As a director, most of what I do is create space for a certain kind of conversation-- about God, about life, and about life with God.  Although I have been trained in direction and have been practicing it for over half a decade now, I'm still amazed at all the good things that can happen when we simply create space for God.  This seemingly small act of setting aside time to listen, to rest, to seek, to be found, is sometimes all that's needed.  And when Christians decide to do this together, the blessings multiply. 

​

In retreats, just as in direction, my goal is to create space and provide tools for people to connect with God through prayer.  This can take many forms, but usually involves some combination of teaching, engagement with Scripture, participation in contemplative practices such as Lectio Divina, silent personal guided retreat time, and small group discussions.  

​

In 2017, I had the privilege of leading a group of women from the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, CA through a weekend in the book of Ruth:

​

"The women participating in our church retreat  were deeply engaged as Joanna led them through the book of Ruth and pointed them to God.  It was evident that Joanna came with thoughtful and insightful preparation of retreat content but it was also clear that her Spirit-led discernment helped her guide and customize the retreat experience for our women. In the weeks and months following the retreat I have continued to receive great feedback about Joanna's retreat leadership from our women."  -- Rev. Erica Rader, Parish Associate

​

In 2018, I enjoyed a snowy weekend with All Angels' Church in New York, NY.  We spent the weekend exploring ideas from James K.A. Smith's You Are What You Love:

​

"Joanna is a phenomenal teacher and retreat leader. She brings an extremely rare combination of biblical rootedness and theological insight, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, rich grounding in sacramental worship and contemplative prayer, mixed with compassion, creativity and humor. The weekend she led was one of the most powerful times we’ve experienced at a church retreat. " -- Rev. Christine Lee, Vicar

​

I offer a number of prepared retreats, but am also open to crafting a retreat for your group's particular needs.  If you are interested in exploring the possibilities together, just let me know and we can arrange a time to connect. 

​