychologist, receiving a PhD from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. Her Spiritual Direction training was at Mercy Center, Burlingame, CA, followed by a two-year supervision training with Together in the Mystery. She sees the Enneagram as a tool for spiritual transformation, and Enneagram coaching is an optional part of spiritual direction. Nancy lives in the Phoenix West Valley area, and is available for in person, phone, or doxy.me sessions.
Jennie Altstadt
Deborah Annable
Joel Bidderman
Joel Bidderman is a Spiritual Director, Pastor, and Worship Leader who has ministered in many different capacities over the years, from the non-profit sector to congregational settings. He is a creative contemplative who is passionate about intercession, contemplative prayer, and compassion and justice, and spent 10 years working cross-culturally on Native American reservations in northern Arizona and New Mexico. He is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction, is an Enneagram consultant and coach, and is on pastoral staff at Vineyard Gilbert Church in Gilbert, Arizona, where he leads worship, teaches, and helps to lead and care for the worshipping community there. He is available for Spiritual Direction sessions as well as Enneagram consultations in person in the Gilbert area, or via FaceTime/Skype.
Website: kairosdirection.com
Kristen Blanford
Kristen has a deep love for people and for the Lord. She spent several years in full-time ministry with Young Life, and many more as a volunteer. For quite some time she has felt an invitation from the Lord to slow down, recognizing that this invitation is continual and graciously extended by the Lord, even when ignored. It is not accepted once for all but is a choice she is choosing to make daily. She desires to help others learn to do the same – to meet the Holy Spirit right where He is, where we sometimes have trouble seeing and hearing Him due to the constant chatter in and outside our busy minds.Kristen resides in Scottsdale, AZ. She has been married for 25 years and has 3 wonderful children. She loves spending time outside, doing yoga, weekly family dinners and engaging with friends.
Robbie Brooks
Spiritual Director, Pastoral Caregiver/Mentor, Formation Group Facilitator, Retired Associate Pastor: Robbie is a recent graduate (April 1, 2019) of Leadership Transformation’s Selah Spiritual Direction training. She is retired from 16 years as associate pastor at 2 churches in Phoenix, AZ. She received her MA degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Phoenix Seminary in 2001. She served as full time staff with Cru Ministries from 1974—1993, where she grew in her heart for discipling women. Robbie has been happily married to Steve for 43 years and enjoys serving with him in his work with Crown Financial Ministry. She is the mother of 3 grown sons, 3 delightful daughters in law and 6 grandchildren (so far!). Robbie is available for in person and online spiritual direction appointments. She is especially passionate about supporting women in ministry leadership and loves to facilitate spiritual formation groups for women leaders.
John Chandler
John draws on 25 years in ministry and non-profit leadership to journey with pastors and leaders in the unique challenges of their roles, though he is available to walk alongside anyone desiring transformation. Through spiritual direction, retreats and workshops, he partners with individuals and teams to cultivate attentiveness through spiritual practices, soul care, and relational support. John has an MA from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and was trained through the Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction. He is available for spiritual direction in the East Valley or online.
Website: https://consortiodei.com
Lauretta Clark
Spiritual Director, Speaker, Retreat/Workshop Leader: Lauretta is a trained director and is trained in accompanying others through the Ignatian Exercises. She is also trained in Inner Healing prayer and has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. She is available for in-person or online appointments.
Website: www.ybranchllc.com
Renee Clark
Renee Clark serves as the Hospitality Coordinator for the SFSAZ. She enjoys creating warm and inviting spaces where others feel welcomed. She has a heart for nurturing others on their spiritual journey as a trained Spiritual Director and Enneagram coach with specialized training in body work, grief and trauma.
Debby DeBernardi
Spiritual Director, Retreat / Workshop Leader, Pastor: Debby is a Graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and Christian Formation and Direction Ministries who offers spiritual accompaniment to adults, children, couples and leadership teams. She is available to meet for Spiritual Direction, Ignatian Exercises, and Enneagram Coaching in-person in the Ahwatukee East Valley area or per zoom.
Phone: 602-570-7340
Brenda Dinell
Brenda’s passion is to facilitate spiritual formation in others as a companion on their journey. She has a Masters of Divinity in Spiritual Formation from Phoenix Seminary where she is completing her Doctor of Ministry degree. Brenda is a trained Spiritual Director who graduated from Leadership Transformation Inc.’s Selah Program. Brenda is a member of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association. She is available for in-person Spiritual Direction in the Phoenix area or online or by phone
Michael Donnelly
Michael is a lifelong learner. Michael has spent over 30 years providing mental health services in diverse settings. Michael has provided services in small community service organizations, Oregon/Arizona State Hospitals, Bethany Bible Church as the Pastor of Care and Counseling and currently providing pastoral counseling in the larger community. Michael is committed to increasing the mental health literacy in the community and specifically for faith-based communities. Michael will complete his certificate training in Spiritual Direction in April. Michael is married to the love of his life, Toni. Toni is herself a spiritual director and ministry partner with Michael.
Toni Donnelly
Spiritual Director, Retreat/Workshop Leader/Speaker: Toni is a trained Spiritual Director who graduated from the SELAH Program sponsored by Leadership Transformation Inc. Toni’s passion is to create a safe and sacred space to listen well and to accompany individuals who desire to notice what God is doing in their lives, deepen their relationship with God and explore spiritual discipline practices that refresh and renew their love for God. Toni lives in Phoenix and is available to provide spiritual direction face to face, through a zoom platform, or by phone.
**Currently not accepting new directees**
Christine Flower
Spiritual Director, School Counselor, Writer, & Freelance Editor: Christine is a graduate from Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction. She offers spiritual direction to women remotely via Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime; she is also available for in-person appointments in Surprise. Christine has a passion to see women grow in self-awareness so that they can more easily discern the goodness of God in their own lives. Christine has enjoyed writing since childhood and has been freelance editing since 2015. For her primary career, Christine has recently entered school counseling from a 22-year teaching career. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Education for Secondary English, a Master of Science in Global & International Education, and is currently progressing through a program to earn her Master of Arts in Education for School Counseling.
Website: aquietplacesd.weebly.com
Matt Fogle
Pastor, Spiritual Director, Speaker, Retreat Leader: Matt is a trained Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith’s 2 year journey. He also has 2 Master’s degrees in Organizational Leadership and in Spiritual Formation. He grew up as a wild middle child in rural Illinois where mentors helped Matt to see that God is calling everyone to an abundant and adventurous life in Christ. For over ten years Matt has been a pastor in TX & IL, a speaker and retreat facilitator in CA & CO. He has worked with multiple non-profits in the areas of leadership development and spiritual formation.
Website: rhythm.community
Ben Gores
Dr. Art Guina
Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader: I completed training with the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson, AZ. My academic training includes Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry. I’ve been on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ since 1977, having served in the Philippines and now based in Arizona. I personally prefer the term ‘spiritual companioning’ as I’m passionate about coming alongside others to, in the words of David Benner, “…help others attend to God’s presence and revelation and prepare to respond to him… thus helping people attune themselves to God.” I’m available to meet in person or via Zoom video.
David Hammerslag, PhD
Spiritual Director, Speaker, Writer: David is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and an elder at Wonderful Mercy Church in Gilbert, where he is part of the preaching rotation. He is passionate about helping people know and experience the incredible love of the Father. You can read some of his thoughts on his blog: www.frompopsworkshop.com. David is available for Spiritual Direction sessions either in person in Chandler or via Zoom, Skype or phone.
Roger Hornbeck
Spiritual Director, Pastor, Speaker: Roger is a trained Spiritual Director through Leadership Transformations: Selah. Roger lives in the Glendale, Arizona area and is available for Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation Coaching, Speaking, and accompaniment in the Ignatian Exercises. Roger is available for Spiritual Direction or Spiritual Formation Coaching sessions either in person in Glendale or by Zoom.
Website: www.transformationoftheheart.com
Sharon Hornbeck
Spiritual Director, Certified Enneagram Teacher, Writer, Speaker, Retreat Leader: Sharon is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and a Certified Teacher of the Narrative Enneagram. Sharon lives in Glendale, Arizona. She is available for Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation Coaching, Speaking, and accompaniment in the Ignatian Exercises, as well as Enneagram teaching, Typing Interviews and Enneagram-based Spiritual Direction and/or Coaching.
Sharon is available to meet in person, by Zoom or by phone.
Website: www.transformationoftheheart.com
Kristine Jensen
Kris, a veteran missionary with 40 years of experience overseas as a Bible translator, linguist and translation consultant, is a graduate of Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div). She is familiar with those life changing stresses and joys of cross cultural living and returning back home, and she desires to accompany those whose life seems to have drifted away from being close to God. She passionately loves diversity, color, and the differences that make up the people groups of the world and the Body of Christ. She offers spiritual direction and reflective listening through a secure Zoom account with a focus on missionaries serving overseas, returned missionaries, and persons involved in cross cultural ministry. She also is available for in-person or FaceTime appointments in the Goodyear, AZ (Phoenix West Valley) area.
You can reach her at her email address below.
Dr. Doug Kelley
I enjoy walking alongside others in discovery of true self as it is uniquely embedded in God’s unfolding work. I have a heart for those who are searching, feel lost, or are looking for new discovery. I am Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University and continue to write about what makes us truly human, in particular, intimacy, forgiveness, love, and justice. I hold a doctorate in communication, a masters degree in counseling, and have training in spiritual direction and Enneagram coaching. I have broad ties to the greater Christian community including having taught at Seattle Pacific University and Fuller Seminary Southwest.
Website: https://groundedinsanity.com
Jody Kingston
Each one has a journey with God – complete with doubts, pain, joys and questions. Through spiritual direction, I offer a safe place to slow down and notice what your soul is experiencing in everyday, ordinary life. I hope to enable growth, freedom and intimacy in your relationship with God as we take the time to listen and discern together where God is leading you.
Jody graduated in 2016 from Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction. She is recently retired after 31 years in pastoral ministry and loving having more time to meet in person in the West Valley or online.
Pamela Kudlick
Spiritual Director companion, Professional Coach, Author: Pamela is a trained Spiritual Director who graduated from the SELAH Program from Leadership Transformations Inc. and is founder of Cornerstone Coach where she invites her clients to Lead Stronger. Live Fuller. ®
Pamela offers “HOPEN” as spiritual direction which is the HOPE in God who OPENS us to deeper love and communion through prayer, silence and listening with the Trinity. We notice His presence, words and ways in a holy sacred space where there is grace upon grace. She describes herself as a handmaiden on a donkey who loves Jesus, who enjoys prayer walks in nature and is learning to walk in God’s freedom and graces. Mostly she loves being present in His presence. Pamela completed the St. Ignatius exercises twice and is active in Coach Approach Ministries. She lives in Sacramento and Sedona and is available for spiritual direction via phone or through ZOOM.
Website: www.onehopen.com
T. L. Landgraf
T.L. is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and the pastor at Carefree Vineyard Church. Along with De, his wife, they founded It’s For Freedom a ministry focused on inner healing, deliverance and spiritual direction. T.L. is available for spiritual direction in person or video chat, speaking engagements and leading retreats centered around spiritual formation.
Ronda Lewis
Spiritual Director, Speaker, Retreat Leader, Director of Renewed Life Ministry: Soul Care for Women: Ronda is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and is and instructor for Sustainable Faith’s School of Contemplative Life.
Ronda is passionate about creating safe spaces for women to feel welcomed, accepted and heard. She is available for Spiritual Direction and Inner Healing prayer sessions either in person in the West Valley of Phoenix or online.
Phone: 602-418-3141
Kathleen MacLuer
Kathleen brings to her ministry of spiritual direction her decades of experience as a health care practitioner in many areas. This experience allowed her the opportunity to accompany others facing life-impacting illness, disability, and emotional struggles, with all of the rich gifts that come with doing that. She is a third-order Carmelite in her second year of formation, and has co-facilitated women’s study groups on St. Theresa of Avila—Mother of Prayer, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Her passion is for the knowing of God in contemplative life, for the joy of witnessing and co-discerning with directees the ways that God moves in their lives, for finding God in Church, family, and Creation, and for building authentic relationships and meaningful work. Kathleen was trained at Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction.
Raph Martin
Born in NYC/1934; 25 yrs. as Marist Brother; teacher by profession; degrees in Theology (St. John’s U./NY) and Religious Education (St. Michael’s University/Toronto, CAN); spiritual direction training at Institute for Spiritual Leadership (Chicago, IL )1984-85; 20+ years as parish director of faith formation and RCIA (Piedmont, CA); presently teaching scripture and spirituality programs (Sun City West, AZ).
Influences: Merton, Rohr, Nouwen, Bouyer, Therese of Lisieux, John of the +, Ignatius of Loyola.
Bonnie McCulley
Bonnie brings to her ministry of spiritual direction 30 years of experience as a healthcare Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, facilitator of inner healing groups and retreats, and recently a palliative/hospice chaplain. She understands the journey of healing from illness, the soul wounds, and the emotional struggles. Bonnie completed her DMin studies in Transformational Counseling/Spiritual Direction focusing on the “Art of Discernment”. Bonnie lives in North East Phoenix and is available to meet in person or via Zoom.
Website: https://www.yoursacredpower.com
Lee Meyer
Spiritual Director, Pastoral Counselor: Lee is a graduate of Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and is on the pastoral staff at Wonderful Mercy Church, Gilbert Arizona. He is available for Spiritual Direction sessions in person in the Gilbert/Mesa/Chandler area, or via FaceTime/Skype.
James Mitchell
Spiritual Director; Retreat Leader for pastors, church leaders, and pastoral/church staff; Hospital Chaplain: specializes in grief work, trauma healing, and end-of-life care.
Workshops: Journaling, Lectio Divina, and Contemplative Prayer; facilitating the journey of sojourners in finding a way to move through a inner roadblock into God’s Realm of Heaven in the here and now and be about their soul’s destiny; Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Ashland Theological Seminary; in person, via phone, or FaceTime.
Danny Mullins
Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader, Speaker, Pastor: Danny is an instructor in Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction and is available to meet for direction.
Website: dannymullins.org
Donna Otto
Spiritual Director, Writer, Speaker, Retreat Leader, Founder of Women’s Organizations: Donna is a warm woman of faith and accomplishment. Co-Founder of Spiritual Formation Society and former Board Member of Phoenix Seminary. She is the host of the Quiet House in Scottsdale, available for private retreats. Donna connects with and encourages women of all ages in their spiritual life. Donna resides in Scottsdale.
Phone: 480-991-7464
Richard Parrish
Spiritual Director, Speaker, Author, Retreat Leader, Pastor/Leader: Richard is a Graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and serves as Director of Spiritual Care for Music Serving the Word ministries. He received his Spiritual Direction and Supervision training at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago.
**Currently not accepting new directees**
Website: richardparrish.net
Sheri Reaves
Sheri is available for spiritual direction in person in Mesa and Gilbert, and also via FaceTime. She is a graduate of The School of Sustainable Faith and has a master degree in Counseling.
Website: sherireaves.com
LuAnn Roberson
Luann is our Associate for Spiritual Formation with the SFSAZ.LuAnn volunteers her time with us as a gift from her home base, A Simple Pause, an outreach of MSW ministries. A trained Spiritual Director and nurse specializing in trauma and cancer, she desires to offer hope and a calm presence in spiritual companionship. LuAnn serves as a supervisor and coach in training spiritual directors (Selah) and spiritual formation leaders (Formatio), and is available for enneagram coaching. She is the curator of the app A Simple Pause, offering short. prayerful times with God through spiritual practices.
Karalee Romaneski
Coach, Spiritual Director, Mentor, Retreat Facilitator, Workshop Leader, Speaker
Like many spiritual directors, I have a hard time with the term Spiritual Director. I kind of like the Celtic term, Anam Cara: a “soul friend” who helps Christians and sojourners embrace their truest identity as deeply loved children of God. Whatever you choose to call me (just Karalee, please), I find great joy and deep gladness in my vocation. Relying on God’s grace and drawing on decades of training and experience, I offer a sheltered space to slow down, notice, listen, and prayerfully explore fresh insights as they emerge from the heart of the Trinity. I am confident that as we abide in Christ, longing becomes hope, hope becomes vision, and vision is transformed into real Life.
Trained and certified as a Coach, as well as Spiritual Director and Guide for the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I am also trained in Inner Healing Prayer and The Immanuel Approach. Academic education includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Group Facilitation, and the MBTI.
Available for Spiritual Direction, guided prayer, Personal Retreats, and Accompaniment in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in person (Phoenix & Prescott), by phone, or on Zoom.
Website: TheQuietRoom.org
Sheli Sloterbeek
Spiritual Director, Writer, Speaker, Retreat Leader: Sheli is passionate about justice and contemplative life. Her desire for each and every person is to live wholly – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically – to be alive and live fully. She has extensive experience in working with non-profits and churches in both local and global settings. She enjoys trying new things, writing and being outside. She is a trained spiritual director and is available to is available online via Zoom and Skype.
Website: www.aslowjourney.com
Janice Tarleton
Janice is an experienced spiritual director, teacher for Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction, speaker, pastor’s wife/church planter, and graduate of Arizona State University (Journalism). She is available for spiritual direction and accompaniment in The Ignatian Exercises.
Terry Tarleton
Terry Tarleton founded Carefree Vineyard Church in Arizona where he pastored for 16 years after serving eight years as Senior Associate Pastor at Vineyard Church North Phoenix.
Terry became passionate about spiritual direction and formation when burnout led to an “inward journey” with Jesus that transformed how he does life. He is especially excited about leading other pastors and leaders into an intimate, authentic relationship with Jesus. One of his favorite sayings is “doing flows out of being.” Often as pastors we lose sight of “being WITH Jesus,” because we get so busy “doing FOR Jesus.”
Terry holds an M.A. in Theology from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and is trained in spiritual direction through Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction.
Carol Travilla
Carol’s personal journey of integrating faith, family and career enables her to bring a wealth of understanding and experience to the Spiritual Direction relationship. Carol is a former psychologist and Pastor’s wife. She is co-author of The Intentional Woman and a graduate of Christian Formation and Direction Ministries. Carol resides in Chandler, AZ.
**Currently not accepting new directees**
Diana West
Diana has over 30 years of experience in Ministry and in the fine arts. A Expressive Arts Therapist who worked in residential treatment. A graduate from Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction in 2016 and currently seeing directees for over 6 years.Her passion is introducing Jesus intimately to people in all areas of life. How can you see, touch, smell, feel and hear God in a safe setting? In 2016 she took over pastoring a local Vineyard Church and now is launching “Webbles Workshops” for men and women wanting to pair a Spiritual Direction Experience with Expressive Arts therapy, to outreach to the Sunnyslope Community, and encourage leaders and pastors.www.sunnyslopevineyard.comCheck for availability.
Dr. Ted Wueste
Pastor, Spiritual Director, Director of the SFSAZ, author, speaker, retreat leader: I have a deep desire to see others spiritually formed through a deepening intimacy with the Trinity. For me, providing a safe place to prayerfully explore how God is leading and at work is the core of spiritual direction. Having served as a pastor for over 20 years, I have a heart for pastors and ministry leaders. Knowing the unique challenges they face, I value and cherish the opportunity to walk alongside ministry leaders in direction. I completed a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Selah (Leadership Transformations) as well as Larry Crabb’s School of Spiritual Direction (New Way Ministries). My academic training includes a MDiv, STM, and DMin. My approach to SD is contemplative in style and Trinitarian in theology. Available to meet for spiritual direction (in person, by phone, or by video) and also able to give references for other great local directors.
Website: desertdirection.com
Note: this list is intended to help you connect with a Spiritual Director. Please do not use this list for any other purposes. In addition, the SFSAZ is not responsible for discerning if a particular person is the best fit for you. Each person in this role in this directory is individually responsible as a solo practitioner and not employed by the SFSAZ in this role. By accessing and using this list you understand and agree that the SFSAZ is in no way responsible for the acts, omissions or services of any of the members listed or for any other actions taken.