Spiritual direction has had a long and esteemed history within Christianity. Despite its name, it is not one person telling another what to do. Rather, it is a dialogue through which we discover and discuss with a director the action of God’s Spirit in our life. The director is only a facilitator in the process, or as Thomas Merton aptly says, “The director is merely ‘God’s usher,’ confirming and validating where God is calling me.”
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Spiritual direction is an excellent pathway to help people renew their faith. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the director prayerfully listens as a person shares the joys and struggles of his or her faith life. Through shared dialogue, the director and directee discuss the action of God’s spirit working in their life. In the process of spiritual direction, individuals can heal, build and strengthen their relationship with Jesus, and this can be life changing.
Mayslake Ministries is a leader in the field of Spiritual Direction, with thirty-five certified spiritual directors on staff, each skilled in a wide variety of areas including: grief, addiction, adoption and infertility, elder issues, military, oncology issues, Women’s and Men’s Spirituality. Select a specialty from the drop-down below to find matching spiritual directors.
A suggested donation of $60 is accepted for each session and $85 suggested donation to meet with one of our pastoral counselors. Call Dr. Mary Amore at 630-852-9000 to schedule an appointment. All calls are held in the strictest of confidence. Dr. Amore will talk with you to help you find the right spiritual director or counselor for your needs.
CPSD denotes Certified Professional Spiritual Directors awarded through the Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. All of our spiritual directors are compliant with Protecting God’s Children/Virtus
Roberta Balsewicz, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Roberta Balsewicz received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Siena Retreat Center in Racine and the Spiritual Guidance Training Program. She has a BA in Organizational Leadership from Benedictine University; she is a trained mentor through the Notre Dame ECHO program and has served as a Generations of Faith Diocesan Mentor through the Center for Ministry in Connecticut. Roberta has earned certificates from Dayton University and other training opportunities in Adult Faith Learning, Advanced Catechetics, Bible Study, Marriage Preparation and Spiritual Leadership for Retreats.
Specialties: Lay Ministry, Wedding Preparation, Family Faith
Betty Bentley, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Betty Bentley, CPSD holds a BA in Business Administration from Loyola University. A Certified Spiritual Director, Betty serves as a formator for the Sacred Presence Program for the Formation of Spiritual Directors at Mayslake Ministries. Betty is also certified as a Boundless Compassion Facilitator, a program created by Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM. A former spiritual wellness coordinator and Director of Religious Education at a Catholic parish, Betty is married, the mother of four young adults and the proud grandmother of two.
Specialties: Grief, Caregiving, Personal Development
Fr. Kurt Boras
Catholic/Christian Pastoral Counselor and Catholic Spiritual Director
Fr. Kurt Boras currently serves as the Vicar of Priests for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He holds graduate degrees in clinical counseling, spiritual direction and theology. Fr. Kurt is in the process of completing his Doctor of Psychology Degree, and considers himself a “life long learner.”
Bernadette Borgard, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Bernadette Borgard, CPSD is a Catholic wife and mother of three grown children through adoption, and is very active in 12-step recovery due to family affected by addiction and other disorders. Bernadette earned her Certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program.
Specialties: Adoption, Infertility, Family Faith, Addiction/12 Step Spirituality
Fr. Tom Borkowski, M.Ed.
Catholic Spiritual Director
Fr. Tom Borkowski has a M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Missouri, a M.Div. from the Pontifical College Josephinum, and post graduate studies in Carmelite spirituality and contemplative prayer. His background includes education and ministry with persons with disabilities, pastoral ministry and counseling, adult faith development, and codependency and recovery counseling. Fr. Tom continues to be attentive to his Carmelite orientation through silence, reading, reflection and spiritual guidance. He is affiliate staff and Spiritual Director with Mayslake Ministries.
Specialties: Carmelite Spirituality, Contemplation, Codependency
Amie Bovie, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Amy Bovie, CPSD, received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Sacred Presence Program for Spiritual Direction at Mayslake Ministries. A wife and mother, Amy helps others to see the beauty and goodness of God in themselves and the world around us.
Specialties: Prayer, Women’s Spirituality, Discipleship
Brian Caley, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Brian Caley holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. An Iraq war veteran, Brian served 8 years in the Army. Brian holds a holds technical degree in Information Security and works as a call center specialist. He is married to his lovely wife Ruth.
Specialties: Veterans/PTSD, Anxiety, Returning to the Faith
Eugenia Jarosz Callison
Catholic Spiritual Director
Eugenia Jarosz Callison holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Claret Center. Eugenia serves Mayslake Ministries specializing in the needs of Veterans and Military, and is a member of Operation Support Our Troops America Leap of Faith Team which helps Gold Star Families move forward in their grief, Eugenia holds a Master of Arts Degree from Catholic Theological Union, and has served as the Director for The Emmaus Formation for Ministry Program. A music therapist and liturgical musician, Eugenia is married and the mother of adult children and grandchildren.
Specialties: Military families, Women’s Spirituality, Music Therapy
Colleen Case, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Colleen Case, CPSD is Associate Director of the Office of Youth Formation directing Teen Formation, and Confirmation with the Diocese of Joliet. Colleen is a spiritual director with Mayslake Ministries, an instructor in their Sacred Presence Program and the Director of the Mayslake Sacred Presence Program for the formation of Spiritual Directors. Her passion for accompanying youth and young adults along with her zeal for sharing the love of Jesus and his people, has led her to numerous speaking and media projects. Her faith, life and ministry are deeply rooted in helping others encounter Jesus in their day-to-day life bringing awareness of God's presence to all of life's events.
Specialties: Lay Ministry, Parenting and Family Life, Young Adult Spirituality
Denine Chambers, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Denine Chambers, CPSD earned her certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. A self-published poet, Denine finds joy in listening to the heart stories of others, seeing God in all things, and helping others to do the same.
Specialties: Anxiety, Marriage Enrichment, Finding Christ in the Everyday
Sheila Cusack
Catholic Spiritual Director
Sheila Cusack received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Claret Center in Chicago. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UIC. A retired nurse, Sheila holds a certificate from UW Madison as a Grief Support Specialist and is an affiliate member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
Specialties: Grief, Family Issues, Prayer
Ceil Ryan D'Acquisto, RN, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Ceil Ryan D’Acquisto, RN, CPSD received a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Sacred Presence Program at Mayslake Ministries. A registered nurse, wife, mother and nana, Ceil is passionate about bringing awareness of God’s presence to all of life’s events, especially through spiritual direction and writing.
Specialties: Discernment and Decision Making, Finding Christ in the Everyday, Prayer
Dr. Mary-Beth Desmond, RN
Catholic Spiritual Director
Mary Beth Desmond, is an RN and holds a PhD in nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Master of Arts in Spirituality. A Caritas Coach, Mary Beth is a nurse educator, researcher and retreat leader.
Specialties: Women’s Spirituality, Women’s Health Issues, Prayer
Larry Dreffein, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Larry Dreffein, CPSD is a teacher, pastor and administrator following the call of the Gospel in the footsteps of St. Francis Assisi for the last fifty years. An accomplished spiritual director, Fr. Larry has accompanied many on their spiritual journey, listening to the call placed in their lives and helping them discern its meaning and direction.
Specialties: Franciscan Spirituality, Men's Spirituality, Women's Spirituality
Paulina Engel, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director, Fluent in Spanish
Paulina Engel, CPSD is fluent in Spanish and received her spiritual direction training from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program for the Formation of Spiritual Directors.
Specialties: Women's Domestic Violence, Drug Abuse, Cancer Recovery
Sharon Fernandez, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Sharon Fernandez, CPSD, MS holds a BA in Human Services and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. A certified professional spiritual director with Mayslake Ministries, Sharon also earned a Certificate in lay ministry from the Diocese of Joliet. As a Benedictine Oblate, she enjoys “listening with the ear of her heart” in her work and in everyday life.
Specialties: Transitions in Life, Mental Health Issues, Self-Care
Bob Frazee, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Bob Frazee, CPSD holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union - Chicago. His passion is Adult Spiritual Formation. He has served as an RCIA catechist, an instructor in the Joliet Diocesan Lay Formation program, and as an adjunct to the Emmaus Program at CTU. Bob is an affiliate spiritual director of Mayslake Ministries, and the Director of the Mayslake Sacred Presence Program for the formation of Spiritual Directors. He also serves as a commissioned presenter for Contemplative Outreach where he promotes and teaches Centering Prayer.
Specialties: Prayer, Contemplation, Centering Prayer
Christine Grano
Catholic Spiritual Director
Christine Grano holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Christos School of Spiritual Formation. An esteemed spiritual director, accomplished pastoral musician, retreat leader, and presenter, Christine is trained in Christian Lay Counseling and Inner Healing Prayer. Her life and ministry are deeply rooted in twelve-step spirituality. With a passion for helping people live their abundant life that Jesus offers in mind, body and spirit, Chris is married and the mother of two young adults, and the proud grandmother of two little ones.
Specialties: Addiction/12 Step Spirituality, Inner Healing Prayer, Holistic Living
Chris Hannigan-Wiehn, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Chris Hannigan-Wiehn earned her Certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Claret Center in Hyde Park. With a Master’s in Pastoral Studies, Chris has served parishes in the area of faith formation for 16 years in the Diocese of Joliet. A lay Franciscan, Chris is committed to social justice issues, and takes great delight in God's creation.
Specialties: Grief, Franciscan Spirituality, Lay Ministry
Cheri Hill, CPSD, CSC, BS ED
Catholic Spiritual Director
Cheri ‘s deep faith and life experiences as an educator, initiator/leader of many ministries through the years ground her as a Spiritual Director. Cheri holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries, is a Certified Spiritual Companion, and is currently completing a certification through Franciscan University for Spiritual Direction using Ignatian Spirituality. Cheri’s greatest calling and joy revolves around her family. She is a wife of 37 yrs, a mom of three, and a grandma of two precious grandsons. Marriage and family, prayer, healing, and hope are strong themes in Cheri’s SD work.
Specilaties: Ignatian Spirituality (discernment, transitions), Women’s Spirituality-all ages, Young Adults
Lois Hodgson
Ecumenical Spiritual Director
Lois Hodgson has served as a spiritual director since 2006, receiving her training at The Institute of Spiritual Companionship. Lois also holds a Master’s Degree in Spirituality with an emphasis in Spiritual Direction from Loyola University in Chicago. A wife, mother and grandmother, Lois has a passion for spending time with God in nature, and finds it an honor and gift to companion others on their spiritual journey.
Specialties: Spirituality in Nature, Women's Spirituality, Lay Ministry
John Holmes, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
John Holmes, CPSD is a graduate of the Center for Action and Contemplation Living School. A certified Spiritual Director and Spiritual Supervisor, John is a facilitator in the Sacred Presence Spiritual Direction formation program. Married, John is a father and proud grandfather, and is schooled in the area of Christian Mysticism from the Desert fathers to modern day mystics such as Thomas Merton.
Specialties: Spirituality in the Second Half of Life, Contemplation, Christian Mysticism
Elizabeth Kingsbury-Puscas, CPSD, MSW
Catholic Spiritual Director, Certified Grief Counseling Specialist
Elizabeth Kingsbury-Puscas, MSW, LCSW, CPSD holds a Master’s Degree in Social work and works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. Elizabeth earned her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. Married to an ordained deacon, together they have one adult daughter.
Specialties: Ordained Ministers, Clergy, Transitions in Life
Marilyn Kortendick
Catholic Spiritual Director
Marilyn Kortendick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Dominican University. A distinguished member of the Theotokion Honor Society at Dominican, Marilyn also holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction and a Master’s Degree from Loyola University. She has been a member of SDI since 2005.
Specialties: Focus Work, Bereavement/Grief/Loss, Women's Health Issues
Mary Lally, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Mary Lally, CPSD, received her Certificate of Spiritual Direction from Christos, “Tending the Holy Program” and through Sacred Presence Program at Mayslake Ministries. A retired nurse and nursing administrator, Mary has over ten years’ experience in Healing Touch Practice. She is active at Holy Ghost Parish in WoodDale where she serves on the Discipleship Team.
Specialties: Bereavement/Grief/Loss, Discernment and Decision Making, Women's Health Issues
Sr. Susan Majcen, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Sr. Susan Macjec, CPSD is a member of the Dominicans and has served in education and faith formation in Catholic parishes in the area. Sr.Susan also serves as a facilitator of our Sacred Presence Program for the Formation of Spiritual Directors.
Specialties: Bereavement/Grief/Loss, Transitions in Life, Women's Spirituality
JoAnne McElroy, MA
Catholic Spiritual Director
JoAnne McElroy, MA holds a Master of Arts in Contemporary Spirituality and a post- graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University of Chicago. JoAnne takes a contemplative approach to spiritual direction incorporating the arts and nature. She is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer.
Specialties: Celtic Spirituality, Centering Prayer, Women's Spirituality
Denise Meola, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Denise Meola, CPSD is a Certified Spiritual Director and has extensive experience serving the spiritual needs of First Responders involved in emergency/fatality situations. Denise is a Catholic wife and mother and holds a BA in Psychology from Elmhurst College, and a M.S. Counseling.
Specialties: Mental Health, Marian Spirituality, First Responders in Crisis
Kathy Micheli, MAT, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Kathy Micheli, MAT, CPSD, holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Joseph College. She is an affiliate spiritual director at Mayslake Ministries where she received her Certification in Spiritual Direction and holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from DePaul. A retired piano and early childhood music instructor, Kathy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and serving as a catechist, music minister and spiritual director. Kathy’s passion is preserving stories of faith through spiritual writing.
Specialties: Spiritual Writing, Finding Christ in the Everyday, Contemplation
Douglas Muir, Ed.D, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Doug Muir, D. Ed, CPSD is full time Director of Adult formation at St. Mary immaculate Parish in Plainfield, Illinois. Doug earned his Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. He has been involved in faith formation for over 20 years, earning his doctorate from NIU in Adult Education. Doug is currently in formation at Catholic Theological Union to become a certified Ministry Coach.
Specialties: Biblical Spirituality, Franciscan Spirituality, Men's Spirituality
Mary Oates, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Mary Oates, CPSD, earned her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. Born in Nigeria, Mary has lived most of her adult life in Belgium and currently resides in the Chicago area. Mary is fluent in French and works with youth and adults, both lay and religious to help them discover, develop and live in a meaningful relationship with Christ as His disciples and to fall in love with the Lord more and more.
Specialties: Trauma, Empowerment, Transitions in Life, Anxiety
Curt Paddock
Ecumenical Spiritual Director
Curt Paddock received his training and certification in spiritual direction from Sacred Journey School of Spiritual Companionship, and is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina by Contemplative Outreach. In addition, Curt has received certification in spiritual coaching from the Catholic Theological Union. He is married and has a daughter who has given him three wonderful grandsons.
Specialties: Men's Spirituality, Ecumenical/Interfaith, Dreamwork
Marianne Patrevito
Ecumenical Spiritual Director
Marianne Patrevito earned her Certificate from Christos Tending the Holy in 2015. Prior to Christos, Marianne was a Stephen’s Minister for 10 years and has facilitated women’s groups for 20 years. Marianne continued with her studies in graduate course work in Spiritual Direction and Formation at Wheaton College. Marianne has participated in healing prayer teams, and has always held a high regard for natural healing methods and healing prayer.
Specialties: Women's growth, Healing Prayer, Spirituality in Nature
Maria Pusateri, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Maria Pusateri, CPSD, holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction through Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program and a Certificate in Lay Leadership through the Diocese of Joliet. Married, and the wife of a deacon and the mother of a priest, Maria is currently pursuing a degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Specialties: Family Faith, Marian Spirituality, Ordained Ministers
Tracey Reid, CPSD
Ecumenical Spiritual Director
Tracey Reid, CPSD is a certified spiritual director with Mayslake Ministries. A program Management Director by profession, Tracey holds a Certificate in Lay Ministry from the Diocese of Joliet. Her passion is open discourse on faith, the movement of the Spirit, and life that thrives within the unknowing.
Specialties: Finding Christ in the Everyday, Women's Spirituality, Discernment and Decision Making
Sue Rooney, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Sue Rooney, CPSD holds a M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University Chicago and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. Sue is a graduate of the New Wine Lay Ministry Program through the Diocese of Joliet. A former hospital chaplain, Sue is married and the mother of two adult children, and currently serves Mayslake Ministries as a spiritual director.
Specialties: Transitions in Life, Finding Christ in the Everyday, Health Care Workers
Natalie Ryan, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Natalie Ryan, CPSD, is a young adult with a degree in Theology and a minor in Psychology from Marian University in Indianapolis. She is a Certified Professional Spiritual Director from the Sacred Presence program here at Mayslake Ministries. She currently works as a writer, Spiritual Director, and holistic health coach. Natalie has a holistic background of experience to walk with those who may have questions, hunger for more, and have a desire to stay connected in their faith. Natalie has a gentle and kind presence that supplements her in meeting people where they are on this pilgrimage of life so that we can walk this faith journey together.
Specialties: Transitions in Life, Women's Spirituality, Young Adult Ministry
Carol Schubert, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Carol Schubert, CPSD, is a former Youth Minister and currently serves as the Director of Liturgy and Adult Faith Formation at a Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Joliet. Carol holds a BA in Pastoral Ministry from Dominican University and is a Certified Professional Spiritual Director with Mayslake Ministries. After a 24 year career with corporate America she has been working for the Diocese of Joliet for 20 years in various different parishes both as a volunteer and staff. Carol has grown through the transitions in her life; relationships, caregiving for her parents, and career changes. Her faith is strong in knowing that she is a beloved daughter of God. Carol is here to help women of all ages to discover that they are beloved daughters of God.
Specialties: Lay Ministry, Transitions in Life, Women's Spirituality
Nanci Lukasik-Smith, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Nanci Lukasik-Smith, CPSD holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program, a Certificate in Lay Leadership through the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois; and an Advanced Certificate in Special Needs Faith Formation from the University of Dayton (VLCFF). A ministerial coach from Catholic Theological Union, Nanci is a candidate for a Certificate of Catholic Theology: Church Doctrine, from the University of Notre Dame S.T.E.P. program, and a candidate for a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from St. Mary of the Lake University in Mundelein. Nanci previously served on the Advisory Committee to the Bishop (Diocese of Joliet) for individuals with Special Needs and their families. She and her family now live in Arizona and serves as the Director of Catechesis at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City West.
Specialties: Women's Spirituality, Women's Health Issues, Parenting for Special Needs
Donna Wierzgacz Soukup, CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Donna Wierzgacz Soukup, CPSD holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. A catechist and retired educator, Donna holds a MS in Mathematics, a MED in Reading and a BA in Education from the University of Chicago.
Specialties: Women's Spirituality, Transitions in Life, Discernment and Decision Making
Dcn. Jerry Souta, Jr., CPSD
Catholic Spiritual Director
Deacon Jerry Souta, Jr., CPSD holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mayslake Ministries Sacred Presence Program. An ordained deacon in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Deacon Jerry is married.
Specialties: Prayer, Discernment and Decision Making, Marian Spirituality
Lori Bertucci-Thibeau
Catholic Spiritual Director
Lori Bertucci-Thibeau has served Chicago as a Pastoral Minister since 1997 and as a Certified Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Director since 2015. Lori’s educational background includes Rosary College, Christos Center for Spiritual Formation, Avila Institute and Mayslake Ministries. Trained in Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, Lori completed her coursework through Georgetown University.
Specialties: Ignatian Spirituality, Carmelite Spirituality, Trauma
Jane Zimmerman
Ecumenical Spiritual Director
Jane Zimmerman is a skilled listener with expertise in supporting people experiencing anxiety and health issues. A spiritual director, Jane holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing, and in trained in various healing modalities.
Specialties: Dreamwork, Anxiety, Spirituality in the Second Half of Life