Eleanor Mendoza Whitney
Spiritual Director and Supervisor
MA, DASD
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Availability: Weekdays 9:00 am -2:00 pm. Accepting new directees.
Pronouns: She/her/hers Training and Experience: I received my Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2005. Since that time, in addition to offering spiritual direction, I have served Presbyterian and Catholic congregations as a small group leader, speaker, cantor and choir director. I have served on the staff for the Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction and co-chaired their Advisory Board. I have also completed a certificate in trauma care that allows me to work with victims of human trafficking. Denominational Affiliation: I am a Christian. I was raised in the Catholic Church and have been married to a Presbyterian Pastor for 25+ years. I respect and welcome people from Christian Denominations and other faith backgrounds. Specialties: I offer individual and group spiritual direction, as well as retreats and stand-alone talks on topics like spirituality and praying with children. Of particular interest to me, is noticing the ways in which the Holy Spirit or the Divine communicates with us through our senses. I have a special place in my heart for parents as well as those going through transitions. I am an informed and affirming LGBTQIA+ ally. Style of direction: For me, spiritual direction is about accompanying the other person on their journey of discovery and deepening their relationship with God. Trusting the Holy Spirit, we are free to explore, wonder, and savor together. It is common for me to invite the directee deeper into their experience through silence, prayer, tuning-in to the body, and other modalities. My hope is to assist the directee in noticing the ways in which God accompanies and invites them into a deeper relationship. Personal information: I was born and raised in Southern California but have lived in different parts of Northern California for the last 25 years from the Bay Area, to Marin, to Sacramento. Before attending seminary, being a Human Resources Manager was a challenging but fulfilling career. Now, being a mother of three keeps me very busy, so personal practices of spiritual direction, singing, and hiking are very important to me. During my free time, you’ll find me meeting a friend for coffee, listening to music, or walking our dogs Remy and Phoebe. |