Directory of Spiritual Directors
Our directory is designed to help you find a spiritual director. Included in our list are alumni and partners of The Studion. To be listed below, a director must be trained in spiritual direction, currently receiving spiritual direction and supervision, and practicing as a director.
Each director listed is an independent practitioner and not employed by The Studion. The Studion is not responsible for the acts, practices, or services of the individuals listed in the directory. It is up to you to ensure a director is a good fit for you. We recommend a first meeting with any potential director occur in a neutral setting. This first meeting is a chance for you to get to know the director and ask any questions you may have.
The purpose of this directory is to assist you in finding a director. Please do not use the directory for any other reason.
Shirley Bakker,
Spiritual Director
Contact:
Location: Whitecourt, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I am deeply convinced that God is active and present in every experience, circumstance, event, and encounter of our lives. Our spiritual direction session (approximately one hour) will include an invitational statement or prayer, an opportunity to share something in your heart, some questions and/or silent listening together, and a closing blessing. I may give you a thought prompt and invite you to reflect on it after our session. Together, we will look / listen for how God is active and present in what you share. Spiritual direction happens in an environment of God’s love and being intentionally listened to by another person.
I am a married mom of two adult children; one is married and expecting our first grandchild. I have been listening to others for over 30 years as a piano teacher and pastor’s wife. I enjoy reading, singing, travel, golf, and daily walks in the forest with my dog Journey. My favorite color is the first hint of fresh mint green on the trees as the forest awakens each spring.
If you would like to investigate travelling together in spiritual direction, please contact me for more information and/or a free introductory meeting.
Shirley offers:- In-Person Spiritual Direction (available in Whitecourt and Edmonton)
- Virtual Spiritual Direction (using Zoom)
Larry Shepherd,
Spiritual Director
Contact: lskms@telusplanet.net
Location: Grande Prairie, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I am a trained Spiritual Director. I am active in my faith as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Choir member. I strive to grow in my faith and my relationship with God, and to practice what I preach. I have a Master of Religious Education. I serve as the Treasurer of Peace Retreats and I plan, organize and coordinate the 19th edition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius every year. I have been to the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph, ON for further training.
Larry offers:
- In-Person Spiritual Direction
- Virtual Spiritual Direction
Ann Kheun,
Spiritual Director
Contact: annkkuehn@gmail.com
Location: Edmonton, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I was raised in Edmonton, AB, until the age of 13. My family then moved to San Diego, CA, where I completed High School and 2 years of University. Canada then called me home, and I returned to Edmonton to finish my degree in psychology. I met my husband during my schooling, and we were married shortly after. This past June, we celebrated 25 years of marriage and have had the privilege of raising two now young adult sons and a daughter in high school. I have dabbled in many professional arenas, recently stepping back from a decade of church ministry. My interests focused on Spiritual Formation and how we practically change to become more like Jesus. This led me to pursue a certificate in Spiritual Direction, graduating in 2018. I have a full life: providing Spiritual Direction, taking Zumba classes, walking my little dog, Molly, baking sourdough bread and feeding the never-ending appetites of my family. And when I need a break from all that, you will find me on Silent retreats, getting away with my good friend, Jesus.
Ann offers:
- In-Person Spiritual Direction
- Virtual Spiritual Direction
- Group Spiritual Direction
Valerie Koot,
Spiritual Director
Contact: vjkoot@gmail.com
Location: Lethbridge, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I have lived a life that has included many experiences, including faith questions, challenging family dynamics, marriage struggles, and deep loss. No subject is taboo. I will listen and honor each person for who they are and where they are at any given time. My heart is to offer a space that is safe to share and safe to dig deep; a space to ask hard questions and discover what the answers to those questions might be.
Valerie offers:
- In-Person Spiritual Direction
- Virtual Spiritual Direction
- Grief Support
Andreas Sigrist,
Spiritual Director
Contact:
Location: Edmonton, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I promise to meet your openness with the dedication, confidentiality, care, and attention it deserves. Here is a link to a leaflet outlining "Guidelines for Ethical Conduct" for Spiritual Directors that I am committed to.
Andreas offers:
- In-Person Spiritual Direction
- Virtual Spiritual Direction
- Group Spiritual Direction
Julianne Gilchrist,
Spiritual Director, Studion Leadership Team
Contact:
julianne@gilchristcoaching.com
Location: Edmonton, AB
Studion Alum
Bio: I'm a mom of three, a spiritual director, and a lover of good stories.
I believe God shows up in the middle of the ordinary stuff of daily life. My role as a director is to listen with you to where or how God might be showing up in your life, to journey with you as you reflect on and process God's presence (or the feeling of God's absence), and to hold space with you as you consider how you might respond.
Having served in both youth and campus ministry, I have a particular interest in journeying with others in ministry. Pastors, chaplains, and other ministry leaders often don't have space to honestly process their own faith stories. Spiritual direction offers such a space.
Julianne offers:
- In-Person Spiritual Direction
- Virtual Spiritual Direction
- Group Spiritual Direction
- Retreat Facilitation
- Supervision