Director, Faculty

JeanetteBanashak has a background in traditional and alternative education, Spiritual Formation, Creativity, pedagogy and andragogy, mindfulness as an educational tool, interdisciplinary studies, leadership development, human development, hermeneutics, Spanish, Forest Bathing and the Enneagram. She is the author of The Mindful Pilgrimage: A 40-Day Pocket Devotional for Pilgrims of Any Faith or None.

Jeanette completed her dissertation on the interrelationship between creativity and mindfulness.  Her phenomenological study drew from Western and Eastern contemplative practices and considered their influence on one's creative life.  Originally a high school teacher, Jeanette has taught mindfulness to Kindergartners through second graders in Chicago Public Schools and is currently a senior instructor at Erikson Institute and a Visiting Professor of Spiritual Direction at The Graduate Theological Foundation.  She is a member of Spiritual Directors International. 

Jeanette has also presented for the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto and Chicago and frequently presents at Spiritual Director International's conferences.. She is a spiritual guide and supervisor and offers them in English and Spanish.  Jeanette received her certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a PhD in Education and an EdD, both from the Graduate Theological Foundation, an interreligious school in Oklahoma City, OK. 

​When she's not teaching, Jeanette enjoys playing board games and telling stories with friends and family. 

Faculty

John is an ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He has previously served in other capacities as a hospital and organizational chaplain, congregational pastor, and musician for over 20 years. John is also a Buddhist and Daoist practitioner and a Qigong practice group leader. John currently serves as a spiritual director and a ministry consultant. He has developed a deep appreciation for the sacred invitation of companionship with those engaged in discernment, expression, and compassion arising from their spiritual formation.

John received his Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He received his Doctorate of Ministry with distinction in 2018 with the dissertation "The Spiritual Formation of a Courage-to-be: The Inter-religious Wisdom of Tillich, Buddhism, and Jazz." He was the former professor of Spiritual Formation at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, assisting students in becoming spiritual leaders for their programs in Inter-religious Chaplaincy, Social Transformation, Theology and the Arts, and congregational ministry. He has been published in the 2021-2022 Routledge Buddhist-Christian Studies handbook. John is a second-generation Chinese American. His research and practical application interests arise from these intersections and include spiritual formation and direction for BIPOC communities and individuals, non-dual cultivation practices across religions, and communal rituals, liturgy, and music.

John is originally from Indiana. He now resides in the Twin Cities of Minnesota with his family after moving there from San Francisco in 2008. He really loves the boundary waters in northern Minnesota, the changes of seasons, and the abundance of natural surroundings. He also enjoys playing and listening to music and playing a variety of sports.

Faculty

Kristina's lifelong passion has been creating spaces for others to discover their own sense of meaning and purpose. With an emphasis on compassion, inclusion, and social action, her work as spiritual guide, educator, sound healer, and pastor have allowed her to pursue these passions in creative and joy-centered ways. 

Kristina received her Doctorate of Ministry in 2023 with the dissertation “Increasing Joy in Everyday Life” where the question was asked: Can we qualitatively improve our lives by tapping into joy, not only as an emotion, but as the unlimited essence of our being? Kristina holds her DMin in Spiritual Direction with an Interfaith/Interspiritual emphasis from the Graduate Theological Foundation and is also a certified Spiritual Director, certfied Sound Healer, and Ordained Pastor. Learn more about Kristina’s work and offerings at TendingMe.com.

Kristina serves on the board for Blue Ocean Faith and also as Outreach Committe Chairperson at First Presbyterian Church in Central Wisconsin. Her work can be found on Episodes 1 through 171 of The Contemplative Life Podcast and the Foundry Spiritual Center YouTube Channel, including playlists on the Joie de Vivre Journey, Ways to Practice the Contemplative, and Guided Meditations. Kristina is the author of Abundant Joy: A 90-Day Journey towards Sustainable, Authentic, Life-Changing Joy as well as Proverbs: A Reflection Guide for Everyday Living.

As an energetic, lifelong learner, Kristina aims to create environments for others to discover their own unique paths. She currently lives in Central Wisconsin with her partner, 4 children, their cat, and their dog where the days tend to center around food, music, games, and as much fun as the day can possibly hold.