Spiritual Direction

Being on a spiritual journey implies that you have a relationship with God, the Holy, the Creator, the Ultimate Mystery, a Higher Power. Like any relationship, at times we need someone to listen to our experiences and help us see and hear where God is touching our lives. Being heard is both a healing and a deepening experience. Contemplative Outreach staff members offering spiritual direction are:

Linda Blincow

As a spiritual companion, I will offer you a safe space to talk and reflect about your relationship with mystery, which I refer to as God. I will listen with compassion and without judgment to whatever it is that you want to share. Spiritual direction helps the individual on their spiritual journey, making it a less isolated experience, allowing for healing and growth.

I am trained and certified in the Benedictine tradition of Spiritual Direction through the Benet Hill Monastery Global Online Spiritual Direction Program, which is acknowledged and fully certified. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and have taken numerous classes and have completed other spiritual, religious, and theological programs. All of these experiences have enhanced my knowledge of and relationship with the Holy One, and of my own human nature, and make me ever more curious to seek and search for that Higher Power.

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Claire Cassell

Claire has been a Spiritual Director for over 25 years and specializes in wellness for body, mind and spirit. She has been a Lutheran pastor for over 40 years and is a Certified Life Coach. She is also a Qigong instructor and a Healing Touch and Reiki practitioner. Claire teaches classes and leads workshops and retreats on meditation, prayer and other spiritual topics. She has a specialty in addictions/recovery work and has served as a chaplain at several Chemical Dependency Centers, including Hazelden, in Minnesota.

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Susan Harman

Susan is a certified Spiritual Director in the Denver metro area, certified through the Benet Hill Spiritual Formation Program. Her spiritual journey began in the Roman Catholic faith and has grown and evolved in progressive Christianity with a focus on the contemplative and mystical faith practices. It is in this contemplative spaciousness that she believes all traditions converge.While steeped in the Christian tradition she has a deep respect for other faith traditions. Susan has trained as a Wellness Coach with a focus on individual potential; this aligns with seeking one's unique potential through deepening connection with Higher Power. "Acceptance of our basic goodness is a quantum leap on the Spiritual Journey" (Fr. Keating) and spiritual companioning can offer the space to grow into that truth. Please contact Susan if you would like to explore how spiritual companioning might support your own journey.

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Colleen Hatton

Colleen is a certified spiritual director who has practiced centering prayer for the past 25 years. She is married, has two grown sons and had a 40-year career in healthcare and wellness. Currently, she does contemplative spiritual direction, facilitates the Thomas Keating spiritual journey series, and is active in a 12-step program (Al Anon).

Her passion is helping others grow spiritually and awaken to God’s presence within. During a session, God is the actual spiritual director. Colleen is your spiritual companion. When you meet, God is asked to join the two of you as you share your present-day circumstances and dilemmas, (God is most present in our everyday lives.) Colleen is there to be present and listen deeply to you and your story. Colleen will ask open-ended questions to help you delve deeper into what God might be saying to you. Spiritual direction will help you connect more deeply with your True Self as you progress on the spiritual journey.

Colleen is happy to do a free 30-minute phone conversation with you to answer questions and see if the two of you are a good fit.

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Carole Koski

Carole is a long-time contemplative prayer practitioner. Please feel free to contact her for further information.

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Eric Peter

Eric is a long-time contemplative prayer practitioner. Please feel free to contact him for further information.

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Peg Schmitz

Retired after a 35-year career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, I have recently completed a 2 yr. Spiritual Direction Certificate Program through the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program. Previously, I completed a 2 yr. Certificate Program in Jungian Dream Work with the Jung Association of Teachers & Therapists & have extensive studies in Sandplay Therapy with the Colorado Sandplay Therapy Association. I have completed the Spiritual Journey Series & many others & regularly practice Centering Prayer & meditation.

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Sherry Shimek

I am a Contemplative spiritual director recently certified through apprenticeship with the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction, trained and Spiritual Direction supervision by Rev. Teresa Blythe. Associated with the Denver Center for Contemplative Living, the Colorado Chapter of Contemplative Outreach. I am a Teacher and Mentor of the Spiritual Journey series as presented by Father Thomas Keating for over 10 years.

Companioning as we walk a spiritual path is my purpose and my passion. I practice Centering Prayer and other companion practices that center me in my journey. Willing to contemplatively listen and reflect where your heart and spirit are nudging you to walk. I step with the grace of God a path of grief and am training to become a grief counselor. This was spurred by significant losses the past five years and knowing in my heart this is an area of need where knowing that valley can lighten the way.

I am available on zoom or in person in Plattsmouth and Omaha metro, Nebraska.

Contact Sherry