304.345.0926

Associate Spiritual Directors

WVIS spiritual directors are trained in a unique blending of Adrian van Kaam’s model for formative spirituality and Ignatian spirituality. Our directors complete an SDI-approved program, attend continuing education programs annually, and remain in supervision throughout their ministry as part of their commitment to their directees and themselves.

Sr. Carole Riley, C.D.P., PhD, LPC, AAPC-Fellow

Sr. Carole Riley, C.D.P., PhD, LPC, AAPC-Fellow

Associate Spiritual Director, WVIS Executive Director

Trained in spiritual direction by the Cenacle Sisters and Adrian van Kaam, C.S.S.SP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, Sister Carole Anne Riley is also a professional musici...Read More

Sr. Carole Riley, C.D.P., PhD, LPC, AAPC-Fellow

Sr. Carole Riley, C.D.P., PhD, LPC, AAPC-Fellow

Associate Spiritual Director, WVIS Executive Director

Trained in spiritual direction by the Cenacle Sisters and Adrian van Kaam, C.S.S.SP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, Sister Carole Anne Riley is also a professional musician and associate music therapist. She began piano at the age of five and later entered the international community of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She has served in a variety of leadership roles including Chair of the Piano Department, Head of Graduate School, and Assistant Dean at Duquesne University where she is a distinguished alumna and recipient of the President's Service Award. Her audiobooks are available from Audio Books. She teaches currently with the Graduate Theological Foundation. She holds a counseling-supervising license in West Virginia. Dr. Riley is a therapist with Better Help.

Sr. Carole offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, Couples retreats, the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life, and the 30-day Spiritual Exercises.

Dr. Riley is a certified supervisor for counselors and for individuals offering spiritual direction, group spiritual direction programs, and the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Charleston,West Virginia
Sr. Molly Maloney, O.S.F., MA, LMT

Sr. Molly Maloney, O.S.F., MA, LMT

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Molly is a native of Charleston, West Virginia. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Sr. Molly is particularly interested in the area of emb...Read More

Sr. Molly Maloney, O.S.F., MA, LMT

Sr. Molly Maloney, O.S.F., MA, LMT

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Molly is a native of Charleston, West Virginia. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Sr. Molly is particularly interested in the area of embodied spirituality and has conducted numerous programs offering movement, massage, and meditation.

Sr. Molly offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Sr. Molly is a member of the WVIS faculty. She is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor intern for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Charleston,West Virginia
Cindy Neely, BSN MS

Cindy Neely, BSN MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Cindy is a Christian laywoman, married, mother, grandmother, and retired nurse leader and healthcare administrator. Cindy received her BSN from WVU in 1972 and her MS in Child Deve...Read More

Cindy Neely, BSN MS

Cindy Neely, BSN MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Cindy is a Christian laywoman, married, mother, grandmother, and retired nurse leader and healthcare administrator. Cindy received her BSN from WVU in 1972 and her MS in Child Development and Family Resources in 1978. She taught as an instructor for the WVU School of Nursing with a specialty in mental health. She then served as the Vice President of Women and Children’s Hospital and the Chief Quality Officer for Charleston Area Medical Center until her retirement.

Cindy now devotes herself to the ministry of spiritual direction. She defines her spiritual direction practice as accompanying those seeking healing and integration of body, mind, and spirit in order to live from their authentic self the full gospel of their life. Cindy is a cancer survivor. Cindy feels particularly called to accompany those who are survivors of trauma, suffering from physical and mental illness, and those seeking to maintain faithful relationships, including parents of LGBTQ+ children who are struggling with coming to terms with their children’s sexual identity/orientation.

Cindy offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person, FaceTime, Zoom), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. Cindy also serves as faculty for WVIS and the North Carolina Institute for Spiritual Direction and Formation. Cindy lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with her husband Ed.

Cindy is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor intern for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Chapel Hill,North Carolina
Elaine Soper, PhD

Elaine Soper, PhD

Associate Spiritual Director

Elaine offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Every...Read More

Elaine Soper, PhD

Elaine Soper, PhD

Associate Spiritual Director

Elaine offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Elaine is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs.

Toledo,Ohio
Elizabeth J. Deal

Elizabeth J. Deal

Associate Spiritual Director

As a spiritual director, Liz combines Formative Spirituality as developed by Fr. Adrian van Kaam with Ignatian spirituality to help people recognize how God is present in every asp...Read More

Elizabeth J. Deal

Elizabeth J. Deal

Associate Spiritual Director

As a spiritual director, Liz combines Formative Spirituality as developed by Fr. Adrian van Kaam with Ignatian spirituality to help people recognize how God is present in every aspect of their lives. Prior to moving to West Virginia in 2010, Liz spent fourteen years as the Coordinator of Adult Formation and Liturgy for a large Catholic parish in suburban Philadelphia, PA. She is comfortable working with men and women of various faith traditions.

Liz offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Liz is a member of the WVIS faculty. She is a certified supervisor for individuals offering individual spiritual direction, group spiritual direction programs, and the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Huntington,West Virginia
Paula Osborne

Paula Osborne

Associate Spiritual Director

Paula is married to a retired Presbyterian minister, has grown children and is the Director for the Morgan County Tennis Association in Berkeley Springs, WV. Growing up in Charlest...Read More

Paula Osborne

Paula Osborne

Associate Spiritual Director

Paula is married to a retired Presbyterian minister, has grown children and is the Director for the Morgan County Tennis Association in Berkeley Springs, WV. Growing up in Charleston, WV, Paula has always felt nurtured in her faith and has a longing for God in her life. As a Spiritual Director, Paula finds it especially rewarding to provide a safe place in which individuals can share their stories, life experiences and deepen their relationship with God.

Paula offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime).

Berkeley Springs,West Virginia
Rev. Meredith Hutchison, MM, MDiv

Rev. Meredith Hutchison, MM, MDiv

Associate Spiritual Director

Meredith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with 41 years of experience in ministry. She has been a caregiver and works with those who are involved in this role...Read More

Rev. Meredith Hutchison, MM, MDiv

Rev. Meredith Hutchison, MM, MDiv

Associate Spiritual Director

Meredith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with 41 years of experience in ministry. She has been a caregiver and works with those who are involved in this role. She has offered workshops on caring for the caregiver. She also offers direction in times of grief. She has a wealth of experience in working with clergy but also brings her experience in working with the laity. She is an Associate Ministry Director, located in Murrysville/Greensburg, PA, and is a supervisor intern.

Meredith offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom, telephone, or FaceTime), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Meredith is a member of the WVIS faculty. She is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Murrysville and Greensburg,Pennsylvania
Sally Orcutt, O.P., MA

Sally Orcutt, O.P., MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Sally is married, the mother of two grown sons, and a lay member of the Dominican Order of Preachers. She is a survivor of childhood trauma and divorce and continues to work with t...Read More

Sally Orcutt, O.P., MA

Sally Orcutt, O.P., MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Sally is married, the mother of two grown sons, and a lay member of the Dominican Order of Preachers. She is a survivor of childhood trauma and divorce and continues to work with those who have faced both of these significant life challenges both through spiritual direction and offering programs on understanding and achieving emotional sobriety incorporating the work of Ira Progoff in using journaling as a path to healing.

Sally offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Sally is a member of the WVIS faculty. She is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor intern for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Cumming,Georgia
Sr. Ritamary Schulz, A.S.C.J., MS, MS Ed

Sr. Ritamary Schulz, A.S.C.J., MS, MS Ed

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Ritamary is a member of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, living in Hamden, CT, and is involved in full-time spiritual direction, retreat, and supervision ministry. Sh...Read More

Sr. Ritamary Schulz, A.S.C.J., MS, MS Ed

Sr. Ritamary Schulz, A.S.C.J., MS, MS Ed

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Ritamary is a member of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, living in Hamden, CT, and is involved in full-time spiritual direction, retreat, and supervision ministry. She has spent many years in secondary education as well as in community formation and leadership ministries.

Sr. Ritamary offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life, and the 30-day Spiritual Exercises.

Sr. Ritamary is a certified supervisor for individuals offering individual spiritual direction, group spiritual direction programs, and the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Hamden,Connecticut
Bob Sylvester, MA

Bob Sylvester, MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Bob worked as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation until his retirement in 1993. Bob is currently a full-time spiritual director. He meets regularly with persons ...Read More

Bob Sylvester, MA

Bob Sylvester, MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Bob worked as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation until his retirement in 1993. Bob is currently a full-time spiritual director. He meets regularly with persons who are seeking more in their relation to God and more integration in their spiritual lives. Although he enjoys companioning all persons on their spiritual journey, he has a particular interest in helping men on their spiritual journey and persons who are dealing with issues of addiction.

Bob offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life, and the 30-day spiritual exercises.

Bob is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs.

Charleston,West Virginia
Cindy Boland

Cindy Boland

Associate Spiritual Director

Cindy is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction Training Program with an e...Read More

Cindy Boland

Cindy Boland

Associate Spiritual Director

Cindy is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction Training Program with an emphasis on Formative and Ignatian Spirituality. She received her B.A. degree in Studio Art from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and her M.A. degree in Theology, with a concentration in pastoral ministry and spirituality, from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, VT. Cindy concluded her theological program with an independent study focused on discernment and the LGBTQ person. She has experience in education, campus ministry, pastoral ministry, retreats, and spiritual companioning.

Cindy was raised in a large, Catholic family in Dubuque, IA. She is the third oldest of nine children and adoring aunt to 17 nieces and nephews and 10 great-nieces and nephews.

Cindy offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom), and Ignatian silent-directed retreats for persons seeking a deeper relationship with God and more integration in the spiritual life.

Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania
Donna Becher, MS

Donna Becher, MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Donna is the chairperson of her parish’s Creation Care Team. She sings in the choir, is involved with Bible studies, and is a member of the Peace and Justice Committee.

Donna ...Read More

Donna Becher, MS

Donna Becher, MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Donna is the chairperson of her parish’s Creation Care Team. She sings in the choir, is involved with Bible studies, and is a member of the Peace and Justice Committee.

Donna offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via FaceTime), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Donna is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs.

Charleston,West Virginia
PJ Scarr

PJ Scarr

Associate Spiritual Director

P.J. is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction Training Program with an em...Read More

PJ Scarr

PJ Scarr

Associate Spiritual Director

P.J. is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction Training Program with an emphasis on Formative and Ignatian Spirituality. She is trained in directing Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and has presented programs for WVIS on topics such as Marshall Rosenberg’s Non-Violent Communication. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International. Prior to coming to WVIS, P.J. was a practicing attorney with an emphasis on Civil Defense litigation. For over 10 years, she served with Hospice of Huntington as an Ethics Advisor, Board of Governors member, and Chief Operating Officer.

P.J. was raised in a large, extended, and traditional Catholic family with deep roots in West Virginia. After her marriage, she continued to practice her faith while raising three sons in the Jewish heritage of their father. During her time as a practicing attorney, she worked with grieving families and abuse survivors. All of this has allowed her to bring a unique view and experience to her practice as a spiritual director. She is comfortable working with men and women of all faith traditions.

P.J. offers individual and group spiritual direction and Ignatian silent-directed retreats. She bases her ministry in Charlottesville, Virginia but is available to meet in Charleston, WV, or via Zoom.

Charlottesville,Virginia
Rev. Bill Petro, MA

Rev. Bill Petro, MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Fr. Bill was ordained in 1968 as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. After pastoring in parishes in Kansas, Ohio, and Maryland, he joined the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston ...Read More

Rev. Bill Petro, MA

Rev. Bill Petro, MA

Associate Spiritual Director

Fr. Bill was ordained in 1968 as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. After pastoring in parishes in Kansas, Ohio, and Maryland, he joined the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in 1984. During his time pastoring in Belle, Coalburg and Bluefield, WV, he experienced the people’s need for spirituality and catechesis. Fr. Bill is the director of the Charleston Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Institute and has been on the WVIS staff since 1993.

Fr. Bill offers individual spiritual direction (in person and via FaceTime or phone), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Dunbar,West Virginia
Sr. Cheryl Clemons, O.S.U., PhD

Sr. Cheryl Clemons, O.S.U., PhD

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Cheryl grew up on a farm in central Kentucky and became an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph. With a personal spirituality long and deeply rooted in scripture and a passion...Read More

Sr. Cheryl Clemons, O.S.U., PhD

Sr. Cheryl Clemons, O.S.U., PhD

Associate Spiritual Director

Sr. Cheryl grew up on a farm in central Kentucky and became an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph. With a personal spirituality long and deeply rooted in scripture and a passion for connecting spirituality, theology, and faith to “real life,” Sr. Cheryl has been leading women’s retreat weekends and has been involved in 12-Step movements for over 25 years.

Sr. Cheryl offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life, and the 30-day Spiritual Exercises.

Sr. Cheryl is a member of the WVIS faculty. She is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor intern for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

Owensboro,Kentucky
Sr. Mary Irene Sorber, S.C.C., MS

Sr. Mary Irene Sorber, S.C.C., MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Sister Mary Irene is a Sister of Christian Charity from Mendham, NJ. She has been an elementary teacher and administrator in Catholic schools as well as her in community. Her inter...Read More

Sr. Mary Irene Sorber, S.C.C., MS

Sr. Mary Irene Sorber, S.C.C., MS

Associate Spiritual Director

Sister Mary Irene is a Sister of Christian Charity from Mendham, NJ. She has been an elementary teacher and administrator in Catholic schools as well as her in community. Her interests center around spirituality, music, gardening, and sewing.

Sr. Mary Irene offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom or FaceTime), Ignatian silent directed retreats, and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life.

Charleston,West Virginia
Charlotte Mercer, O.P.

Charlotte Mercer, O.P.

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Charlotte Mercer, OP is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern with the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality. Her training has included an emphasis on Formative and Ignatian Sp...Read More

Charlotte Mercer, O.P.

Charlotte Mercer, O.P.

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Charlotte Mercer, OP is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern with the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality. Her training has included an emphasis on Formative and Ignatian Spirituality. She is a permanently professed member of the Dominican Laity. Charlotte is a college-educated, married mother of two adult children. Her work experience has been varied but she has found her most satisfying experiences to be those in which she is engaged in helping others to deepen their relationship with Our Beautiful Beloved.

Charlotte offers individual spiritual direction, directed Ignatian silent retreats (in person and via Zoom), and the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises for persons seeking a deeper relationship with God and more integration of body and spirit.

Bolivia,North Carolina
Jerry Rutledge, JD

Jerry Rutledge, JD

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Jerry is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction training Program on Format...Read More

Jerry Rutledge, JD

Jerry Rutledge, JD

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Jerry is an Associate Spiritual Director Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction training Program on Formative and Ignatian Spirituality.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Technical Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University Law School. He is married and lives with his wife and family in Pittsburgh.  He offers spiritual growth activities at his church.

Jerry offers individual and group spiritual direction and grgroup-directed9th Annotation Ignatian retreats in daily life (in person and via Zoom).

.

Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania
Jill Gordon, B.A., M.F.A.

Jill Gordon, B.A., M.F.A.

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Jill grew up a ‘preacher’s kid’ and comes from a long history of believers—whose systems she eventually learned to question. This questioning has turned out to be a persona...Read More

Jill Gordon, B.A., M.F.A.

Jill Gordon, B.A., M.F.A.

Associate Spiritual Director Intern

Jill grew up a ‘preacher’s kid’ and comes from a long history of believers—whose systems she eventually learned to question. This questioning has turned out to be a personal grace, allowing a deeper, less prescriptive connection to the God of her understanding.

Jill is married and with her husband, claims five children and thirteen grandchildren between them. She has been a writing teacher on the university level and continues to offer “Writing Your Life” and “Writing Toward the Spirit” classes to church and community groups. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. Jill and her husband enjoy music, biking, hiking, as well as the mountains and the sea.

Jill offers both individual and group spiritual direction and Ignatian silent directed retreats in person and on zoom.  She is available for church workshops in writing and offers the 19th Annotation Retreat in Everyday Life.

.

Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania
Michael Lisowski, M.S., M.Q.P.

Michael Lisowski, M.S., M.Q.P.

Associate Spiritual Director

Michael Lisowski is a student of both Western and Eastern spiritual practices and believes in a holistic approach to health and spirituality. He has received advanced training in I...Read More

Michael Lisowski, M.S., M.Q.P.

Michael Lisowski, M.S., M.Q.P.

Associate Spiritual Director

Michael Lisowski is a student of both Western and Eastern spiritual practices and believes in a holistic approach to health and spirituality. He has received advanced training in Ignatian Spiritual Direction, Medical Qi Gong, Daoist Mysticism and Chinese Energetic Healing. He views his ministry as a sacred vocation to accompany and assist seekers along their spiritual journey.

Michael is a Spiritual Director, Lay Dominican Associate, Daoyou, Medical Qigong Practitioner and Martial Artist. He is an Optical Engineer by profession and holds an M.S. in Physics. He is a husband and father of one.

Michael offers individual and group spiritual direction (in person and via Zoom), Ignatian silent-directed retreats, and 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. Michael is a certified supervisor for individuals offering group spiritual direction programs and a supervisor intern for individuals offering individual spiritual direction and/or the 19th Annotation in Daily Life.

.

Holland,Michigan