Spiritual Directors available at the Ministry Center
To contact any of the directors listed below:
, 773-764-8884
Name: Bob Backis, M.Div., MSW, JD
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Certificate: Institute of Spiritual Companionship
Experience: 5 years as spiritual director
Name: Marilyn Gehant, MPS
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Certificate: Institute of Spiritual Companionship
Loyola University, Institute of Pastoral Studies
Experience: 14 years as spiritual companion, background as fundraiser, career coach, writer.
Influences: transitions — work and family. Interfaith retreat programs with Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Name: Jim Manzardo, STB
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Certificate: Institute of Spiritual Companionship, board-certified Chaplain
Experience: 15 years as chaplain, 5 years as spiritual companion
Influences: Work and life experience, several spiritual companions over my 22 years of being companioned
Name: Dana Sullivan, MA Pastoral Studies
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Certificate: Institute for Spiritual Leadership
Credential in Elementary Education (Mt. St. Mary’s College)
Experience: 6 years as spiritual director, retreat work, facilitating dream work, pastoral ministry in South America, elementary education
Name: Barb Miller, Ed.S.
Affiliation: Protestant (United Methodist)
Certificate: Institute of Spiritual Companionship; 2 year Academy for Spiritual Formation; Currently working toward Certification in Spiritual Formation at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Experience: 2 years as spiritual companion, background as a teacher and peer mentor
Influences: Serving students with special needs and their families in school and hospital settings; transitions in my own life
Name: Peter Buttitta, DMin
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Certificate: Institute of Spiritual Companionship,
Certified Pastoral Associate, Archdiocese of Chicago
Experience: 5 years as spiritual companion, 10 years as hospital chaplain,
15 years as parish pastoral minister,
Author of The Still, Small Voice that Beckons:
A Theological Reflection Method for Health Ministry
