Mission Statement
The Arizona Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Directors (AEISD), inspired and gifted by God, is a Christian organization, dedicated to providing the highest quality of spiritual education and formation. We welcome all spiritual seekers who are discerning a call to the vocation of spiritual direction. AEISD pro-vides a contemplative environment that facilitates a process toward personal transformation and a deeper awareness of God’s grace, wisdom and love.

Our History
The AEISD opened its doors as a new non-profit in September 2003 with a 2-year ecumenical program of study to meet the educational needs of those individuals discerning a call to the ministry of spiritual direction. AEISD is blessed with an academically and spiritually diverse faculty. Faculty members include leaders from various faith traditions, clergy, religious, professional psychologists and counselors, educators in religious studies and spirituality. AEISD rents office space and classrooms at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Through the years 50 students have been granted certificates of completion and current enrollment for 2008-09 stands at 22.

In October 2005, the Fr. Ernest Larkin Scholarship Fund was created in honor of Fr. Ernie Larkin, O. Carm. beloved spiritual director, writer and teacher.

The AEISD “Foundations in Spirituality” series was inaugurated in October 2006 offering introductory classes in Christian spirituality, prayer, scripture, Christology, faith development, images of God, and world religions.

In the Fall of 2007 “Spiritual Directors’ Connecting“ started monthly meetings for ongoing formation for spiritual directors. Current offerings include: lectio divina, power animals and spirituality, dream work, enneagram, mandala, grief issues and developing a personal mission statement.

Members of the AEISD General Council
Marilyn Bever, CSA, Executive Director. Marilyn, a vowed member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, has been Director of the Arizona Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Directors in Phoenix since 2002. She received her formation as a spiritual director at the Hesychia school in Tucson and has a Masters degree in spirituality from Prescott College in conjunction with studies at the Interfaith Theological Seminary in Tucson. She is active in teaching spirituality and theology to various adult groups and has a small spiritual direction practice.

Vivian L. Barrera, Program Administrator. Vivian has a B.A. in Spanish and attended the Art of Spiritual Direction program at the Kino Institute in Phoenix, AZ 1995 – 1997. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and Enrolled Agent who owns her own business and for 25 years she has assisted clients with tax preparation and financial planning. As a Spiritual Director, she has been graced to sit in companionship with those seeking to deepen their relationship with the Holy. Vivian is also a wife and mother who finds delight in writing, listening to others, teaching, leading retreats, practicing yoga, and being alive.

Dick Leopold, Director of Development.  Biography currently not available. 

Cathy Olds, President of the General Council for AEISD. Cathy has worked in religious education and pastoral ministry within the Roman Catholic Church for 30 years and is presently Director of Adult Formation and Social Ministry at St. Andrew the Apostle in Chandler, AZ where she also ministers as a spiritual director. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Bachelor of Science in History Education and World Religions. Cathy completed the training as a spiritual director through AEISD in 2005 when she joined the General Council. She has been president of the General Council since June, 2006.

Victoria Woods, Vice President of the General Council.   Biography currently not available.

Sally Worthington, Recording Secretary. Sally has worked in health care for 30 years, first as nursing home administrator and currently as a chaplain at an area hospital. She has a B.S. in Home Economics and a MAT from Fuller Seminary. She graduated from Kino Institute of Theology in 2002 with a certificate in spiritual direction. Her love is behavioral health and has facilitated women’s groups in 12 step programs for 22 years. She has been recording secretary since 2004.

Rev. Carolyn E. Quinn, Member-at-Large and Co-chair of Marketing Committee. Education: Bachelors in Religion, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Masters in Social Work, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, ordained Interfaith Minister, graduate of New Center for Spiritual Direction. Experience: 35+ years as a social worker, nurse, mental health therapist, minister, working in psychiatry, mental health, oncology, hospice, case management, wellness, life coaching, spiritual direction. Workshops given on spirituality, wellness, stress management, grief, and ecology. Episcopalian: Service on the Vestry and Altar Guild; lay lector and adult education teacher; facilitator of grief group.

Mary Anderson, Member at large and member of AEISD Finance Committee. Mary Fitzhenry Anderson graduated from Kino Institute in 2004, from the program of Theological Studies. She attended AEISD, receiving her certification as a Spiritual Director, May, 2005, and attended Mercy Center in Burlingame, Ca. where she received a certification in Group Spiritual Direction, July, 2005. Mary joined the Board and Council of AEISD in 2005 and became Treasurer for three years. After working for thirty years in Banking, she took nursing courses, and worked as an Office Manager for an Internist for several years, before arriving in Arizona. She has a B.A. from Hunter College of the City University of New York, where she majored in Psychology, and had a double minor in Anthropology, and Economics. Mary is very active in her Parish, St. Catherine Labourè in Chino Valley, where she also meets with Spiritual Directees. She has facilitated various Retreats in the Prescott area.
 
Amanda Peterson, Member at large. Biography currently not available. 

Leslie Putt, Member at large. Biography currently not available.

Sharon Taszarek, Member at large. Biography currently not available.

Rev. John Shetler, Member at large.  Biography currently not available.

Duncan McAuley, Member at large.  Biography currently not available.

Michelle Jereb, Member at large.  Biography currently not available.