A friend has said about me: "Joni is either the most serious fun person I know, or the most fun serious person I know." I'm both humbled and proud to be seen in this light. Serious things can be joyful, and joy can be a serious commitment. I'm dedicated to joy and the flourishing of souls.

After many years of deep interests in many things, I have concluded that I am a creative lifelong learner committed to being relational, self-aware and... joyous. I love spiritual direction, healthcare chaplaincy, spirituality, creativity, social justice, people, and community. I also insist on the Oxford comma. My long-term passions include a love for acting and directing in live theatre, photography, and personal development.

I'm dedicated to bringing my heart and listening into encounters with others in a way that deepens the connection that each of us has to each other and God. I believe this breaks down barriers that might prevent us from our fullest self-expression. When these barriers are removed, we are free to experience a rich wellspring of love and forgiveness for ourselves and others.

In addition to being a spiritual director, I also serve as Project Coordinator for Unity Worldwide Ministries Spiritual Direction Certification Program. It is a program based in the tenets of unitive consciousness, mystical wisdom, inner evolutionary spiritual consciousness, the authentic nature of each individual, and the many paths that lead to inner peace.

I received my training in spiritual direction from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, where I earned a Master's in Spiritual Formation. I belong to the Austin Area Spiritual Directors Community and am a member of Spiritual Director's International.

I live in Cedar Park, TX, just outside of Austin, TX, where I garden, cook, and try to be good at fish keeping and aquascaping. I live with my adorable and wonderful wife Tammy the Optimistic Meditator, Sam the Dog, and several pretty freshwater fish.