What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a relationship where space is made for noticing God’s activity within ordinary, daily life. A Spiritual Director serves as a prayerful listener to both the directee and the Spirit, with an emphasis on...

Borrowing prayers from others

”Pray as you can, not as you can’t.” — often attributed to Teresa of Ávila ... There are seasons of faith when prayer can feel… impossible. Instead of mustering up willpower, I’ve learned to lean on the words of others when my own...

A Critical Journey: When Faith Changes

Various Stages of Faith theories have been helpful for me in getting through difficult and desolate places in my journey. Knowing I wasn't completely lost in my valleys gave me hope for healing in the future as I continued along...

How do I start building a Rule of Life?

“A Rule of Life is a set of principles and practices we build into the rhythm of our daily lives, helping us to deepen our relationship with God and to serve Him more faithfully. If Creeds are what we believe and Christ is why we...

Growing in Self-Awareness and Acceptance

Self-awareness is a lifelong journey of noticing what’s happening within us... in our thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences. Alongside that work, we learn to meet ourselves with honesty and compassion. As we continue to grow,...

Examen-ing your life

"The prayer of examen is the specific searching every day to find where God's love is active this day, where God's love is leading today, to discern what within me may be resisting that leading and to discover the growth to which God...

Breath Prayers

A breath prayer is exactly what it sounds like. A prayer you breathe. And as often as you become aware of your breathing, you can incorporate your own personal breath prayer. This way of breathing is embodied, biblical and...

Labyrinth: A Way to Pray

A labyrinth is a physical way to pray, and for me personally a picture of the spiritual journey. It’s not a maze, it has a center and one way to get there. There are two movements, toward and away. When you're prayer walking a...

Finding Peace in Pause

In the past 18 months, I’ve felt a growing need for more quiet and space in my day. Maybe I’m just overwhelmed, or maybe Jesus knows what I need. I’ve shifted from structured Bible study to a quieter, more open approach. I'm taking...

Spiritual Direction online + in-person

Meet Monica

Meet Monica

Spiritual Director

Salem, Oregon  |  video sessions
Online Booking | Fee: Sliding Scale

I offer spiritual direction sessions online and in person. Being alongside others in their spiritual journey is where I feel most at home. It’s a true privilege to meet people right where they are.

My approach is shaped by my own experiences of doubt and questioning, a trauma-informed and resilience-focused lens, and tools like the Enneagram that invite deeper self-awareness. Together, we make space for you to be more honest (and more gentle) with yourself, and to notice God as active, present, and deeply loving.

My faith journey has taken a winding path, from an eclectic, multifaith upbringing, shaped by an Evangelical conversion in college, and expanded through liturgical traditions, Ignatian spirituality, and contemplative practices. I hold master’s degrees in Teaching and Christian Spiritual Formation + Leadership, and currently serve as a chaplain with young adults experiencing homelessness. I received my certificate in Spiritual Direction from the School of Sustainable Faith, which forms students in lives of compassionate, discerning listening to God, others, and themselves.

I share life with my husband, two sons, and our very good dog. I love evenings with jazz radio (shoutout KMHD 89.1), puzzles, daily walks through the neighborhood and local cemetery, and I’m fully embracing my midlife sourdough era.

If you’re curious about spiritual direction or wondering if this might be a good fit, I’d love to connect. You’re welcome to reach out or schedule an exploratory session.

See my profile on Spiritual Directors International and Grafted Life Ministries:

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In their words…

“Monica creates a loving, non-judgmental space where I can question, share my fears, and explore my root struggles. She helps me quiet my mind to connect with God in a way I sometimes can’t do on my own because my thoughts are moving too quickly. I am so thankful to have Monica guide me.”