GETTING TO KNOW JOANNE...

Joanne is  fascinated with many things;  people, God, all kinds of processes that lead to growth and transformation, spirituality, mission, the human journey, context, theology, nature, springtime, things Celtic, forever learning and study (and books!), being with, being a part of, cross-cultural communication, education, ministry, service, and justice, communion, leadership, young people (youth and young adults), hope, yellow roses, friends, travel, red wine (esp. pinot noir!), abundant life, puppies, biking, swimming and water exercise, Ocracoke Island, NC, anywhere near water!, novels and movies with levels of meaning and insight, companions and companioning, people in moments of significant change or discernment.

Along the way, she has been a teacher in elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate school settings; a youth and campus minister; a consultant, a writer, a staff member of a grad school, a spiritual director, a facilitator of retreats, a professional coach.

Joanne has provided workshops, presentations, and retreats in a number of areas.  She has been involved in ministry in parish, school, and diocesan settings; and been a consultant for ministry efforts and national documents.

Of particular interest to Joanne is the accompaniment of others on their journey; filled with struggle and joy, ambiguity and clarity, death and resurrection.  This presence with others, and the efforts to speak and write about those things most central to a life of integrity, lived with and in the Spirit, repeatedly calls her to ongoing personal growth, as it also provides a privileged view of God at work in lives.  Collaborating with God's love and the work of the Spirit is her hope in her ways of being with others.  Faithfulness to her own journey and deepening freedom and integrity is very important to her -- and she has availed herself of skilled accompaniment along the way, and knows its value.  She has always felt particularly able to BE WITH others in these kinds of ways, and delights in being able to do this very intentionally through IN-SPIRITED.

Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies, a year of graduate study in pastoral counseling, a Master of Arts degree in religion/pastoral studies, two Graduate Certificates in spiritual direction and spirituality studies.  In 2006, she also received a Doctorate of Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where her specialization was spirituality using practical theology methodology.  Here she was especially enlarged and formed by: the many cultures present in the learning community at CTU (a globe in microcosm), focused study and conversation on mission as it informs ministry and spirituality, lay ecclesial ministry and formation, and the luxury of full time study in a field that implicates the student as it enlarges her understanding of others.  She completed further studies in the field and practice of coaching, receiving a Certificate in professional coaching. 

A native Baltimorean (go Orioles!  and Ravens!  and, of course, steamed CRABS! ), with North Carolina roots (go Tyrell County!), and a lover of Chi-town/Chicago (I love that town and that lake and the folks!), with Aussie connections (big sis and fam in Sydney!)...   
      Joanne is the youngest of four children and is forever grateful for the love and support of her parents, friends, family, faith community/ies, and for all who have been source of wisdom, guidance, formation, learning, and love..... and, of course, the redheaded hound who is companion -- Nutmeg (mostly nut, and called Meg!).