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Who We Are
Spiritual Directions is an interspiritual centre committed to:

  • Seeking the Sacred
  • Building connections
  • Being responsive
  • Empowering people
  • Affirming life

We are grounded in a liberal Christian faith.
We believe in a God of Love who loves us, loves our world, and invites us to live in justice and peace.
We believe the Sacred resonates through all of life and is present in different faiths and in individual spiritual experience.
Our goal in everything we do at Spiritual Directions is to help people live life more fully.


Founder Rev. John E. Griffith, BA, MDiv, has been on a life long spiritual journey that has taken him into the study of philosophy, psychology, various spiritual traditions and most deeply into the Christian faith. Working within the church he built bridges to other faith traditions, and between church and community. John has extensive experience in helping people grow spiritually and develop more intimate connections with the Sacred. He is skilled in counselling, spiritual mentoring, presenting workshops, leading small groups and retreats, and has a passion for helping people find God in their daily lives. Spiritual Directions encompasses many of John's gifts as it provides a place for personal and spiritual growth in Calgary.

John is an ordained minister with thirty years of continuous ministry in the Moravian Church and United Church of Canada. In 1999 he left congregational ministry to develop Spiritual Directions, a spiritual development and healing centre separate from denominational connections.
Administrative Assistant
Lori Lehnert is the person who coordinates all of our activities and keeps thngs runnning smoothly in the office. She is also a meditation and Reiki instructor. In her free time she enjoys hiking, swimming, painting, fine wine and good food with friends and family.

Leadership Team
Our leadership team is comprised of qualified professionals who are committed to sharing their faith experiences, learning from those with different spiritual perspectives and respecting each person's unique spiritual journey.

Judy Atkinson, BA, MA , Professional Drum Circle Facilitator, is an inspired speaker, accomplished facilitator, and an authentic optimist. Joy is her compass as she consistently shines with a naturally positive attitude. Winner of Global TV’s Woman of Vision Award, Judy has provided drum circle workshops and interactive keynotes to thousands of people across North America for over 12 years.
Now a well recognized form of professional development and complementary health strategy, Judy uses the drum and the drum circle as her core teaching tool. She seamlessly weaves together drumming with stories, and connects them to important messages which heal, inform and inspire. Judy`s participants include corporations, government agencies, non-profits, health care providers, educators, community groups, individuals and families. Please see www.circlesofrhythm.com for more information.

Diane Allen, MSW, RSW is an experienced counsellor who has worked in the field of healing and change for many years. She is a student in the Eco-psychology program at Naropa University and continues to explore her own nature connection and and enjoys sharing that with others.

Len Brunin is a wildlife artist, specializing in pointilism prints, painting on skulls, carving and drum making. Len loves wildlife and wild places. His art captures the free spirit of all he portrays. He is a strong advocate of wildlife and habitat conservation, and he hopes that through his art he can encourage others to value the life messages that nature has to teach us.

Lorraine Carpino, BEd, MHH, CHS, HTP, is teacher, herbalist and holistic healer. She holds a Certified Herb Specialist designation from Nature's Sunshine Products and a Master of Holistic Healing certificate from the Tree of Light Institute in Roosevelt, Utah. Lorraine has created a protocol for MEA -Muscle Energy Analysis by collecting ideas and processes in muscle response testing and kinesiology from Steven Horne (president of the American Herbalist Guild), Terry Bell (a healer in Manitoba), Joan Emery and June Cobb (herbalists in Calgary). MEA can be used to monitor nutritional and emotional balance. Lorraine enjoys sharing these ideas and techniques with others so they can achieve a better sense of their own health and help their bodies become strong enough to heal themselves.

June Churchill, MSW, MRE, an active United Church member, leads workshops, courses and retreats in creative worship, contemporary prayer, creation-centered spirituality, Celtic spirituality, meditation and experiential spirituality, as well a variety of personal growth areas. She has studied extensively in the areas of ritual, prayer, meditation and feminist spirituality from both non- Christian and liberal Christian perspectives, and is grounded in the interfaith and interspirituality movements. She is a founding and contributing member of several women's spirituality and ritual groups in Calgary. June brings a refreshing, practical and creative approach to the varied domains of spiritual growth.

Audrya Corbett, BFA in sculpture from the Alberta College of Art and Design. Audrya grew up in a native community and learned to be connected to our natural environment. She has been creating mandalas and labyrinths for the past five years, and has recently been teaching didgeridoo workshops in Calgary. She plays various instruments including the drum, zither and didgeridoo, an ancient instrument/tool, which rebalances the vibration in one's body and stimulates healing. For more information visit alwaystimeforcreation.com.

Sidney Craig Courtice, MCEd, Certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Practitioner, is dedicated to helping people find their "true north" - the essence of their gifts, personality, and spirituality. She designs and delivers programs that honour each person’s individual learning style, encouraging each to expand their own meaning and understanding.  She has over 15 years experience facilitating a variety of community-building programs for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and faith communities. She is currently completing her Certification as a Gallup Strengths Performance Coach (based on the Gallup Faith Practice Division’s material on Living Your Strengths). Sidney facilitates a number of courses on topics such as an Introduction to Myers-Briggs Personality Type, Team Effectiveness, Living Your Strengths, Personality and Spiritual Gifts, Midlife Transition and Spiritual Growth, and Small Group Ministry Leadership.

Sloane Dugan, PhD, Diplomate Candidate at the International School of Analytical Psychology in Zurich
For four decades Sloane's activities have focussed on refining an action research process with persons, teams, organizations and communities in North America, Asia and Europe, which enables them to create a vision of a quality life for themselves, marshal resources to pursue this vision, and develop attitudes and skills to move toward their vision. Increasingly Sloane's interests have shifted to studying how personal transformation can positively impact relationships, organizations and the world at large. www.haskayne.ucalgary.ca/ faculty/dir/faculty/SloaneDugan/view

Dakota Eagle Woman is of Anishnabe (Ojibway) descent, originally from southern Ontario. She has been in Alberta since the early 1970s and was adopted by the Cree and Blackfoot where she has added her knowledge. She had been mentored by some world renowned elders and is honoured to share her teachings. She was associated with the Canadian Indigenous Women's Resource Institute for 8 years and is qualified in several different types of healing modalities.

Heather Faris, BFA, is a certified ARC (A Return to Conciousness) bodywork therapist. She has studied other health arts including Hakomi, Reiki, Chi Gong, Kabbalah, Authentic Movement, Creative Visualization and Journey work. She also facilitates past life regression sessions. Heather is passionate about working in Circle. She developed and facilitated Corporate Circle Workshops for lululemon athletica and is creator of the ARC Circle Workshops. She believes we all have rich inner worlds and recognizes the value in being acknowledged or witnessed in a deep, respectful way. She has been meeting in, and calling ceremonial circles, for over 16 years. When not working Heather creates sculpture and 3D collage using stones, bones, fabric and other varied materials.

Jan Fennell, BA, AIIC. CIP Certified Insurance Professional, CHIP Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, is skilled in ear candling, reflexology, iridology and energy treatments. Jan's treatments include a combination of the three energy modalities: Healing Touch, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. She has used the Tarot since her early teens and has studied it throughout the years.  She sees the Tarot as a tool for self-understanding which releases the power of possibility, not as a predictor of the future. 

Brenda Gibbs, BSc-PT, Integrative Practitioner, is a trained physio-therapist and wellness consultant. Through training and personal experience she has developed expertise in the areas of Post-partum Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and grief.

Wes Gietz, Master's degrees in biochemistry and public administration, has studied and practiced natural skills and beliefs for over 40 years. He has been taught by Tom Brown Jr. and other native teachers the skills of survival and living, awareness and philosophy, as well as the ceremonies of daily life and the ceremonies and responsibilities of the sweat lodge. He has taught workshops and participated in gatherings since 1993. He also practices and teaches Emotional Freedom Technique, a technique for healing emotional disturbances, phobias, addictions and a variety of physical problems. Visit www.windwalker.ca for more information.

Sylvia Polay Griffith, BA, MEd, Registered Psychologist, employs a holistic healing perspective in her therapeutic work with people. She shares her expertise in marital and family therapy as well as various individual concerns such as anger, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, past and current abuse, learning difficulties and trauma resolution. She is pleased to be able to achieve quicker progress and deeper healing through supplementing traditional therapy with various energy techniques.
Note: Registered Psychologist's fees are covered under most health insurance plans.

Lisa Hurst-Archer is a long time storyteller and leader of the Dances of Universal Peace, and has shared these gifts throughout Canada, the U.S. and Australia.  She believes that learning through experience is a powerful way to know oneself.   If we can free ourselves from limiting judgements we can learn to 'hear' the inner vibrations created by our own movement and sound.   If we can acknowledge that our critical mind has a right to its opinion and then get on with being present to ourselves, perhaps we can "sing like we don't need the money, love like we'll never get hurt, dance like there's nobody watching........"Garnet Rogers

Norline Johnson, BSc, has over 20 years experience as a consultant, counsellor and spiritual mentor. She has presented numerous workshops, courses and retreats for schools, churches and other institutions. Her in-depth knowledge of 12 step programs (eg. AA., Alanon, etc.) makes her an excellent guide for those healing from addictions. Norline was a member of the Retreat Team at Mount St. Francis Retreat House, Cochrane, AB, for many years, and is presently working with Project Rachel, an ecumenical ministry of reconciliation and healing for women and men who have had a past abortion experience.

Carole Kanchier, PhD, is uniquely qualified to talk, write and teach about change. She has over 25 years of success in the career, empowerment, learning/development and business fields. She does research (in career/life transitions, intuition, purpose and empowerment strategies), counsels individuals experiencing transitions and conducts varied workshops. She is the author of the award winning best seller, Dare to Change Your Job--and Your Life, and is an internationally recognized columnist with syndicated columns in many newspapers. She has taught at several North American universities and is an invited speaker at numerous professional and business conferences. Carole has a reputation for being at the leading edge of many personal, career and employee development strategies that she uses to help clients resolve personal and team challenges. See www.daretochange.com for more information.

Tom Laird, BA, B.Arch., is a certified Enneagram teacher who has studied with David Walsh and Carol Ann Gotch. He has offered Enneagram workshops throughout Calgary and Alberta at the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society, Environment Canada, Calgary Regional Health Authority, the University of Calgary and many other institutions and agencies. Tom was also the founder of a successful architectural firm. www.innerworks.ca.

Straja Linder King, BFA, MA (Art Therapy), Registered Art Therapist-Board Certified., has inspired people of all ages to explore new paths to well being. She has extensive experience providing workshops in the creative aging process, life transitions, and personal and spiritual growth, with specializations in palliative care and grief counselling. She is also a practicing artist who embraces the wonders of creativity, and is a member of AATA and CATA
For more information about
Straja and Art Therapy click here

Margot McKinnon, M.A., a high school teacher and founder of Spark the Spirit Productions, Inc., researches spiritually gifted children. She has traveled to the hill tribes of Thailand, the temples in China, and the monasteries in Tibet to understand the nature of spirit. She has her Masters Degree in Education Leadership and believes in advocating for the spiritually intelligent and gifted, be it in the classroom or the work place. Visit www.sparkthespirit.com for more information.

Marsha Read, BEd, CHTP/I, EMSCT, Orff. Specialist, is a teacher and musician who has explored music and women's spirituality for many years. She designs events for all ages which include speech, singing, instruments, movement, storytelling and community building. She is proficient in leading chanting, drumming, adult choirs, and instrumental groups. As a musicologist, she invites you to find your voice and explore the rhythm of your life. As a Certified Healing Touch practitioner/instructor and Energy Medicine Self Care teacher she balances her private practice with teaching Energy Medicine Self Care and Healing Touch. Please see www.soundbalance.org for more information.

Wilma Rubens, B.Sc., with intuition, humor and compassion, will guide you into an exploration of your empowering inner world. She is a published writer, a Conflict Resolution Facilitator and a skilled teacher. She began as a high school science teacher, moved into Conflict Resolution, Spirituality and Life Skills. She writes to make sense of her diverse life experience. She was born in Scotland, has lived all over the world and currently resides in Canmore. There she practices Ashtanga Yoga. She adores the Rocky Mountains. She has two grown children and a husband who have been known to test her Conflict Resolution skills. She sometimes says her biggest achievement is to have thrived in 17 Canadian winters.

Julie Turner is a third generation clairvoyant and energy healer who has studied the intuitive arts for 15 years. She is a certified Healing Touch–Level 1 practitioner, and has studied Essential oils, Herbology, Feng Shui, Past Life Regression, Psychic Mediumship, Astrology, Twin Flame Connections, working with crystals and the Angelic Realm. She is currently completing a BA in Psychology. Julie has written several columns in the Reflector newspaper, and has begun writing her first book on the Power of Love. Using her clairvoyant abilities, Julie channels Angel Readings, Card Readings, Energy Healing and Spiritual Guidance Counselling. She utilizes various healing modalities in her Energy Balancing sessions including Healing Touch, crystals, chakra spreads and angel therapy. These energy balancing sessions are effective for clearing and re-aligning the body, mind and spirit. Julie also provides one-on-one spiritual guidance counselling to help an individual align with his or her Higher Self and become more consciously aware of living in the present moment. Her ultimate intention for all clients during healing sessions is to re-align each individual with his or her higher self for the greater good of all. For more information about Julie, or to book her services please visit her website: www.juliespiritualhealer.com.

Tina Thrussell has been inspiring people to live with more passion, love and joy for the last 5 years as a guest speaker at a broad range of events, institutions, corporations and government agencies. Through Best U Can B Inc., the company she co-founded with her husband of over 23 years, Neil Thrussell, she lives the life of her dreams, working as a workshop developer and facilitator, writer, personal coach, Nia teacher, retreat host/facilitator and, most recently, as a Passion Test facilitator.  Tina is known for her loving, gentle, compassion. She has a great love of nature and travelling (especially to India!) and brings her down-to-earth attitude to everything she does.  Tina presents her workshops at Spiritual Directions with her usual contagious enthusiasm and uplifting energy. For more information about Tina and her programs please visit www.bestucanb.ca  and www.passiontest.ca.

L. Neil Thrussell’s certification as a Passion Test facilitator in 2008 was the last piece of the puzzle to help him fulfill his life mission of guiding people into living the life of their dreams.  As the co-founder of Best U Can B Inc., he’s been spending the last 5 years developing and facilitating workshops and retreats that open people's hearts to living life with greater purpose, passion, love and joy.   A kind, honest man with a strong desire for adventure, Neil lives his life with passion and a ‘just do it!’ attitude that has taken him and Tina to many interesting places around the globe, and seen him through many amazing experiences.  He's participated in a vast array of courses for his own personal and professional development over the years, including The Art and Science of Coaching from Ericksen College, The Mastery of Self-Expression, The Awakening of the Warrior Sage, and Investment in Excellence for the 90s with the Lou Tice Pacific Institute.  Neil is a voracious reader who loves camping and the outdoors.  He brings his fun-loving outlook on life into each and every workshop he facilitates.  For more information about Neil and his programs visit www.bestucanb.ca and www.passiontest.ca and www.spiritualwarriorsway.com.

Margot Van Sluytman www.margotvansluytman.com/biography.htm is a Canadian pioneer in the fields of mentoring and teaching poetry and writing as both art and healing. She is an award winning Writing and Healing Facilitator who has presented courses, workshops, and talks in Canada and the United States. Margot's has published eleven books of poetry and her writing has been published internationally in magazines, anthologies, and literary e-Zines. She is an active member of the National Association for Poetry Therapy, and has edited and published a book by the membership Called Layers of Possibility: Healing Poetry from NAPT Members. She has also created a six segment TV show entitled: Dance With Your Words: Poetry is Art and Healing, which currently airs in Ontario, Canada. She uses her extensive skills with language to teach others to write and express their voices. Her personal mantra, "think by feeling" has been a starting point for novice and seasoned writers, students, and other individuals who partake of the journey of using words for healing and personal development.

Jo-Ann Svensson is a Certified ARC (A Return to Consciousness) Health Practitioner and a teacher for the ARC Institute. She has been in practice for 9 years, three of those on contract with Vancouver Coastal Health where she researched the effectiveness of ARC Bodywork with people in early recovery from a substance abuse. Jo-Ann is a published writer and has done extensive personal research on codependence and transference.

Mary Vogel, MSW, RSW, has been in private practice, conducted research in the areas of Cancer and HIV, and held a variety of positions in a large urban health care system. She applies the teachings from "A Course in Miracles" to her daily life, is a certified Reiki Master and Teacher, and is certified to prepare Essential Oil Blends. She is also certified in Levels 1 and 2 of "The Way of the Heart", a healing modality that blends electro-magnetic field work, breath work, field psychology and Divine self-awareness practices to enhance life.

Lydia Tvalec is a Certified Spiritual Empowerment Life Coach through the Coaching From Spirit Institute. Before becoming a coach she was involved in long track speed skating and was the lead project manager of a national environmental project. Lydia is the founder of Sassy Classy Coaching, a trendy and vibrant coaching boutique where she assists women experiencing emotional and life transitions using a Mind, Body, Spirit process. For more information please see www.aspiringyoungwomen.com.

Betsy Young, MSW, MA in Spirituality and Liturgy, is a graduate of the Pacific Jubilee Program in Spiritual Direction, Vancouver School of Theology. She has over 25 years of clinical social work experience, most recently in the field of addiction recovery. She is skilled in leading meditative workshops and retreats, and has a passion for exploring the inner spiritual depths of human life.

 Guest Leaders/Facilitators:
Mary Jo Bulbrook, PhD, RN, CEMP/S/I, CHTP/I, is medical intuitive and the creator of the Transform Your Life Through Energy Medicine program which is based on her distinguished 20 year career as a university professor in the US, Canada and Australia, as well as her expertise as a specialist in psychiatric mental health nursing. In 1989 Dr. Bulbrook was honoured with the Canadian Holistic Nurse of the Year Award. She is currently president of Energy Medicine Partnerships International, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the teaching and practice of holistic care throughout the world.

Tapas Fleming, licensed acupuncturist, completed her training in 1987 at Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California, and continued her advanced studies in the People's Republic of China. She initially specialized in addictions treatment and later added a specialization in allergy work, using Dr. Devi Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination technique. In 1993 she developed the Tapas Acupressure Technique, and now teaches workshops internationally.

Beth Hedva, PhD, is a therapist, workshop leader, inspirational speaker and author of Journey From Betrayal to Trust and Betrayal, Trust and Forgiveness. She has blended ancient wisdom stories and myths with modern psychology to create healing experiences for many people.

David Johnson of the UK is currently studying in a masters program in an Eco-Psychology at Naropa University. Following 3 years of travel, he returned to the UK and lived in Buddhist community for 6 years. He now lives in ecological house which he helped design.

Cecilie Kwiat is a meditation teacher skilled in crafting practices to meet the needs of those in emotional or spiritual crisis. She provides inventive guidance at meditation centres in Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand. A Canadian, she was attracted to Buddhism by a teacher who invited her to focus on non-clinging compassionate awareness by developing kindness, skill-in-means, and a respect for the here and now.
Cecilie has followed the Buddhist path since the mid 1960's and is a senior student of the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. She has also received teaching from, and studied with, many others respected teachers in various schools of Buddha Dharma. She lived in Japan and Thailand where she immersed herself in meditation and study. As she feels privileged to have met with and received instruction from so many precious teachers, Cecilie is honoured to share generously the many gifts that have been showered upon her. (To learn more please search the web under "Cecilie Kwiat".)


Bonnie Lawrence is one of the most compelling and diverse professional flutists in Canada. As principal flutist/soloist with the Cuban National Symphony and the Valley Symphony Orchestra of Columbia, she became a passionate lover of Latin music and an authentic Sails flutist. She has studied traditional flute styles from Native American, Celtic, Cuban and South Indian flute masters. Her love of jazz and popular music led her to further studies in jazz improvisation and composition at the Banff Centre and Grant MacEwan College. Bonnie's compositions are featured on a new compact disc entitled The Winds of Kananaskis. Her story was showcased on a CBC Newsworld feature in spring 2002.

Manfred Lukas, BEd, was trained in Core Shamanism through the Harner institute, founded by Michael Harner, a well known anthropologist and widely published author. Manfred has been using and teaching native healing practices for about 20 years. He leads workshops in shamanic journeying about twice a year, and sees people for individual journey sessions twice weekly.

Madeline Rugh, PhD, MA., BFA, is a registered Art Therapist and holds a Specialist in Aging Certificate. She has worked for twenty years as a consultant, program developer and researcher, attending to the needs of disabled children and adults. Her current work focuses on expanding art therapy educational programs to include ecological principles, and assisting health care staff in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice to enhance their stress management styles and creativity. She designs programs as well as physical spaces for health and wellness through a unique synthesis of art, nature and spirituality. She has written numerous grants and received multiple research awards, most notably the Research Scholarship Service Award from the National Institute of Aging.

Lana Skauge has been a professional actor/singer and drama educator for the past 25 years and is a member of both stage (C.A.E.A.) and film (A.C.T.R.A.) associations. She has produced 15 one-woman shows, and written commissioned works for dance companies, colleges, churches, Spiritual Directions and other community agencies. She has toured throughout Canada and Great Britain and had her work produced nationally through CBC. She continues to teach as well as write, direct and produce her own plays. Visit www.lanaskauge.ca/home for more information.

Doreen Spence believes that with unconditional love, passion and persistence one person can make a difference. She has spent a lifetime making that difference. She is a healer, author, presenter, advocate, creator, speaker, educator and mentor. Born of Cree ancestry in Northern Alberta, Doreen works tirelessly in the field of human rights, protecting fundamental freedoms for indigenous people. She travels extensively to present at numerous conferences around the world, including Canada, Europe, the United States and New Zealand, sharing her message of healing, tolerance, human rights and the wisdom of First Nations traditional teachings.

She is currently the Canadian representative to the United Nations Working Group of Indigenous Populations, advocating on behalf of indigenous peoples worldwide. Her expertise in building bridges between groups led the Slovakian government to request her assistance with regard to their relationships with the Roma people. Doreen has been honoured numerous times for her work, including being a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for the 1000 Women of Peace Project in 2005 and receiving, along with his holiness, the Dalai Lama, an International Award at the New Zealand Spiritual Elders Conference in 1992.

Locally, Doreen was the founder and president of the Plains Cultural Survival School Society and has been a Senator at the University of Calgary. She also founded the Canadian Indigenous Women's Resource Institute. She has most recently been travelling worldwide in her role on the Peace and Reconciliation Committee. Doreen strives to bring understanding between all nations and has opened hearts and minds around the world with her teachings, persistence, wisdom and unconditional love. For more information about Doreen see world people's blog.

Standing Bear (Jerry White) is an experienced healer in both Native American and White traditions. Standing Bear was chosen for training in the ways of "Spirit Medicine" at the age of 8, and has studied and taught in many cultures. Jerry White is also a Certified Healing Touch practitioner and instructor. He has appeared on television and in newspaper interviews and is currently featured in a newly released Healing Touch book, White Shadow.

All of us here at Spiritual Directions feel blessed and honoured to be a part of the wider community embracing spirituality in Calgary.

Thanks to
Sylvia Polay Griffith for developing and maintaining this web site.
Jock McTavish for his mentoring as we learned how to maintain our web site.

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Spiritual Directions operates under the auspices of
The Community Opportunity Foundation of Alberta.
July 1, 2009 10:25:01 AM
Spiritual Directions, 1407 - 10 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2R 1E7
Phone: 403-210-2802
..E- mail: teaching@spiritualdirections.com..www.spiritualdirections.com