2019: Teri and I accompanied each other through Benedictine formation as we became Oblates together with St. Paul’s Monastery.

2022: Our common Benedictine foundation led Teri to ask me to be a part of her review team as she was writing the Benedictine CARE materials. I was impressed to see how she integrates Spirit, body, and mind for whole body wellness in the context of community through small groups and contemplative practices rooted in the Benedictine Tradition.

2024: The invitation from Teri to become part of Benedictine CARE as a Facilitation Coordinator feels like the next step in combining my work and life experiences with my interest in health and wellness. I look forward to what we will discover, experience, and become as we learn and practice together.

2013: As I continued to pursue my own spiritual formation, I attended my first retreat at St. Paul’s Monastery. This is where my involvement with the Benedictine Tradition began. As I continued to practice listening to my inner wisdom, I noticed that people continued to seek me out when they needed someone to listen deeply to their story.

2014-2017: The next right step seemed to be an invitation to enter spiritual direction training and a job at a church as Director of Community Engagement. During that time, I completed my training as a spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center (La Crosse, WI) in 2017 and was invited to become an adjunct spiritual director with the Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery.

2019-2023: I began initial Oblate Formation with St. Paul’s Monastery (along with Teri) and became an Oblate in 2021. That summer I began partnering with Sister Mary Lou Dummer, OSB, in coordinating and facilitating initial Oblate formation for St. Paul’s Monastery. In August of 2023, I became one of three Oblate Co-Directors for St. Paul’s Monastery. In October of 2023, I began advanced training in BioSpiritual Focusing for spiritual directors.

2000: I began exploring contemplative practices, including Centering Prayer in 2000. I was at a transition point in my life after leaving elementary school teaching and becoming a full time Mom. I sensed there was something more waiting for me in my life, and Centering Prayer helped me practice turning towards and listening to my Lighter Voices.

2008: As I continued to practice listening for next steps, I completed a master’s degree in human resource development from the University of Minnesota. After graduating, I spent time working in training and development and human resources for corporate organizations.

2012: Though working for large corporations, I began to feel a longing to accompany individuals and small groups in spiritual formation. I began volunteering in my church community as a small group facilitator. It was there that I fell in love with accompanying others as we went deeper together.