My philosophy is simple — I desire to offer a gentle presence so that the divine spark within you can bring forth newness, healing, and wholeness.
The Golden Thread…
Recently a new friend asked me what the reoccurring themes were in my life story. I had to ponder this question but eventually came to the realization that…
inherent within my life is a relentless desire to awaken within myself and others what is true, meaningful, essential and already present deep within.
As I look back, I sense a golden thread, a thread woven with the joy of awakening and self-discovery. It is woven through my early work with children with disabilities and their families, the young teen parents I supported, my intrinsic attraction to the spirituality of Montessori education, my love of childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting as well as in my current work spiritually companioning others and educating and forming spiritual directors. Reflecting on all of this has helped me to see that self-discovery is my teaching method, the way I choose to minister, and the principal for which I am willing to lay down my life over and over again. Rumi, the 13th Century poet and Sufi mystic, says that “We carry inside us the wonders we seek…” I could not agree more and look forward to helping you look within and discover the many wonders you seek.
Experience
26 years of professional ministry
24 years companioning children and adults as an educator and formation leader with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori inspired contemplative spirituality.
8 years offering spiritual direction
6 years supervising spiritual directors and graduate students in ministry
5 years forming spiritual direction students
4 years, providing life coaching
Education
Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies/Catechesis of the Good Shepherd—Aquinas Institute of Theology
Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction—Aquinas Institute for Theology
Certificate in Supervision of Spiritual Directors—Together in Ministry
Board Certified Life Coach—Center for Credentialing & Education
Wellness Coaching Specialist—Institute for Life Coach Training
B.S. In Special Education—The University of Texas at Austin
What People Are Saying
“Having formally entered into the spiritual direction ministry a few years ago, it is imperative to me that I create a safe and nurturing space for directees as they seek God’s presence in their lives. In supervision, Autumn creates that very same space, allowing me to recognize the Spirit at work in both me and my ministry. Her wisdom, compassion, and courage have fostered such growth and authenticity, it extends her reach well beyond me, serving those I walk with as well.”
— Monica Galarza, Supervisee
“Autumn brings a breadth of life experience coupled with a deep knowledge of spiritual traditions that grounds both her and her work. After listening deeply, I've often witnessed her asking a single question that totally reframes the narrative, opening up possibilities for reflection and insight that weren't there before. With Autumn, it's like being present on the road to Emmaus again and again and again.”
— Ann Garrido, DMin. Associate Professor, Author and Speaker
“Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference.”
— David Augsburg