Dr. Sheinagh ‘Saraswati’ Anderson (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Sheinagh designed a Spiritual Literacy Workshop for a Spiritual Direction Centre in Vancouver, Canada, to introduce a practice-based response to inquiry and the spiritual quest. The workshop was developed specifically for Spiritual Directors in multi-faith and no-faith accompaniment whose clients seek spiritual solace, guidance, and knowledge on their spiritual path. The Spiritual Literacy Alphabet and the S&P archives were presented together as valuable resources for personal and professional practice. Small group practice sessions were presented as the opportunity to train in the discernment of spiritual themes arising and to recognize the possibilities for a well-aligned and skillful response sourced from the Alphabet and archives.
As a Spiritual Director and teacher of Sadhana Arts, Sheinagh has developed this practice-based approach to spiritual inquiry similar to the yogic way of selecting a sadhana (spiritual practice) for the evolution of the student. In her personal teaching practice, she spends time together with the client/student/seeker exploring experientially the practices that correspond to their immediate and long-term inquiry, introducing them to the S&P website as a resource while supporting and encouraging agency on their spiritual path. The intention is to inspire and empower each seeker in the cultivation of self-knowledge and personal transformation.
Bio:
Dr. Sheinagh Saraswati Anderson was born in Scotland into Celtic spirituality and is an Anam Cara, or Soul Friend. She finds great joy in her work in Spiritual Accompaniment and Guidance. She is also a Lay Buddhist of the Bodhisattva lineage, a teacher of meditation, mindfulness, and insight, a Buddhist grief counsellor, Kalyanamitra and end-of-life Spiritual Care Practitioner, and a Yogic teacher of Voice meditation, Dream Yoga, and self-inquiry of the Saraswati path. She has a PhD in Education with a focus on Sadhana Arts: Art as Spiritual Practice and sSelf-inquiry, and offers practice-inspired Spiritual Accompaniment and Guidance.
Email: sheinaghanderson@gmail.com
Aliye Aydin (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
In a nine-week Soul of Cooking program, Aliye explored cooking as a spiritual practice using nine of her favorite concepts from the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy: Being Present, Connection, Gratitude, Hospitality, Joy, Listening, Reverence, Transformation, and Vision, with the intention of providing inspiration to cook meals that nourish ourselves and our loved ones.
Bio:
Aliye discovered her passion for cooking as a teenager. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she traveled extensively, exploring her passion for international cuisines, including spending time exploring the cuisine of her heritage in Türkiye. Aliye attended culinary school, worked in various restaurants and catering kitchens, as a culinary instructor and personal chef, and started and ran a farm-to-door organic produce home delivery service, creating relationships with some of the best growers and producers in the U.S. Aliye is a global cuisine expert who teaches her students how to transform everyday ingredients into meals infused with global flavors that nourish the body and soul without spending hours in the kitchen.
Podcast: Cooking From Scratch Podcast
Facebook and Instagram: @soulspacechef
Dr. Theresa Bervell (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Theresa’s project, Serving with Compassion In Healthcare, helped participants incorporate Spiritual Literacy in interactions with patients, family members, and colleagues; to act with compassion in builiding relationships of care and love; and to embody compassion while integrating organizational mission and values with their personal and professional purpose. The classes focused on the Alphabet Practices of Compassion, Kindness, Openness, Reverence, Teachers, and Unity, and included time for prayer/reflection, telling personal stories, reading gospel stories, group spiritual practice, and take home spiritual exercises.
Bio:
Dr. Theresa Bervell's passion is serving in Mission Services for Catholic Health Care ministry of the church. Theresa strives to continue the healing mission of Jesus, which is the foundation of Catholic healthcare, by focusing on ways to service with Christ compassion and merciful love while promoting human dignity and the common good. Theresa strives to embody Saint Theresa of Lisieux's example of always praying and sharing Jesus' love and compassion for everyone, especially those who are marginalized in society, the poor, the abndoned, the suffering, and the vulnerable. Theresa also volunteers with “Hugs for Ghana,” a student run, 501(c) non-profit organization that shares human love around the world.
Email: tmbervel@uw.edu
Frieda Farfour Brown, PhD (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Frieda decided to incorporate the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy into existing programs that would be enriched with the addition of the Alphabet Practices. Her primary focus was on including the practices in each of the five retreats for The Sacred Invitation, her yearlong retreat-based program designed to equip participants to deepen their relationship with God so that they might respond to the Spirit’s invitation to live out their sacred purpose. Specific practices were chosen to complement each retreat topic. For identifying, integrating and expressing inner gifts and talents she chose Gratitude, Grace, Forgiveness, and Wonder. For honoring the Sabbath, she chose Faith, Silence, and Devotion. For developing a mission statement, she chose Transformation, Vision, and You. For ritual and rhythm, she included Attention, Being Present, and Play. And, for holy hospitality she chose Meaning, Unity, and Hospitality. The practices of Lovingkindness, Opening, and Blessing the Day became part of the ritual of each retreat. A smaller subset of participants met to discuss and explore additional practices and to explore ways the practices might become part of their own diverse programs designed to deepen spiritual awareness, nurture sacred service, and enhance spiritual transformation. Frieda plans to develop a Zoom based program for older adults that will incorporate both the vision and design of The Sacred Invitation, the current literature on successful aging, and the spiritual practices of the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy.
Bio:
Dr. Brown is a clinical psychologist with over 50 years’ experience practicing psychotherapy with women, children and families; developing and evaluating mental health and faith based programs in churches and the community; training graduate students in mental health counseling; designing and administering community based programs for nonprofits, churches, and communities; publishing books on crisis and trauma, baby boom women, and gifted children and their families; and supervising therapists and programs serving the mental health needs of the community. She holds a masters in school psychology, a doctorate in clinical and community psychology, and a master’s in divinity. Her passion is in finding ways to incorporate psychology and spirituality in her writing, teaching, supervising, and program development.
Website: thelydiagroup.com/the-sacred-invitation
Email: farfour@bellsouth.net
Teresa Carolan, BA, MEd (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Teresa developed a five-session course called “CABLE” (Clarity, Ask, Believe, Lessons, Eureka). Her inspiration to create the course was her youngest son. At the time, he was walking through some tough challenges and choices. CABLE was like a tonic to pick him up. Moreover, the Alphabet Practices deepened his understanding of his spiritual purpose and connection to himself. Teresa used the Alphabet Practices of Attention, Beauty, and Being Present for the Clarity session; Connections, Nurturing, and Teachers for the Ask session; Faith, Hope, and Openness for the Belief session; Forgiveness, Love, and Shadow for the Lessons session; and Joy, Transformation, Wonder, and Zeal for the Eureka session.
Bio:
Teresa is a retired elementary school teacher. She is a certified world class speaking coach and she enjoys speaking at her Toastmaster clubs, church functions, and in the community.
Email: tcarolan06@gmail.com
Susannah Crolius, MDiv (2022 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Susannah created the nine-week program “Spiritual Literacy for Creatives,” which invites curiosity into practices of spiritual reflection informed by creative process. Susannah guides participants to journey contemplatively and creatively (all mediums welcome) through the 37 thoughtfully curated Alphabet Practices of the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy. Susannah also created a Writing Group that reads a quote or book excerpt before meeting, opens their meeting with some form of spiritual practice for the chosen Alphabet Practice, and then uses the chosen Alphabet Practice as an inspirational writing prompt.
Bio:
Susannah is an artist, spiritual companion, creative practitioner, and retreat leader. For over 25 years, Susannah was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, serving as pastor and as chaplain. She is the founder of the art + soul community of seekers and creatives, a largely virtual gathering place of hospitality for the deeper stories. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association.
Website: www.artandsoulwm.org
Instagram: @art.andsoul
Kim Crowley, MS (2022 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Kim created Declutter Camp, in which she focused on the Alphabet Practices of Attention, Being Present, Connection, Hospitality, and Play. Declutter Camp brings adults together on Zoom to declutter together in ways that are energizing, playful, and connecting. Participants clear their own spaces while learning, practicing new skills, and creating meaning. Weekly sessions are free of charge. A deeper dive is available during monthly sessions. Declutter Camp welcomes all no matter where they’re starting.
Bio:
Kim holds a Certificate in Spirituality and Transformative Practices from the Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartord Seminary (now Hartford International University for Religion and Peace). She is also a Certified Social Health Facilitator at seekhealing.org. Some of her favorite ways to facilitate human connection include Authentic Relating Games, Connection Practice, conversations that lovingly cross the political divide, and training other facilitators.
Dr. Ann Harrington (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Ann created RE-HAT (Reading Experiences for Hope and Transformation). RE-HAT supports the spiritual literacy development of adults and children through the power of poetry and story. RE-HAT includes multiple components:
- Online community gatherings (children’s literature book clubs, poetry-focused contemplative sessions, and poetry writing groups) that provide opportunities to learn about, reflect upon, and apply spiritual literacy practices in our lives;
- 1:1 sessions that demonstrate ways to teach children about spiritual literacy and nurture their social/emotional development;
- Book lists and curricula (for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers; children's ministry teachers; and educators, youth leaders, or mentors who nurture children's spiritual development or social/emotional growth) that detail how to teach children about the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy; and a
- RE-HAT blog that includes reflections on Ann’s spiritual literacy journey and her resource suggestions.
Bio:
Dr. Ann Harrington is a former elementary school classroom teacher, reading specialist, English as a second language teacher, and professor of reading education. As she emerges into her "second half of life," she is exploring ways to integrate contemplative and other spiritual practices with her passion for and knowledge of literacy and literacy education. In her work as a spiritual literacy facilitator, she supports the spiritual literacy development of adults and children through the power of poetry and story; and hopes to build more love, kindness, inspiration, peace, hope, and compassion in our world.
Website: re-hat.com
Email: rehatbooks@gmail.com
The Rev. Sandra Jones (2022 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Sandra offered five weekly one-hour sessions to her congregation through the Lent and Advent seasons as a means of exploring everyday experiences to deeper awareness of and relationship with God. For the season of Lent, she focused on the Alphabet Practices of Listening, X-The Mystery, Vision, Devotion, and You. For the season of Advent, she focused on Peace, Love, Joy, Wonder, and Hope. The congregants found the sessions a beneficial time of fellowship and learning that stretched their experience and concept of spirituality and remained interested in additional sessions. Sandra continues to incorporate the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy in her sermons and is now creating a spiritual program to focus on exploring our spiritual gifts.
Bio:
The Rev. Sandra Jones is a Deacon at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she provides pastoral care to staff and parishioners. Sandra is an ACPE-trained chaplain who has worked as a staff chaplain for two hospice organizations.
Website: https://www.stlukesparkcity.com/about/our-team
Heidi Marsh-Stayboldt (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Heidi held the Art, Faith & Justice Retreat in which she focused on the Alphabet Practices of Attention, Being Present, Compassion, Connections, and Unity. The all-day retreat focused on Justice work from a position of being with (rather than doing for), faithful presence, and deep listening. The retreat included reflective questions and numerous contemplative practices, such as visio divina, sense exercises, art- and craft-making, creativity practices, spoken word exercises, personal iconography, as well as body and mind practices. Heidi is excited about her new offering, Wings of Wonderlust© - Art and Faith Sacred Journeys,where pilgrims will explore the alphabet practices of Attention, Beauty, Being Present, Faith, Play, Peace, Silence, and Wonder, all through the lens of art making and creativity as a means to deepen the relationship with themselves, others and the Divine. Initial trip destinations will include Tuscany (Florence, Assisi, Ravenna and Rom), Chartres, France; and Iona, Scotland.
Bio:
Heidi is a designer, furnisher, and finish artist as well as a women’s pastor. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in theology, culture, and the arts with a focus on the intersection of art, spirituality, and mental health. Through her business Sanctuary and Table, Heidi offers classes, workshops and retreats at the intersection of art, faith, spirituality and neuroscience.
Website: www.sanctuaryandtable.com
Instagram: @heidistaybold
Dr. Elizabeth Morris (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Elizabeth offered a series of workshops on spiritual intelligence and the Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy practices of Attention, Beauty, and Compassion for the women who are part of her Sage-ing wisdom circles. After the initial series of workshops, she ran another group with similar participants and focused on body practices (that included movement) and justice/activism practices (that included micro-activist rituals, like voicing an eco-declaration they would take each day before breakfast.)
Bio:
Elizabeth has been a psychotherapist for 40+ years. She is a Compassionate Approaches Specialist, Trauma Informed Psychotherapist, Neuropsychologist, and Neurosomatic Practitioner. She teaches mindful somatic self-compassion and meditation and is completing an internship with Sage-ing International.
Website: https://elizabethmorris.online/
Rev. Dr. Mari Thorkelson (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Through sermons and kitchen table groups, Mari focused primarily on the first three Alphabet Practices - Attention, Beauty and Being Present. For further gatherings she invited people to choose three Alphabet Practices for themselves. Mari engaged the Alphabet Practices in each group in a way that sought to reflect our own relationships and spiritual yearnings. She also taught a series of weekly classes titled “Awakening Joy from A to Z” in which she used a varied triad of Alphabet Practices for each class. She continues to offer presentations in multicultural and travel settings.
Bio:
Rev. Mari served as a pastor of numerous international congregations, including in Toyko and Osaka, Japan; the United Arab Emirates; Jerusalem, Palestine/Israel; and Berlin, Germany. She is a spiritual director/accompanier, musician, and retreat facilitator incorporating art, meditation, music, poetry, and story. Most recently, she and her husband have been traveling through Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia as spiritual pilgrims.
Rev. Mary Anne Totten, MD (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Rev. Mary Anne partnered with two chaplains, a CPE intern, and a spiritual director, to teach a 12-week program titled “UNITY”, covering the Alphabet Practices of Unity, Nurturing, Imagination, Transformation, You, and Yearning. Mary Anne offered this program to her retirement community. Mary Anne offered a second year of spiritual literacy with her "GRACE" program (Grace, Reverence, Attention, Compassion, and Enthusiasm) in which she incorporated more art and music. She continues to give presentations to the general community and recently partnered with a colleague to present on elder and spirituality to chaplaincy students.
Bio:
Rev. Mary Anne practiced internal medicine and geriatrics until her retirement, upon which she completed an interfaith chaplaincy program. She currently volunteers with various community programs.
Jean Wise (2023 Cohort)
Capstone Project:
Jean published “Grace in Every Place Fridays” on Facebook, in which she shared twenty Alphabet Practices with a graphic and mini blog. She also engaged in conversation regarding the Alphabet Practices via the posts’ comments.
Bio:
Jean is a writer, speaker, retreat leader, and spiritual director. She has published multiple articles and books, including Sacred Surroundings: Finding Grace in Every Place, 40 Voices: A Lenten Devotional, Whispers - Being with God in Breath Prayers, and Spiritual Retreats: A Guide for Slowing Down to be with God.
Website: https://jeanwise.org/
Blog: https://healthyspirituality.org/
