Tim Arsenault is co-founder of the Audire program and currently serves as co-facilitator for Year 2, helping interns move from theory into practice. He received his training at Washington Theological Union and has served in pastoral ministry, education, ministry formation, and hospice care.
Becca Bass deeply values the sacred experience of companioning those seeking to draw closer to God. Her own experience is rooted in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. Becca holds a Master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats from the Wellstreams Ecumenical Training Program and 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education. In addition to serving as a Spiritual Director and retreat leader, Becca has served as a Chaplain in hospice, hospital and retirement communities and currently serves as Bereavement Coordinator for BayCare Health System. Becca joined the Audire faculty in 2019, working with year 3 interns and serving as the Board’s spiritual director. Becca is a member of Spiritual Directors International and is endorsed by the Federation of Christian Ministries.
Diane Francisco teaches the Year 1 class. Her background as a registered nurse in health care and psychiatric settings as well as her many years of experience as a retreat facilitator have uniquely equipped her to tend to the interns holistically—mind, body, and spirit—with a special emphasis on interpersonal relationships and communication skills. Diane trained in the Audire program and has 20 years of experience in spiritual direction.
Ellen Kalenberg co-coordinates the Audire program and co-teaches Year 3, helping interns hone their skills at being present to others through a variety of means, including dream work, artwork and the consideration of life stage. Ellen was trained at the Claret Center in Chicago in 1981 and joined the Audire faculty in 1998.
Kathy Lieffort, M.S., (Spiritually Independent) anAudire Spiritual Direction Formation graduate since 2007, has enjoyed providing spiritual direction/companionship with directees with a wide variety of spiritual beliefs, in both private and small group settings, in person and in cyber spaces (like Zoom). Kathy has been an Audire Teaching Assistant in Year One and Two since 2014 and is a Supervisor for Spiritual Direction/Companion interns. She studied with Shalem Institute’s 2 year Soul of Leadership program where she was steeped in the use of the Clearness Committee and also attended both Audire’s and Shalem’s Group Spiritual Direction training programs. Kathy is associated with Spiritual Directors International and Shade & Fresh Water and has broadened her spiritual knowledge by attending programs at the Center for Spiritual Care, Franciscan Center, the Oblate School of Theology and One River Wisdom School. Kathy recently retired from 35+ years as a healthcare executive and now has more space and time for daily journaling, centering prayer, art of multiple forms (painting and weaving among her favorites) and gathering with loved ones (she is always busy in the kitchen). Kathy lives in Howey in the Hills, FL, with the love of her life (and husband), Jim. She has 2 children, 2 step children and 6 “perfect” grandchildren.
Carol Ludwig teaches in the third year of the Audire program. She coordinates Audire’s periodic supervision training programs, and helps participants learn peer supervision skills and ethical standards. She was trained at the Shalem Institute, Washington Theological Union, and Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. Her particular interests are feminine spirituality and supporting caregivers. Carol is the Executive Director of the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach, FL.
Mary Manrique co-teaches Year 2 of Audire, helping students build on the concepts learned in Year 1 by applying them directly to the ministry of spiritual direction. She completed her studies in spirituality at St. Thomas University in Miami, FL, and has been passionate about the practice of spiritual direction for more than 40 years. Her life’s work has been centered on hospice and palliative care, and she is deeply invested in her family, including her five amazing grandchildren.
Staff
Ruth Mustonen is an Audire graduate who has participated in several supervisor training sessions over the years. She was a year 3 assistant for 5-6 years until 2020. Ruth is currently the Supervisor Coordinator for the supervisors who journey with the Audire Interns. She received her Clinical Laboratory degree at the University of Florida prior to traveling and living overseas for 18 years. Ruth is particularly drawn to creation spirituality and a contemplative stance in life. She enjoys journeying with others as a spiritual director as they discover greater meaning in their lives. She also enjoys camping, biking, quiet time in nature and being with her dog, Maggie, who is now a little old greying black lab!
