Jean Ackerman, OP, a Racine Dominican, is a pianist and past president of the national board for the Dominican Institute for the Arts. She is a founding member of the Racine Dominican "Celebration of the Arts" Committee. As a classic musician, her music expresses the inner joy and pathos of the cosmos. Jean holds a master's degree in piano performance.

Mary Anne Albert, SSSF, is a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis. She has a background in science education and master's degree in pastoral studies from Loyola. Mary Anne received training is spiritual direction at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago. For many years she has directed retreats and offered spiritual direction, and currently ministers in Casco, Wisconsin. She believes that creativity, scripture, daily living, and nature provide avenues for walking through life with better understanding and acceptance.

Kathleen Bohn, OP, a Racine Dominican, is a staff member of the Racine Dominican Retreat Program. She is a spiritual guide, retreat leader, labyrinth facilitator, weaver, and is deeply committed to Earth. Kathleen has an MA in counseling, is certified in spiritual direction, has taken the labyrinth facilitator training, and has done work in Jungian psychology and dreamwork. She helped initiate and lives at the Racine Dominican Eco-Justice Center. 5/08

Miriam Brown, OP, is a Sinsinawa Dominican and member of the retreat staff at Siena Center where she is a spiritual guide, retreat facilitator, teacher in Theology by the Lake, and team member of the Spiritual Guidance Training Program. She brings an eye for the Spirit’s movement in the world, a sense of spiritual freedom, and joy in God’s ever-newness in the changes of our lives. She co-authored Sustaining Heart in the Heartland. 5/08

Judy Chiodo, OSF, a Franciscan sister, has a master's in American family therapy, is a certified chemical dependency counselor and certified spiritual director. She is trained in Reiki and bio-spiritual focusing, a process that enables one to listen to her or his "inner body wisdom," a movement from the head to the heart.

Judith Christopher is an ordained United Methodist minister. As a Reiki Master and Teacher, she has a profound interest in the healing and wholeness of all living beings, the earth and all creation.  She is an herbalist who honors and studies not only those herbs we plant, but also those we call weeds.  Judith has been a spiritual companion for many years and is on the staff of Siena Center's Spiritual Guidance Training Program.  She also writes, teaches, leads retreats and workshops. 7/08

Paul Colloton, OP,DMin, is an ordained friar of the Order of Preachers, Province of St. Albert the Great. He is Director of Continuing Education for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Paul has 40 years' experience in pastoral ministry as a preacher, presider, musician, liturgist, music educator, consultant, spiritual director and in HIV/AIDS ministry. He is a weekend presider for various communities in the DC area, and has served the Racine and Grand Rapids Dominicans as a chaplain. 5/08

 
Mary Beth Danielson has been a freelance writer since 1974 and contributed the weekly column, “Lost in Racine,” to the Racine Journal Times for 12 years. She currently works at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center where she helps inmates find jobs while living in the Huber dorm of the jail. She is on the Boards of the Racine County Jail Chaplaincy and MayaWorks, a Guatemalan/US Fair Trade organization. Mary Beth and her husband have three children and lived in Chicago for 20 years prior to moving to Racine in 1995. (5/08)

Paula D'Arcy is a well known author and retreat leader throughout the US and abroad.  Her work includes workshops and retreats on spirituality, aspiring writers, and women’s gatherings, including Women’s Initiation and Rites of Passage. She is President of the Red Bird Foundation, which supports the growth and spiritual development of people in need and furthers a ministry to those in prison and to those living in third world or disadvantaged cultures.  Paula is a former psychotherapist who specialized in grief and loss. In 1975, while pregnant, she survived the loss of her husband and young daughter in a car accident. 5/08
 

Rev. Michael Dowd is America’s evolutionary evangelist, passionate about sharing the 14-billion-year history of everything and everyone in ways that offer both practical guidance and inspiration. Since April 2002 he and his wife Connie Barlow have lived in a van while traveling the U.S. and preaching “the marriage of science and religion.” His latest book, Thank God for Evolution, drew endorsements from five Nobel laureates and dozens of religious leaders. 5/08

Lucy Edelbeck, OP, a Racine Dominican, has been living and teaching "A Spirituality of Earth" for a lifetime. Born and raised on a farm, with forests to roam in and animals to treasure, she has celebrated Earth and its seasons in prayer, ritual, and gatherings for the past 30 years.

Michael Fette, SCJ, is a religious brother who has served in spiritual direction, retreat and formation ministry for over 20 years. His spiritual direction training took place at Lebh Shomea House of Prayer in Sarita, Texas. He believes God invites us to come as we are, to bring our listening hearts, and that retreatant and director listen together for God's movement. He believes in a God that is infinite Love and Mercy.

Barbara Fiand is a sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She teaches spirituality at the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago. She lectures throughout the country and abroad on a variety of topics, including Holistic Spirituality, Feminine Spirituality, Prayer, Community Life, the Vows, Corporate Vision, Spirituality for Ministry, Transformation of Consciousness, and New Forms of Membership for Religious Life. She is a well known author, and her retreat at Siena Center bears the same title as one of her books. 5/08

Edwina Gateley holds a degree in teaching from her native England, a master's degree in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and HIV counseling certification in Illinois. Edwina founded the Volunteer Missionary Movement (VMM), which sends lay missionaries worldwide. She has worked extensively with homeless people and prostitutes, and serves as "Mother Spirit" for Sophia's Circle, a Chicago program for recovery from prostitution. The author of twelve books, Edwina continues to give talks and retreats internationally.

Bobbi Gill is an artist, spiritual director, and horticulturist. She has a special interest in soul work through the visual arts.

Donald Goergen, OP, PhD, is a Dominican priest of the Central Province of friars. He is a preacher, teacher, lecturer, and author. He has lectured and given retreats in Asia and Africa, and throughout North America. He has published many articles and ten books, the most recent being The Fire of Love, Encountering the Holy Spirit. Previously a provincial of the Central Province, he lives at the Dominican Ashram in Adrian, Michigan. 

Sharon Gray is a Sister of Charity of Nazareth. She has a doctorate in music and an MA in theology/spirituality. She delights in approaching the sacred through the arts, especially the rhythm and harmony of music as found in nature, in culture, and in one's soul. Sharon is on the staff of Siena Center's Spiritual Guidance Training Program, is adjunct faculty at Catholic Theological Union and the Claret Center for Counseling and Spiritual Direction in Chicago. She has extensive experience in spiritual companioning.

Claudia Greco is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice. She has studied Buddhism for 16 years and  is an oblate in association with Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, Wisconsin. She completed training in spiritual guidance at Siena Center and is certified as a Level I Lifeforce Yoga Practitioner.

Byron Haaland, SCJ, has a bachelor's in fine arts and a master's of divinity, with 30 years' experience in spiritual guidance. His areas of focus include spirituality of the heart; creation spirituality; a playful approach to scripture; people with HIV/AIDS; 12-Step recovery; and adult children of alcoholic or dysfunctional families. 5/08

Vince Hatt is the Director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  He holds a bachelor's degree in science from Notre Dame, and master's degrees in religious education from Catholic University and in theology from Aquinas Institute.  He has led workshops and retreats on forgiveness throughout the Midwest, and practices what he preaches.  A recovering Chicago Cubs fan, Vince has forgiven the Cubs for not winning the World Series since 1908.  This has brought him serenity and peace.

Jean Hinderer, CSA, is a member of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. She has an MA in pastoral studies from Loyola. Her spiritual direction preparation is from the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse. Jean has worked in education and formation ministry. She believes that through the scriptures, and with the use of imagination and creativity, one becomes more aware of God's divine energy and unconditional love. 

Paula Hirschboeck, PhD, is a co-director of Wisdom's Well Interfaith Spirituality Center in Madison, Wisconsin. She has a background in both Christian and Zen Buddhist traditions, and has practiced and taught diverse meditative practices. As a spiritual guide, she hopes to assist others in waking up to their own truth and goodness. Paula is also a Professor of Philosophy at Edgewood College.

Evelyn Jegen, rc, is the Coordinator of the Community of Cenacle Sisters at the Cenacle Retreat House in Metairie, Louisiana. She has given several retreats at Siena Center and has been on the faculty of Summer Institutes of Retreats International and Catholic Theological Union, teaching courses in spirituality and spiritual direction. She has led retreats throughout the US and in Israel.

Mary Therese Johnson, OP, is a Dominican sister who lives and ministers in the Chicago area.  "Mary T" is engaged in spiritual companioning, retreat and group facilitation, as well as creating resources for vocation awareness and discernment. She sees all of life as sacred. With the Holy Spirit she welcomes those seeking a deeper spiritual life. She believes every person has the inner wisdom needed for this sacred quest. Through listening, encouraging and gently challenging the seeker, she assists in nurturing life's blessings. 

Ann Kelley, OSF, is a Franciscan sister who has been facilitating directed, preached, and interactive retreats for over 30 years. She also has been a spiritual companion, speaker and workshop presenter for varied groups, and a facilitator of several women's spirituality circles. Ann teaches T'ai Chi and is a practitioner of SHEN, an energy work with individuals. She holds master's degrees in pastoral studies and Christian spirituality, and certificates in holistic growth and body-mind-spirit practices.  

Joseph Marco is a Racine Dominican Associate and Chaplain/Coordinator of Roman Catholic Ministries at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He has worked with watercolor and oil mediums for over 25 years. Joseph was commissioned and completed the "Into the Light" mural for Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has restored statues and artifacts for many churches.

Mary Michna, OP, a Racine Dominican, has been a spiritual director and given directed retreats since 1984. She has worked in religious education on parish and diocesan levels. Mary holds master's degrees in scripture and theology, and has a certificate in spirituality from Fordham University. Mary is also qualified to guide one in retreat following the Exercises of St. Ignatius, done in 30 days or 30 weeks during regular daily life.

Michael Mueller is co-pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Racine. His pursuit of the contemplative path has been shaped by the Benedictines of St. Ottilien near Munich, Germany, and Blue Cloud Abbey in South Dakota. He has completed the residency for the Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership Program of the Shalem Institute and has been practicing centering prayer since attending an Intensive Retreat in 2002.

Andrew Nelson, STL, PhD, is a Catholic priest and retired professor of Moral Theology at St. Francis Seminary. He continues to preach, teach and write, and is much sought out for Catholic principles and spiritual wisdom regarding current ethical issues, especially as they come into discussion in the public sphere.

Suzanne Noffke, OP, is a Racine Dominican. Beyond her primary ministries on Catherine of Siena and the Racine Dominicans' history, Suzanne has for the past fourteen years intensely studied Dominic; presented classes on the founder for the Collaborative Dominican Novitiate; served seven times as lecturer for PARABLE's Lands of Dominic pilgrimage; and served once for PARABLE's At Home Lands of Dominic.

Martin Pable, PhD, OFM Cap, is a Capuchin priest-psychologist and spiritual director. He has extensive experience in counseling priests, religious and laity. He conducts retreats, workshops and programs around the US, and is presently living in Milwaukee. Fr. Pable is author of several books, including two for men, The Quest for the Male Soul and A Man and His God. 5/08

Diane Poplawski, OP, is a Racine Dominican and the Executive Director of the National Coalition for Church Vocations in Chicago. She has an MA in pastoral studies, and completed spiritual guidance training in the program at Siena Center, Racine.  Diane resonates with Native American teachings and the prophet Micah=s invitation to "act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly....@

Barbara Reid, OP, is a Dominican sister of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in biblical studies from the Catholic University of America and is Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She is the author of Parables for Preachers; Choosing the Better Part? Women in the Gospel of Luke; and Taking Up the Cross: New Testament Interpretations Through Latina and Feminist Eyes.

Pat Shutts, MA, is on the program staff at the Racine Dominican Retreat Program and completed spiritual guidance training at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Her undergraduate work is in theology, and her MA is in pastoral studies. Pat has worked for 20 years in faith formation in schools and parishes. She is a Covenant member with the Wheaton Franciscans, and is a lover of art, play and prayer.

J. Michael Sparough, SJ, is a retreat master, storyteller, writer, and spiritual director. As the director of Charis Ministries, an outreach to young adults, he has published extensively on prayer and the sacraments. He holds a master of fine arts in theatre directing from the Yale School of Drama and a doctor of ministry from St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Fr. Michael is a former member of Chicago's Fountain Square Fools, and brings the scriptures alive through heartwarming drama, spirited preaching, and innovative approaches to spirituality.

Sharon Thyne is a psychotherapist who has specialized in trauma.  She received her spiritual guidance preparation through the training program at Siena Center and has facilitated both guided and directed retreats.  She is an active member in Adult Initiation Ministry (RCIA) in her parish.  Sharon is an Associate Member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. 

Paul Voelkel, PhD, holds master's degrees in philosophy and theology and has been a practicing psychologist in the greater Milwaukee area for 40 years. He does centering prayer on a daily basis. 

Paula Voelkel is a speaker, writer and retreat leader. Born and raised in Portugal, she worked as a lay missionary in Mozambique-Africa for two years, participating in the program, Movement for a Better World. She has lived with her German husband and multi-national daughter in the US for 35 years. Paula thinks of herself as a pilgrim in this world and has made pilgrimages to India, Bali, Brazil, Peru, and recently to Costa Rica where she attended the Conference of the Alliance for a New Humanity. 5/08

Clare Wagner,  OP, has long been inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver, a great nature poet of our time. Clare, in addition to being a poetry lover, is a spiritual guide, a Dominican sister, a retreat leader and "sister" of the Earth. She has studied literature and theology, is grounded in the Universe Story, and is committed to the new consciousness this story is birthing in the world.

Fr. Matt Walsh,  OP, was ordained in May 1958 and began ministry in Nigeria, where he worked for 17 years. He has served in U.S. parishes, in retreat preaching, in formation, and at The Dominican Shrine of St. Jude. Fr. Walsh is currently enjoying semi-retirement.

Linda Wieser, OSF, a Franciscan sister, is a holistic body therapist, spiritual director and Personal Life Coach, who focuses on the whole person, integrating the healing of body, mind, spirit and emotions. She holds an MA from Creighton University and has done extensive study in body therapy and spiritual direction.

Georgene Wilson, OSF, DMin, is a Wheaton Franciscan who has worked in education, pastoral settings, and in formation with her community. For the last 22 years, Georgene has lived as a neighborhood contemplative; she serves in retreat, spiritual direction, facilitation, and spiritual teaching ministries. She is a watercolor artist, poet, and the poetry editor of Interreligious Insight: A Journal of Dialogue and Engagement.

Susan Winecki is an environmental chaplain whose primary purpose these days is writing and speaking on behalf of the natural world. She brings a spiritual perspective to her work which she feels is sadly missing in our relationship with nature. With a doctoral degree in ministry and a master’s degree in social welfare, she serves on the board of the Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers and volunteers for the Schlitz Audubon Center and the Environmental Committee of the River Hills Village Board. 5/08

Janice Zeller is a professor in the College of Nursing at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She completed spiritual direction training and was a staff intern at the Institute of Spiritual Companionship. Jan has specialty training in mindfulness-based stress reduction and mind-body-spirit medicine. She has participated in retreat work and co-facilitated mind-body skills groups.