Areas of special interests are indicated, but all directors are typically open to any and all ages and stages of life. Special interest are included for the potential directee's (YOUR) discernment.

To email a director, click on the director's name, or right-click their name to copy the email address.

If their email is not linked here, reach out to the ASC to connect with that director. 

New Orleans

Sr. Suzanne Brauer, OP

I am a Dominican Sister of Peace, professed for over 50 years. I was born in New Orleans. My education includes graduation from Cabrini High School, from Loyola University, New Orleans with a BA, from Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN with a Masters in the Science of Administration and from Xavier University of Louisiana with a Masters in Theology with a focus on Black Catholic Spirituality. My ministry experiences include Parish Religious Education in Louisiana and Arizona, Leadership in my Religious Community, Treasurer of my Congregation, Director of Mission Education in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and now Co-Director of the Dominican Peace Center. 
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, social justice issues, especially racism, and ecology

Yvonne Hymel

I am a married woman living with my husband in Metairie, La.  A registered nurse, I retired after a long career in childbirth education.  I'm a spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and active in liturgical ministries.  A life long Catholic, I direct people from a number of other faith traditions.

Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, especially those struggling with faith

Deacon Tim Meaut

I am originally from Mississippi, but have been in New Orleans since my college days at Tulane University.  I am single, never married.  I was ordained a Deacon for the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 2018.  I currently minister at St. Edward the Confessor parish in Metairie.    I am retired from my professional life.

Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, Vocation discernment

Karen Tobin

I was born and raised in Texas but have called Metairie home since 1985. I am the mom of three adult sons and am still hoping for grandchildren one day? I am widowed and retired from a fulfilling career in Physical Therapy.  I am an Assistant director at the ASC and  teach Intern Spiritual Directors in that program. I offer directed retreats and spiritual direction to those interested in increasing their faith and prayer life in any Christian  denomination.

Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, Grief and loss, Discernment, 19th annotation

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Baton Rouge 

Diane T. Abbondante

I was born in New York but Louisiana has been my home for the past 43 years. I have been married to my husband for 46 years, we have two daughters and 4 grandchildren. I retired from an amazing career in Nursing after 30 years working in Surgical Services. I love all things Ignatian and most enjoy the one on one spiritual direction setting . I have directed the 19th annotation as well.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, Vocational discernment, Wife's journey with Deacon husband, Caregiving

Carmel Acosta

I was born in New Orleans, but I have lived in Baton Rouge all of my adult life. I have been in education and ministry for over 20 years in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. I am a recently trained spiritual director through the Archdiocese Spirituality Center and I have a masters from Notre Dame Seminary. 
Areas of Special Interest: Women in all ages and stages

Carmen Brito-Smith

I am from Quito, Ecuador. I have been in the country for 43 years. I am trained in the Ignatian Spirituality. I received my certification from  the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center  of New Orleans in 2015. I provide spiritual direction in both Spanish and English. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology from Florida Atlantic University.  I enjoy traveling with my husband and daughter and have visited the Vatican in Rome as well as the Holy Land and Medjugorje.  Through Just Faith programs, Carmen has participated in prison ministry in Angola for the pasty 8 years and has been interested in inter-faith dialogue and social justice initiatives.  She is part of the Busy Retreat team for students at Christ the King and Franciscan University.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Wendy Enloe

I am the Director of Adult Faith Formation and a spiritual director at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana. I meet with individuals and retreatants for spiritual direction at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, virtually, and offer programs on Christian formation and spirituality. As an instructor for the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center Spiritual Direction Internship program in New Orleans and for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Ministry and Theology Certification program, I share my passion for spiritual direction, spirituality, and prayer with adults in formation. 

Jo Gomez

I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a retired Catholic school teacher. I find joy in accompanying others on their spiritual journeys, helping them recognize how God is inviting them into deeper relationship, and discovering the beauty of God's love.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Sr. Joan Manuel, CSJ

I am a native of Cajun Country in La. where I raised two sons. My family has since grown to include 6 grandchildren and 3 little great grands. Surprisingly, at the age of 40 i joined the Sisters of St Joseph. I have been in religious life for 25 years living in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. I am a retired registered nurse and high school theology teacher. I have experience in hospital chaplaincy and in 2022 completed the Internship Program for Spiritual Directors. I am presently involved with parish work at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St Amant where I offer in person and virtual spiritual direction and facilitate 3 and 5 day retreats. I welcome people of various faith beliefs.

Fr. Tom Ranzino

I am a retired pastor in Baton Rouge and have been trained in the Ignatian SD through the Archdiocese Spirituality Center. I am currently offering spiritual Direction and have done so for 35+ years. My schedule varies, and I am currently doing some ZOOM direction. My back ground is active parish pastoring for 40 + years, specialization in Worship. 

Durwin Walker

I am a lay person in the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. I am a convert to Catholicism after may years in multiple Protestant denominations. So, I speak both Catholic and Protestant. I was trained in the Archdiocesan of New Orleans/Franciscan University of Baton Rouge internship, complete in 2 years of theology study at FranU in 2018, then the 18th annotation of the Spiritual Exercises, followed by a two year internship in Ignatian spiritual direction, which I completed in 2024.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages
In-person only

Lisa Veron

​I am a south Louisiana wife, mother and grandmother who has recently retired as a pediatric physical therapist.  We have been location in Baton Rouge for the last thirty years after living in St. James Parish.  I am also a Benedictine Oblate and have been involved in a variety of parish ministries for the past 50 years.  I am a certified Ignatian spiritual director through Franciscan University for the past two years.

​​Areas of Special Interest: 
I am interested in directing people of all ages in ongoing spiritual direction and on individual directed retreats.  I hope to direct those who want to develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with God within their prayer time and in the context of their daily lives.  I'm particularly interested in contemplative prayer and meeting God in creation.

Joan Bordelon

I am native New Orleanian, divorced and have two children and four grandchildren. Since 1992, my Apostolic work and ministry experiences include Parish Councils, Prayer-Healing team, Hospitality Coordinator at retreat centers, Religious Stores Manager, Ignatian Spiritual Project team facilitator. My experiences within the Ministry of Spiritual Direction have included working with individuals, retreat groups and workshops for Clergy, Religious and Lay women and men of all ages. My special interest is for those desiring to grow deeper in their prayer life, discerning vocations and those seeking healing having been afflicted/affected with various addictions and abuses. It is a Joy to walk with others
as they experience God's personal and intimate transforming love, grace and to be set free to go forth in love and service with God and Others! Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Sr. M. Cecilia Castillo, STJ

I am a religious of the Society of St. Teresa of Jesus (Teresian Sisters), and a spiritual director.  I formerly taught high school but now I am dedicated to accompanying others in their spiritual growth and friendship with the Lord.  I am an Ignatian-trained spiritual director through the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center with an associate in paralegal studies, undergraduate in secondary business education, and a maters on pastoral studies/spirituality from Loyola University New Orleans.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Elizabeth Goodine

I am a Spiritual Director and a semi-retired Professor of Early Christian History. I live in Covington, LA where my husband and I enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren. I am an active member at Christ Episcopal Church in Covington and am blessed to be a part of helping people there become more familiar with the process of Spiritual Direction and the Ignatian tradition.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Ann LaBauve

I am originally from the New Orleans area where I attended Dominican High School.  I am a retired from St. Tammany Parish School System where I spent most of my career as a social worker.  I am an Ignatian trained spiritual director having been certified through the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in Metairie as well as Creighton University's Christian Spirituality Program.  I enjoy providing individual spiritual direction as well as directing retreats.  
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Doris Melito
I lived most of my life in St Bernard Parish in LA, moved to Metairie and will be moving to Ponchatoula, LA in a couple of months. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I am a trained spiritual director through the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center  and an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. I offer spiritual direction and directed retreats to those desiring a closer relationship with Father, Son and Spirit. 

Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

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Monroe

Katherine Bernal

I became a spiritual director to help seekers experience a more intimate and personal relationship with the Lord. As a mature Christian it is essential to develop a more real relationship with God; bringing God more into our daily lives and bringing our lives to God in an honest, open way. My first spiritual director helped me to embrace this reality. My current parish work consists of Eucharistic Minister, lector and member of OCIA team. 
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages

Ramiro J. "Joe" Bernal

I was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida. Moved to New Orleans in 1974 where I met my wife of 49 years. We raised three daughters and have eight grandchildren. I am a certified Spiritual Director with ten-years of experience and a trained retreat director in the Ignatian tradition. I offer spiritual direction to adult men and women interested in increasing their faith and prayer life through Ignatian Spiritual Direction. 
Areas of Special Interest: Masculine spirituality

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Lafayette

Betsy Richard

I am Betsy Richard, a single, Catholic lay person living in Lafayette, LA. I was trained by the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in New Orleans, LA and have been a spiritual director since 2019. I am a member of St Pius X Catholic Church, a business owner and former board member of the LASD, Louisiana Association of Spiritual Directors. I see spiritual direction as a way to journey with others to a deeper relationship with God. My schedule is flexible. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if I can be of service to you.
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, 19th annotation

See also: Northshore - Ann LeBauve




Sr. Kathleen StakelumI am originally from New Orleans but currently live in Opelousas, LA. I joined the Marianites of Holy Cross after high school and have been involved in many ministries including: first grade teacher, parish minister, vocation and formation ministry for the Marianites, Hospice Spiritual Care, Nursing Home Pastoral Care, Spiritual Direction and Retreat Ministry.

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Alexandria

Ingrid Cannella

My name is Ingrid Cannella, and I am a Certified Spiritual Director in Central Louisiana, where I work in coordination with my Pastor and Bishop.  As a cradle catholic, I have been an active member of my local church, involved in a variety of ministries. Currently, I am serving on the LASD Board. In 2020, I began practicing Spiritual Direction while participating in the training and certification program offered by the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center.  I have continued my studies through Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  I use the contemplative-evocative method of spiritual direction that complements the exercises developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Additionally, I am trained and offer the 19th annotation for those who desire to participate and are prepared for this intensive, at-home retreat. I hope to accompany and support others in developing a closer relationship with God even amid the messiness of daily life.
Additionally, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist since 1988.  I am a certified Compliance Officer working in the Behavioral Health Care field.  After many years of providing behavioral health services, God drew me to Spiritual Direction through a local Deacon, and I find joy and gratitude participating in the ministry of spiritual direction. I can be reached via email at [email protected] 


Nicole A. Mitchell

I am a lifelong Roman Catholic and parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. I am married to Deacon Richard W. Mitchell and known in many parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria as the “Girl on Fire”. I have two daughters and one son-in-law. I like to spread the gospel of Christ through my involvement in many ministries throughout the Diocese. I am one of the founders of the Genesis of Eve Women’s ministry which was established in 2019 and volunteer my time to help host the annual conference.  Since then I sought out the Spiritual Director Internship and graduated in 2023.  
Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, Grief and loss

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Houma

Brenda Leroux Babin

I am an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, a certified Enneagram teacher and practitioner in The Narrative Tradition, and a retreat facilitator. I am a wife, mother, and Honey to three adorable grandchildren. I was born in New Orleans and baptized in Bayou Terrebonne where I now live in the town of Houma, Louisiana. I love to sit in deep conversation with another person exploring deeper questions and accompanying others in their spiritual lives. I also enjoy helping others in their journey of self-discovery and transformation using the Enneagram. My passion for serving my community and for dedicating her life to creating a better, more compassionate community for all is rooted in my deep spiritual belief that all are one. Learn more at www.BrendaLerouxBabin.com.
Areas of Special Interest: Ignatian Spirituality including discernment of spirits and life decisions, Spiritual Ecology, Self-discovery and transformation using the Enneagram, women’s issues

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Mississippi

Joan S. Dobard

I am married with two adult children. I am a certified SLP (speech language pathologist) but am not currently working in that field. My experiences with students/patients and their families in various settings have provided a wide range of experiences of accompaniment for those with communication or swallowing problems. Likewise, my own life experiences have provided fertile ground for the development of compassion and empathy. After a faith crisis, God changed everything for me. I am an Ignatian-trained spiritual director. I provide ongoing spiritual direction, direct 3,5, and 8 day retreats, and I am trained to lead the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life (or 19th Annotation). I have great appreciation for the different spiritualities within the Catholic church (Dominican, Carmelite, Franciscan for example). Likewise, I treasure each person's unique relationship with God and the unique gifts they are given in order to live out their vocation. It is an honor to help people become more aware of God's work in their lives.

Melinda Laird

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Arkansas

Christie Adler

I was born in south Viet Nam and grew up in Bridge City, Louisiana; thus, I am  bilingual in English and Vietnamese.  Although Bentonville, Arkansas is now home, New Orleans will always be in a special place in my heart.  By God's providence, I fell in love with Ignatian spirituality when I was 16 and made many annual silent and directed retreats since then, including the 30 day Spiritual Exercises in Azpeitia, Spain.  Through these retreats, the Holy Land pilgrimage, and the Camino de Santiago walk, little by little, Jesus drew me closer to Him.  And only by His grace, I have been humbled and privileged to witness God's presence in His people through ongoing spiritual direction and directed retreats.

Areas of Special Interest: All ages and stages, Discernment, Healing from loss, Trauma, and Oppression