Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement Winter 2023 Workshop: The Art of Spiritual Direction

Valerie Lesniak, PhD served as a faculty member and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs over the course of 20 years at the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry.  She retired as faculty emerita in 2019. Valerie received her doctorate from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (JSTB) in the interdisciplinary field of Spirituality. Before coming to SU she taught at JSTB, St. Paul Seminary University of St. Thomas, and Heythrop College, University of London in London, England. Valerie has written on a variety of expressions of contemporary spiritualities, spiritual direction, and mysticism.

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Rev. Kevin F. Burke, S.J., is the Vice President for University Mission and Professor of Theology at Regis University.  Fr. Burke previously served as Dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara, CA (2006-2012), and also was a faculty member and director of the Doctoral Program there (2012-2017.)  Fr. Burke is the author or editor of seven books, including The Ground beneath the Cross: The Theology of Ignacio Ellacuría, Pedro Arrupe: Essential Writings, and The Ignatian Tradition. He is currently writing a book on the theological vision of the poet, Denise Levertov.

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Jeanie Robinson is a seasoned spiritual director who  other directors seek for her wise companionship. Jeanie is gifted by her grounding experience and her hopeful view of the future. A graduate of Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry, Jeanie has served in ministry at the Seattle Preparatory School, the Ignatian Spirituality Center, and as president of Friends of North-Creek Forest, an environmental non-profit.

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Trung Pham, SJ, is a Vietnamese-born, Seattle-based artist, educator, and spiritual director. Fr. Pham’s immigrant experience has profoundly influenced his artwork which explores spiritual and religious depth that stands in high contrast with contemporary culture and values.  Fr. Pham currently works as an assistant professor of Art at Seattle University and travels nationally, and internationally, for his art installations and for his retreat leadership.

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Tom Cashman is a spiritual director and teacher of spiritual formation. Tom assisted in the design of the Pastoral Leadership Program in the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University and was an instructor in the program for 5 years. Tom has also  served as adjunct faculty for 9 years in spiritual formation at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.  As an Episcopalian layman, Tom works primarily with clergy and those in the ordination path. 

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Patrick J. Twohy, SJ, is an author, poet, spiritual leader and respected Elder in both Catholic and Native communities.  Fr Twohy has addressed numerous academic, community and spiritual, religious audiences and conferences. His greatest joy is to live in the Native community where he finds “people steeped in their religious beliefs, living in a richly spiritual world, and willing to share wisdom to a patient listener."

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Patty Repikoff has served as Pastoral Life Director of St. Therese Church and Christ the King/Cristo Rey Church, a Coordinator of Eastside Catholic Hispanic/Latino Ministry, and as a Pastoral Advocate for Mission with Catholic Community Services. Patty has been an adjunct faculty member in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Seattle University. Patty received her Master of Divinity and her Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.

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Leonetta Elaiho is a spiritual director, non-profit leader, and public theologian. She received the Sullivan Scholar at Seattle University, completed the training at the Soul Formation Academy of Spiritual Formation and the School of Spiritual Direction program. Leonetta is studying at the Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation and lives a commitment to the inclusion of marginalized populations in the ministry and formation of spiritual directors.  

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