hi, my name is Jodi Jean.

Although born in the US, I spent my formative years as a third-culture kid after moving to Taiwan at age 9. Growing up in a Buddhist/Taoist family, I never felt a true sense of belonging until encountering Jesus. During my time at Smith College, my faith blossomed as I got involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, ultimately earning a BA in Psychology and teaching licensure.

After relocating to Boston to attend Harvard's Graduate School of Education, I experienced deep emotional loss. Immersing myself in my professional life as an elementary school teacher helped me cope, but years later, I began to ponder,

"If I believe in a living God, then why isn't He talking to me? And why am I doing all the talking?"

This pivotal question led me to receive spiritual direction myself and complete training through the PAX Center for Spiritual Formation.

Through the relational ministry of spiritual direction, I am learning to engage with the God Who Sees Me (El Roi; Genesis 16:13) and as I have experienced His loving kindness during the highs as well as the lows, I eagerly invite others to “taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)!

In addition to my spiritual direction practice, I serve as the ministry leader for the spiritual direction program at my local church. Married for over a decade, my husband has served as a pastor and chaplain for university and military communities. We love experiencing different cultures by eating our way through various countries and cuddling at home with our adorable Maltipoo.

Winslow Homer, Old Friends, 1894

“God does not want us to stand back in fear. What he desires is reverential intimacy. He wants us close enough to him that we know his heart – close enough to hear his heartbeat. He wants to look into our eyes, and he wants us to look into his.”

— David G. Benner