Patricia Allen , PhD, CAS, MFT
is a Certified Addiction Specialist by the American Academy of Health Care Providers Harvard Medical School Division. She is a published author and in private practice in So. CA.Sr. Anne Amati , OSF
a Sister of St. Francis of PA has ministered for many years in the Franciscan world. Anne's enthusiasm practical insights humor and deep appreciation for our Franciscan life have taken her to many religious institutions.Chris Benguhe
formerly a People Magazine writer and tabloid editor, gave up the world of glitz and glamour to chronicle extraordinary stories of everyday courageous individiuals whole lives were transformed by tough times. He is an internationally published inspirational/self-help author of four non-fiction books, including Beyond Courage. Chris's column "A Better View" runs in the Catholic Sun, the official publication of the Phoenix Diocese.Jacqueline S. Bergan
is coauthor of the highly acclaimed 5-volumne Take and Receive Series which guides readers through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Her most recent book is Growing as a Stepmom-with God's Help!Sr.Marilyn Bever , CSA
Bio currently unavailable.Dr. Anne Borik
is an internal medicine physician a third degree black belt and a graduate of Temple University in Exercise Physiology and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently Dr. Borik is practicing as a hospitalist in Phoenix.Pam Bork
is Studio Director for the Recording for the Blind where she has worked for seventeen years. She is also Liturgical Dance Director for the Franciscan Renewal Center and former of the Center's Board of Directors.Steve Born
from Hammer Nutrition.Cynthia Bourgeault
Bio currently unavailable.John Bradshaw
For the past 4 decades, John Bradshaw has combined his exceptional skills as the role of counselor, author, management consultant, theologian, philosopher, and public speaker, becoming one of the leading figures in the fields of addiction/recovery, family systems, relationships, spiritual and emotional growth, and management training.His educational background includes a BA from the University of Toronto, Canada and 2 Master's: one in Philosophy and an MSP (Masters in spiritual psychology) from the University of California, Santa Monica.
John is also the recipient of many awards: John MacDonald Scholarship in Philosophy; Trustees' Scholarship; Cardinal Mercier Gold Medal in Philosophy; and Trustees' Gold Medal for Academic Excellence.
Over the past 35 years, John has hosted, appeared on, been interviewed on over 800 television and radio shows. Appearances include: Oprah, Dr. Ruth, Tom Snyder, Good Morning America, and CNN News are among the many guest interviews.
John is the author or 5 books, 3 of which are on the New York best seller list. He has been honored by his peers and elected "One of the 100 Most Influential Writers on Emotional Health in the 20th Century."
Sr. Joanne Brazinski, OSF
Bio currently unavailable.Richard C. Brown
recieved his Ph.D. in education and master's degrees in counseling and education from Arizona State University and a master's degree in pastoral theology from the University of San Francisco. He studied Catholic theology at the University of Fribourg Switzerland and spiritual director training at Mercy Center Burlingame California. Dr. Brown is also the author of A Practical Guide to Starting an Adult Faith Formation Program. He resides in Phoenix Arizona.Jeffrey Campbell
CEO and publisher of Tau publishing, is also the author of "St. Francis and the Christmas Miracle of Greccio" and "When Evil Seems to Triumph over Good". His most recent release is "Christ Light of the World".Julie Carrick
travels nationally and internationally with her husband Kurt, giving concerts, parish missions and speaking engagements.Kurt Carrick
travels nationally and internationally with his wife, Julie, giving concerts, parish missions and speaking engagements.Sr. Mary Jo Chaves, OSF
Bio currently unavailable.Fr. William (Bill) Cieslak OFM, CAP
former President of the Franciscan School of Theology at Berkeley and a professor of Liturgical Theology. He is one of the founding advisors and ongoing advocate for The Franciscan Way programs here at the Casa.Fr. Andre Cirino , OFM
is a contemporary Franciscan itinerant preacher. Author of many Franciscan books he jointly wrote Forty-Day Retreat with Bonaventure Francis and Clare and My Heart's Quest: Collected Writings of Eric Doyle Theologian with Josef Raischl. Andre` has conducted pilgrimages to Italy Prague & California Missions for Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs. He lectures at the Franciscan International Study Centre Canterbury England.Charlene Costanzo B.A.
holds a degree in Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University. In addition to The Twelve Gifts of Birth, The Twelve Gifts of Healing, and the Twelve Gifts in Marriage, Charlene has published a children's book and a variety of articles. She is hospice trained and participates in grief ministry.Victoria Crawford
is a trained and experienced educator, facilitator and mediator. She has just finished her first book, Practicing the Art of Trust. Victoria developed "Life Path," a process to help individuals discover their purpose and lifetime goals. She is a certified Best Year Yet Coach.Bill Creasy , PhD.
on the faculty of UCLA a published author graduated Summa Cum Laude ASU and Ph.D. in Medieval Literature. GLORIA CUEVAS-BARNETT Director of the Center for Development of Human Potential and 20 years of experience working with the Enneagram coaching individuals and conducting workshops and retreats.Thomas Crum
is the author of Journey to Center and The Magic of Conflict and founder of Aiki Works Inc. His presentations create an experiential approach to teaching conflict resolution stress management and leadership for the 21st century.Gloria Cuevas-Barnett
is the Director of the Center for Development of Human Poential and has more than 20 years of experience working with the Enneagram within the Oral Tradition coaching individuals and conducting workshops and retreats.Shirley Cunningham
author of Chasing God & a counselor in private practice in Scottsdale AZ. Trained in spirituality at Shalem Institute an interfaith program at Washington Theological Union and a founding board member of the Arizona Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Directors training program.Sr. Roberta Cusack
is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Jesus. She began painting in 1944 and holds a Masters degree in Studio Painting from the University of Dallas. She has a lifetime of experience as a studio painter. Roberta's icons are found in churches monasteries convents hospitals and private homes in the US Ireland Scotland Italy and Kenya.John Dear , S.J.
internationally recognized voice for peace and nonviolence. A priest, pastor, peacemaker, retreat leader, and author, he served for years as the director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the largest interfaith peace organization in the U.S.Fr. James DiLuzio , C.S.P.
has a Masters of Divinity from Catholic University Washington D.C. and a Masters of Drama from USC Los Angeles CA. He served as a pastoral minister in parishes and campus ministry in Los Angeles Minneapolis and San Francisco.Fr. Larry Dolan , OFM
a Franciscan friar and is currently the Director of Pastoral Ministry at the Casa. Previously Fr. Larry was the Pastor of Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Huntington Beach CA.Christine Dove , LCSW
prevention coordinator for Presbyterian Services Agency in Phoenix has shifted her focus from psychotherapy and counseling to the use of Nonviolent Communication skills as a process of self-directed therapy with her clients and students. Nonviolent Communication facilitates empathic and life-saving connections that can lead to healthy thinking feeling and spiritual growth.Stephanie Edwards
adjunct LOGOS teacher has been a Bible teacher since 1978. She has co-hosted the Tournament of Roses Parade each New Year's day for the past 24 years with Bob Eubanks.John Evans
Bio currently unavailable.Sheila Fabricant Linn , M.Div.
Bio currently unavailable.Fr. William Faiella , CSC
priest and National Certified Counselor holds advanced degrees in education theology and pastoral counseling. Founded Emmanuel House in Palm Desert CA.He enjoys cooking and author of Sharing Meals Heals.Ph.D.Sr. Barbara Fiand , SND de N
is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. She is the author of seven books, including Releasement, Living the Vision, Where Two or Three are Gathered, Embraced by Compassion and her most recent publication In the Stillness You Will Know: Exploring the Paths of Our Ancient Belonging.Don Fiore
is a certified T'ai Chi Chih Instructor Feng Shui Consultant and Reiki Master. He has taught at Scottsdale Healthcare Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital Phoenix City Hall.Victoria Fiore
is a certified T'ai Chi Chih Instructor facilitates journal writing classes and Story Circles has taught at SCC Washington Adult Center and Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital.Fr. Bill Fitzgerald
Fr. 'Fitz' continues to apply his Franciscan type Creation Spirituality to writing and politics--the only Catholic priest to be a U.S. elected official delegate to the National Democratic Political Convention and is 'Author in Residence' at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Scottsdale.Dr. Eva Fleischner
is a professor emerita of religion from Montclair State University. A graduate of Radcliffe College she received her M.A. in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame and her PhD in theology from Marquette University. A Catholic theologian her work as teacher scholar and lecturer has been to bring Christians and Jews closer to each other.Fr. Jean Francois Godet-Calogeras , OFM, PhD
is a Franciscan scholar who is internationally known for his publications on the early Franciscan documents in particular the writings of Francis and Clare of Assisi and for his lectures and workshops on early Franciscan history.Dr. Carl Hammerschlag , MD
is a psychiatrist author storyteller healer and pioneer in the practical applications of mind/body/spirit medicine. He teaches worldwide and weaves his unique perspectives and wisdom into an understanding that helps people become the principal agents in their own healing.Cheryl Hay , J.D.
adjunct LOGOS teacher active in LOGOS Ministries since 1998 has served as a prosecuting attorney in a CA county for a decade where she appeared before numerous juries and was the training officer for rookie Deputy District Attorneys.Wil Hernandez, Ph.D.
works for The Leadership Institute in Southern California in partnership with the Denver-based Spiritual Formation Alliance. He also serves as the Director of Community Formation at Evergreen Baptist Church of L.A. In addition, he teaches a course on the spirituality of Henri Nouwen at Fuller Theological Seminary and at the Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University. He is the author of Henri Nouwen: A Spirituality of Imperfection.Terry Hershey
has served as a Protestant minister and is now a writer and landscape designer on Vashon Island near Seattle, Washington.Storyteller, philospher, and humorist, Terry speaks throughout the U.S. and Canada on relationships, spirituality and gardening. Terry writes and teaches about being intoxicated with this world, embracing the sacred present.
Fr. Eric Hollas , OSB
is Senior Associate for Arts and Cultural Affairs at St. John's University in Collegeville MN. He was instrumental in initiating The Saint John's Bible a project in which the monks of St. John's have commissioned Donald Jackson scribe to the Queen of England to create a hand-written and illuminated Bible.Jay Hornbacher
actor and writer had a successful career as producer and director for live theatre productions. In 1997 he entered Luther Seminary St. Paul MN to be a minister in the Episcopal Church. He served as the Director of Lay Ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Scottsdale AZ.Fr. Bob Hutmacher , OFM
a Franciscan friar since 1968 ordained in 1979. Founder and director of Chiesa Nuova in Chicago and is the Director of Worship at St. Peter's Church in the Loop. Performs on keyboards and harp thoughout the U.S. and Europe.David Hykes
composer and singer, music and meditation retreat and workshop leader. He has been a leading pioneer in sacred sounds work since 1975. The musical and meditative vehicles of his approach blend spiritual cosmology and healing harmonization.Janet Jacobsen , PhD
completed her doctorate at ASU where she studied male/female communication. Formerly editor of Single Scene newspaper and has led over 130 singles programs/5000 plus participants.Pat Julian , MA
director of The Franciscan Way Programs spiritual director and teacher. She holds an MA in Communication from ASU and was an associate at the Shalem Institute in Washington DC.Joe Kelly
graduate of Fordham and New York University has background in sales and marketing with national radio/tv affiliate ABC. Completed a 2- year Ignatian Spirituality Internship at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House and became retreat leader and member of the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House.Carrie Kemp
Author of Catholics Can Come Home Again.Fr. Peter Kirwin , OFM
is a Franciscan friar and Pastor of the Old Mission San Luis Ray Parish in Oceanside CA. Previously he was here at the Casa as Director of Pastoral Ministry and facilitated Grief Retreats.Rabbi Darren Kleinberg
Bio currently unavailable.Taffy Lanser
founder of the International Labyrinth Society. Experience is in lecturing radio TV appearances experiential workshops and labyrinth construction around the country and abroad.Kenneth J. Laverone, OFM, JCL
a Franciscan priest of the Province of Saint Barbara, has served as pastor of several churches in the Diocese of Monterey and the Diocese of Sacramento. He has served as Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Monterey since 1983 and has served on many diocesan, provincial, and regional committees and offices. He is a professor of Canon Law at the Franciscan School of Theology and Director of Ongoing Formation for the Franciscan Friars of the Saint Barbara Province. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California in 1978, a Master of Art in Theology at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley in 1994 and a Licentiate in Canon Law at the University of St. Thomas in Rome in 2004.Gabrielle Lawrence PhD
is a licensed psychologist and a certified counselor in the state of Arizona. A clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and a Register Play Therapy Supervisor as well as a Certified Trauma and Loss Specialist.She is a recognized clinician working with children, adolescents, and adults in the areas of grief recovery and traumatic loss, abuse, bereavement and with complex in crisis. She also lectures locally and nationally concerning bereavement , parenting, children’s issues, wellness and relationship management topics such as conflict resolution, anger and stress management.
Marlee LeDai
is the author of more than 25 books and nearly 200 published magazine/web articles. An independent editorial consultant and previously editor of an award-winning woman's magazine. She volunteers among incarcerated women in Silverton Oregon.Dennis Lewis
a longtime student of both Eastern and Western healing and spiritual traditions, teaches the transformative power of presence through breathing, qigong, self-observation, self-remembering, meditation and self-inquiry. He is Co-editor with Jacob Needleman of "Sacred Tradition & Present Need" and "On the Way to Self Knowledge." He is the author of "Free Your Breath, Free Your Life," "The Tao of Natural Breathing," and the audio program "Natural Breathing." His new book "The Breath of Presence: Awakening to Who You Really Are" is scheduled for publication in early 2009Chris Lieto
the top ranked US Ironman Triathlete in the World.Matt Linn , S.J.
Bio currently unavailable.Dennis Linn, M.Div.
Bio currently unavailable.Dennis Linn, M.Div.
Bio currently unavailable.Sr. Annette Lucchese, OSF
Bio currently unavailable.Michael Mandrell
is a Celtic guitaristSheila Marchetta, MA
an Arizona Certified Professional Counselor in Scottsdale private practice a support group facilitator at Wellness Community of Central Arizona and adjunct professor at SCC.Bronwyn Marmo
founder and president of Blessed Beyond Belief Inc. an organization dedicated to empowering those who struggle with food body image and self-esteem issues. She is a teacher personal success coach and author of Say Yes to Balanced Health.Rabbi Michael Mayersohn
is the instructor for The Voice of God, How We Hear the Voice of God in scriptureJudith McHale , MA, LPC
a Casa volunteer counselor for more than 10 years Judith is now the Director of the Counseling Ministry at the Franciscan Renewal Center. She is in private practice specializing in individual/ group therapy and family origin issues.Mary Jo McLaughlin
is founder and Director of Daughters of Eve a women’s group. She is formerly a Franciscan Covenant Worker here at the Franciscan Renewal Center Director of Adult Education and longtime supporter of social justice issues in the diocese.Fr. Vernon Meyer , PhD
earned a Master's of Arts in Theology from Catholic Theological Union and in Pastoral Theology from the University of San Francisco. His Ph.D. in theology is from the University of Dayton. Currently he is director of the Arizona Center of Theological Studies in Phoenix and assists at St. Patrick's Church in Scottsdale.Tom Mitchell , PhD
received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University and his Master’s of Counseling from Arizona State University. He is a Certified Professional Counselor and a Casa volunteer counselor and support group leader for over 10 years.Anton Mizerad
plays tabla, harmonica and keyboard.Sr. Sarah O'Malley , OSB
is a Duluth, MN Benedictine, and is currently Director of Ministry of Care at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Phoenix. She is the author of twelve books on pastoral issues and has given numerous presentations and retreats based on her favorite spiritual writer, Father Henri Nouwen.Cathy Olds
Bio currently unavailable.Dr. Vicki Orr
Associate LOGOS teacher earned her Master of Divinity and Doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary and is an Associate Pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master Mission Viejo CA.Fr. Kenan Osborne , OFM
Kenan Osborne OFM. Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology is a scholar and teacher of international repute. With a remarkable sense of mission he is continually writing books and educating students and general readers about the spiritual life. He brings the words of the Gospel and St. Francis to an international audience. A spirited and animated teacher students at FST have been crowding into his popular classes since 1967.Sr. Kathleen Ossbelt , OSF
lives in a Franciscan Hermitage with 3 other sisters in Fayetteville New York. Her lifestyle is a contemporary adapatation of the Document on Solitude written by St. Francis of Assisi. She is founder and Executive Director of Francis House homes for persons terminally ill.Mauro Pando, MC, CMFT
previously Director of the Counseling Ministry at Franciscan Renewal Center for 10+ years and is the former Program Director for The Wellness Community of Central AZ.Peter Pearson
studied under Russian iconographer Dr. Nina Bouroff, Philip Zimmerman at the Damascus Academy of Sacred Arts, an Orthodox school of icon painting, Nicholas Papas and several other noted iconographers. He also graduated magna cum laude from St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, WI, where he earned a Master's of Divinity. Peter combines technical skills and spirituality in his teaching of the ancient art.Mona Polacca , MSW, PhD
is a Spiritual Leader Hopi/Havasupai Tribes. She is also a wisdom-keeper, and one of The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Her stories and ceremonies will illuminate a visionary experience.Sr. Helen Prejean , CSJ
Bio currently unavailable.Darleen Pryds
a Catholic laywoman has published several articles and a book on lay preaching within the Medieval Church. Darleen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She has received many research grants including a Fulbright Fellowship to Italy; a Research Fellowship at the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame; and a National Endowment for the Humanities Research Grant to research at the Vatican Film Library at St. Louis University.Tracy Rae
is a singer, songwriter.Fr. Thomas Rausch , S.J.
Ph.D. in religion from Duke University (1976) is the T. Marie Chilton Professor of Catholic Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. A specialist in the areas of ecclesiology ecumenism and the theology of the priesthood he has published 11 books and over 100 articles.Fr. Dan Riley , OFM
a founding member of Mt. Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat he and his brothers live an open and gregarious contemplative life in the foothills of the Allegany Mountains. His ministry at St. Bonaventure's University is Campas Youth Ministry.Tim Ringgold
Bio currently unavailable.Marshall Rosenberg , PhD
is the author of Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion. For over 40 years psychologist Marshall Rosenberg has used Compassionate Communication to help families schools businesses health care and social service agencies reach peaceful solutions in seemingly impossible conflicts. He is the founder of the Center for Nonviolent Communication.Barbara A. Rossman RN, BSN
is a certified Enneagram instructor and a member of the Association of Enneagram Teachers in the Narrative Tradition who also facilitates spiritual groups dream groups and offers private sessions for spiritual guidance.Kathy A. Saile
Director, Office of Domestic Social Developmenet, USCCBRev. Thomas M. Santa , C.Ss.R.
is the director of Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson Arizona. A popular preacher teacher and educator he directs retreats on a variety of subjects to very diverse audiences. A published author his current book published by Ave Maria Press is 'Sacred Refuge.' He is currently working on a new publishing project tentatively entitled 'Managing My Own Salvation.'Kevin Saunders
graduate of the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem a member of Logos Ministries and is a full time teacher with Logos and has presented a successful Bible program here at the Casa for 4 years.Brian Schmidt , PhD
is an Associate Professor of Ancient West Asian Cultures Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan.Bro. Joe Schwab , OFM
Executive Director of the Franciscan Renewal Center.Susan E Schwartz , PhD
Jungian analyst trained at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich Switzerland with a doctorate in clinical psychology is a senior analyst teacher and former secretary of the New Mexico Society of Jungian Analysts. Along with her private practice in AZ she gives lectures and workshops on aspects of Jungian analytical psychology.Fr. Rusty Shaughnessy , OFM
attended St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD where he earned his MA in Theology. Fr. Rusty facillatates retreats for married couples, young adults, men and women as well as workshops and parish missions. He currently resides at San Damiano Retreat in Danville, California.Rev. Kelli Shepard , PhD
Bio currently unavailable.Patti Sills-Trausch
Bio currently unavailable.Ph.D. Timothy Smith
Bio currently unavailable.Sr. Ishpriya
a Catholic nun, was born in England. She has lived in India for over 25 years.Sr. Ishpriya has traveled extensively conducting silent retreats, workshops and seminars on all 5 continents.
She holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of London and has contributed articles to journals in India and abroad, mainly on topics concerning psychology and spirituality.
Mary Esther Stewart , M.Ed.
continues to work on her love of Franciscan Theology as an associate of the Soul's Journey team. She is the former director of religious education at San Francisco de Assisi parish in Flagstaff Arizona. She is a retired educator, artist, and frequent contributor to The Way of St. Francis magazine.Gerard Straub
founded the San Damiano Foundation a nonprofit foundation dedicated to bringing the plight of the world's impoverished people and those who dedicate their lives to helping them to the world through film documentaries. 'Patients of a Saint' has won national attention. The Sun and Moon Over Assisi was named best spirituality book of 2000 by the Catholic Press Assoc.Fr. Emery Tang , OFM
Emery Richard Tang OFM a native Phoenician is the fourth of nine children. He was educated at St. Mary’s Grammar School and entered the Franciscan seminary in Santa Barbara. He has served as a high school teacher and principal preached at parish missions throughout the country directed Serra Retreat in Malibu and is now in residence with friars at Huntington Beach CA.Sharon Taszarek
works in the Programs Department at the Franciscan Renewal Center. She is also a spiritual director and facilitates the Spiritual Spa Days at the Center.Russ Testa
Executive Director, Franciscan Action NetworkJos Tharakan
holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics a Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity. Jos is also a professionally trained chaplain retreat director and teacher with experience in the ministry of healing.Sr. Gabriele Uhlein, OSF, PhD
is a Franciscan sister of the Wheaton Community. She is an author, theololgian, artist and founder or the Franciscan Center for Incarnation Studies.Currently she is in leadership ministry and serves as a province councilor in her international Franciscan congregation.
Elizabeth Ursic , M.Div
Instructor Bio coming soon..Sherry Vames
Bio coming soon..John Vames
is a Music Educator and professional player of woodwind instruments with over 30 years experience. He has performed in events throughout AZ and at Gammage and Celebrity Theatre.Tom Velotti , SFO
Bio currently unavailable.Liz Velotti , SFO
Bio currently unavailable.Bonnie Wasniewski , BSEd., MAOM
BSEd., MAOM, is the Communications Director for the Franciscan Renewal Center. She has worked at the Center for 17 years. Previously, Bonnie has taught elementary school Language Arts in Chicago. She is a member of the NAWW, National Association of Women Writers, has written articles for Arizona Together Newspaper and is awaiting the release of her first published book in Spring, 2008.Claudia Weinspach , DIPL.PSYCH
a psychologist who has presented her pioneering work in trauma recovery in the U.S., Europe, Africa and Central America. She uses movement guided imagery chanting and dance to facilitate her healing work.She is an author and healer and a pioneer in Improvisational Therapy who uses psychodrama, music, movement, and puppetry to teach us how to be true to ourselves and the world around us.