About Me
MISSION
Having been delivered
from the dark places
on eagle's wings,
I commit myself
to helping others discover
their own eagle-energy...
Having received the gifts
of Image Guidance
and flights of poetry,
I commit myself
to empowering others
to recognize their own gifts...
Having been grasped
by Love beyond all telling,
I commit myself
to serving that Love,
wherever it may take me...
Spiritual Guidance for the C21st
Resources for Spiritual Seekers
My starting point is the Spiritual -- that is, that deepest dimension of Self where we understand ourselves to be in relationship with all living beings, as well as with the Earth which is our home. When we learn to see ourselves as mirrors of the Divine, as bearers of the Divine Breath and as sparks of the Divine Fire, then we live differently. Gone are the old habits, the unsuccessful ways of navigating through complexities, the repeated errors of judgment, the narrow ways of viewing others, the limited imagination and the heresy of negative thinking. Instead, all things are possible: walls tumble down, bridges extend across chasms, ladders rise heavenwards, and we are gifted with epiphanies, great and small.
My mission is that of transformation, a journey that always begins with the Self, with recognizing self-imposed limits and external limits, with the desire to move forwards into a healthier, happier, God-centered future. This involves "waking up" and daring to leave one's comfort zone; it means letting go of all that previously defined us and surrendering to the Divine Embrace. There and there alone, resting in the Heart of God, will we find ultimate happiness.
Whether working with groups or individuals, my goal is to assist spiritual seekers connect more deeply with their Divine Source, thereby helping them tap into the extraordinary capacities within. A contemplative Catholic, I primarily work with Christians but companion people from every Faith as well as those without a formal religious affiliation. My specialties include the mystical journey, the symbolic imagination and navigating transitions, whether welcome or unwelcome!
As a Spiritual Guide, Retreat Facilitator and Motivational Speaker, I will share with you what I've learned in more than thirty-five years of inner exploration. Clients have included authors, artists, clergy, graduate students, secular and religious institutions, CEO's, small business owners and clients "in transition." I am available to meet with you or your group in person, or else to work with you via conference call or Skype.
The Road Less Traveled
"The task of the Spiritual Seeker
is to see beyond the 100,000 veils which separate us from Ultimate Mystery."
My Story in a Nutshell
Born in England and raised both in England and on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, I have always been a leader with multiple interests, inexhaustible energy and a delight in creativity. I love people and especially enjoy the roles of teacher and guide; nothing pleases me more than to be the midwife of an "Ah Ha" moment, a catalyst for meaningful change and for a growth in awareness. As a faculty member at DePaul University, I was known as "The Great Motivator," a quality that to this day remains the hallmark of my Life Coaching and of other areas of professional life. I like to think of myself as constantly engaged in the Transformation of Consciousness -- both my own and that of others.
Academic Background
Over the years, I have collected a variety of degrees and certificates: a B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of Malta (1973); an M.A. (Summa Cum Laude) in English from DePaul University, Chicago (1976); a D.Min. in Poetry from the Graduate Theological Foundation, Indiana (1989); a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Claret Center, Chicago (1989); a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Malta (1999). In 2010, I completed a Dip. (TM) TESOL, Eurolink/ Dip. CoT (TESOL), U.K. becoming a Fellow of The College of Teachers. I am also a Board Certified Life Coach (BCC).
Current
Private practice as Spiritual Director, Life Coach, Writing Coach etc.
* On faculty at the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT)
* On faculty at Roosevelt University, Chicago
* On faculty at St. Xavier University, Chicago
Professional Memberships
ICF: International Coach Federation
SDI: Spiritual Directors International
PPA: Professional Photographers of America
Professional Interests
Over the years, my range of interests has included teaching, spiritual direction, retreats, life coaching, writing coaching, public speaking coaching, relationship coaching, healing with the imagination, photography, wedding officiating, motivational seminars and teaching Argentine Tango! Each of these seemingly unrelated activities demands full active listening, mindfulness, responsive presence, and positive regard for the client; the breadth and depth of these interests require flexibility, creativity and ongoing learning— all invaluable skills for any spiritual guide!