Jenny McConnell - Spiritual Formation Director
I am a Certified Professional Life Coach and a Spiritual Director. I have been working in the education and disabilities field since 1990. I have a Master's in Special Education, an Associate Diploma in Creative Arts, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, and a Certificate from the Yale School of Emotional Intelligence. I am a mother of three boys who are neurodiverse. Two of my three boys and myself have a hearing impairment.
My Approach to Spiritual Direction
My work is grounded in the belief that healing and growth begin through reconnecting with your authentic self within a safe and sacred space for exploration.
I also believe that everyone has the potential to hear "Love's Whisper."
Spiritual Direction is a practice of deep listening. I attune myself both to your lived experience and to God’s (your language is welcome) gentle guidance as I support you in discerning the voice and presence of the Spirit. Whether you are seeking clarity, healing, purpose, guidance, or personal freedom, our sessions of deep listening are sacred and are often described as feeling like"I have come home."
This work is relational and contemplative, inviting stillness, connection, and an openness to the Spirit.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is a safe, warm, and gentle environment whereby the Spiritual Director walks alongside a Directee for as long as they both decide. Spiritual Direction is a non judgemental, and sacred space for someone who is seeking a closer relationship with themselves and God (your language is welcome) and desires transformation and freedom. Spiritual Direction offers stillness, silence, and a contemplative posture that allows the Directee to lead when they are ready. The Spiritual Director supports them by offering language or reflecting back what the Directee might be saying and/or experiencing. The Spiritual Director helps the Directee explore more deeply and discerns what (God) might be doing and saying through open ended questions. The Spiritual Director listens to the Directee and holds silence for the (Spirit of God) to move within the Directee and the session.
In our sessions, I listen deeply to your story and ask gentle, thoughtful questions that invite reflection on your inner life and experiences of God. We make room for silence allowing the (Spirit of God) to move and speak personally to you. My role is not one of a therapist who is an expert, rather someone who listens and supports you to personally grow and discern (God’s) presence and direction for your life.
This process draws on four listening postures—support, exploration, discernment, and interiorization—and is shaped around your unique spiritual journey. Sessions may include prayer, reflection, and resources that open new perspectives and nurture spiritual growth.
I bring decades of Christian faith, formal training in Spiritual Direction, and a compassionate, non-judgmental presence. Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with (God) for many years, I am here to listen, journey with you, and support you as you grow closer to Him—often over a season of 6–12 months, and sometimes much longer.
Please contact me for a free 20-minute online consultation.
Retreats


Retreats are typically two nights and two days at Van Es Unity Lodge, just 30 minutes East of Edmonton, with a capacity for 24 people. It includes one dinner on Saturday night and two breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday. There is a kitchen provided to make your own lunch and snacks. These retreats will focus on rest, rejuvenation, stillness, silence, art, and sharing in small groups. It is for everyone who is weary, grieving, feeling lost, or just needs time out to be still and reflect.
Jenny is absolutely amazing! I Highly recommend her. She is experienced, trustworthy, understanding, and always willing to listen and guide you in the right direction. She is passionate and kind. You will feel safe and valued.
Paula. S. Age 55
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