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.

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.

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 the WVIS Director of Operations and 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.

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 the Executive Director for WVIS and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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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.

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.

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.

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Joan is an Associate Spiritual Direction Intern at the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and has received training in the WVIS Spiritual Direction program with an emphasis on Formative and Ignatian spirituality. Joan has worked for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh for sixteen years and has an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in religious education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

A commissioned Lay Minister in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Joan has worked for many years as a Coordinator of Religious Education. She currently works as a Social Minister. She resides in a suburb of Pittsburgh with her husband of thirty-nine years.  They share a daughter and two sons, as well as 3 beautiful grandchildren that they enjoy spending time with.

Joan offers individual and group spiritual direction. She is available to meet in person and via zoom.

Karen 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. Originally from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Karen now resides in the Raleigh Durham area or North Carolina.  She is a college educated mother of four adult children and has one grandchild.  She holds an advanced certificate in Biblical Studies from Loyola University Chicago and has recently completed the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (19th Annotation).  Karen leads a bible study and also co-facilitates an LGBTQ Ministry at her local parish.  She has held many positions over the years, however, the position that spoke to her the most was assistant to the youth ministry at a church in the Chicago suburbs.  Karen has helped to lead several Kairos Retreats and is currently receiving Spiritual Direction.  Always questioning her faith has led her to much spiritual growth.

Karen Poglitsch offers individual and group spiritual direction.  She is available to meet in person and via Zoom.

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.

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