Rebecca Bass, M.A. resides in Clearwater, FL where she offers spiritual direction in person and on zoom. In practice since 2009, Becca earned her Masters Degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, in the Ignatian tradition. Becca also has specialized training and experience in chaplaincy, grief support and directed retreats. Having served on the faculty of the Audire spiritual direction training program, Becca values accompanying seekers from a variety of faith traditions. Becca currently worships in the ELCA (Lutheran) tradition. She can be reached by email at rebeccajbass@gmail.com.
Maureen Connors, Ph.D is an octogenarian actively engaged in spiritual companioning and programming at the Franciscan Center. Maureen has a 30-year history with the Franciscan Center, having served as Co-Director of Programs, facilitating many programs including monthly zoom book circles and serving on the Board of Directors. Her work draws from her sixteen years as a Cleveland Ursuline Sister, an M.A. and Ph.D in educational and counseling psychology from the Catholic University of America and from her spiritual direction, trauma healing, multicultural development and conflict resolution background. She and her beloved husband Maury Flood shared 42 years of marriage and ministry before his passing in 2019. She can be reached by email at morconnors@aol.com.
Maryellen Doak, B.A. resides in Largo, Florida and is currently seeing directees in the Tampa Bay Area in person and on Zoom. She has been seeing directees since graduating in 2021 from the Audire Spiritual Director Training Program in the contemplative, evocative tradition. Maryellen worships in the Catholic tradition and welcomes companioning with people of all faith traditions and spiritualities, including 12-Step spirituality. She can be reached by email at doakme@yahoo.com.
Debra J. Fuller Ellis, Chaplain, currently resides in Wesley Chapel, FL, and meets with directees in person and on Zoom. She was certified through the Audire Spiritual Director Training program in 2021 in the contemplative, evocative tradition. Additionally, Debra became an accredited hospital chaplain in 2017. She worships within the Christian tradition though skilled in interfaith traditions. Debra recently published a book, Chapter 17: Debra J Fuller Ellis a personal memoir, on family dynamics, grief, teenage pregnancy, etc. She may be reached by email djf52055@gmail.com.
Kathy Filippelli was born and raised in Miami Florida. Kathy attended St. Leo University majoring in Religious Education and Theology. She did her practicum teaching at St. Pete Catholic high school and started her 42 years working for the People of God in the diocese of St. Petersburg in various ministry roles. She completed her Masters degree in theology from St John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota and received her spiritual direction training through the Audire Program in Orlando. Kathy has been sharing the life-long journey of Sacramental Marriage with her husband Tom for 39 years. She is a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Largo. Kathy is active in FAST: Faith and Action for Strength Together; a faith-based justice community organizing group in Pinellas County as well as attending the prayer vigils with FAPD (Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty). Kathy enjoys gardening, reading, serving as a spiritual director and keeping up with her extended family and friends. She can be reached by email at kathymf16@gmail.com.
Claudia Garcia was born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Queens, New York. Claudia has three adult children. In 2007, she began her studies in the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, while also completing her Master Catechist certification. Over the next three years, she completed her studies as a Spiritual Director. Her dedication and passion for the parish keep her on this ongoing journey of learning more about the Church. She holds a Master of Science in Church Business Management (MSCM) from Villanova University and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and Animation, as well as a certificate in Human Resources Management. She can be reached by email at cgarcia@stmarktampa.org.
John Gohman is a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, approved by the Diocese of St. Petersburg. After a career in behavioral health as a clinician and psychiatric administrator, he discerned a call to spiritual direction in 2015. He completed a three-year formation program, made the Spiritual Exercises, and interned in giving them. A certified grief educator, grief coach, and teacher of prayer, he accompanies others with a listening heart, attentive to God in all things. He meets in person and by Zoom for both direction and grief coaching. John lives in Palm Harbor with his wife, Peggy, and their dog, Finn. John can be reached at john.gohman2@gmail.com
Anne Lawrence, Ph.D. helps people to find meaning and inspiration in their life experiences. During spiritual direction, she supports individuals and groups as they reconnect with their inner wisdom, explore their spirituality, and deepen their relationship with Love. Anne also offers workshops and retreats, facilitating expressive-arts activities, guided meditations, contemplative labyrinth walks, and transformative experiences in nature. A graduate of Fr. Richard Rohr’s Living School, she is a long-term practitioner of contemplative spirituality. She can be reached by email at anne@thesoulcompanion.com.
Kathy Lieffort, M.S. resides in Howey in the Hills, FL and is currently seeing Directees in person and on Zoom. She has been a Spiritual Director since 2004 in the contemplative, evocative tradition and serves directees from a wide variety of spiritual beliefs, in both one to one and small group settings. Kathy served as a Spiritual Director instructor and supervisor through the Audire Spiritual Director Training program and serves as a spiritual director for silent, directed retreats at The Franciscan Center. Kathy currently worships in the Catholic tradition. To book an appointment, please email at klieffort@gmail.com
Claudia McIvor graduated from the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute and served in Catholic parish ministry for over 30 years. In 2024, Claudia graduated from the Audire Spiritual Direction training program. Now retired from parish work, Claudia sees directees on Mondays between 9 am and 2 pm at St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in St. Petersburg.
Claudia is a practicing Catholic, and is comfortable working with Catholics, but is also open to people of other religious traditions. She can incorporate twelve step spatiality, dreamwork, and a variety of other practices into spiritual direction. She can be reached by email at claudiamcivor@gmail.com
Bettina Schuller is a spiritual seeker on the journey into the heart of God and a joyful life! Her passion and purpose in life is accompanying spiritual seekers on their journey into the heart of God. She is a certified spiritual director; (Sursum Corda), certified life coach, teacher of Centering Prayer and author of the book, “This is Living! Practicing the Presence of God.” As a Spiritual Companion, Bettina has accompanied spiritual directees for over 20 years. Raised in the Lutheran Church and a member of the Episcopal Church, she is honored to accompany people of all faiths and backgrounds. She can be reached by email at Bettinaschuller57@gmail.com.
Peggy Wilson lives in Gainesville, FL and is currently seeing directees in person and on Zoom. She has been a Spiritual Director since 2025 in the contemplative, evocative tradition. Peggy is a graduate of the Audire Spiritual Director Training Program. Peggy’s worship community is Holy Faith Catholic Church in Gainesville. She is a retired academic and pediatric nurse practitioner. She can be reached by email at mwilson@unmc.edu.