Spiritual Direction Training Program

Jean Kim-Snyder has been a practicing mental health professional for over 25 years and is a graduate of the University of Illinois and UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work. Jean has been in private practice since 2017.  Prior to that, Jean has been a part of a group trauma therapy practice for 10 years, as well as a school social worker for 12 years. Jean specializes in working with Asian Americans in the areas of racial, intergenerational and religious trauma with both individuals and couples.  Jean utilizes an experiential, attachment focused approach to working with clients. Jean has been married for 25 years and has two young adult children. Jean has been a part of Live on the Vine Church for over 15 years and considers herself a progressive Christian and an LGBTQ ally.

Ken Lund is a spiritual director, direction supervisor and teacher who feels fortunate to have had the assistance of spiritual directors throughout most of his adult life. After 30+ years as a lawyer—mostly doing criminal defense work for the Wisconsin State Public Defender—he is privileged to listen to other people’s stories and help them to see the movement of God in their lives. A spouse, two daughters who live nearby with their partners, two growing grandchildren, and active involvement in 12-step recovery provide richness and meaning to Ken’s life.

Ken received a certificate in spiritual direction in 2009 from the C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, where he now teaches in an adjunct role. He completed supervision training from Lucy Abbott Tucker in 2012. He has been trained and commissioned by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., to lead centering prayer workshops for both 12-step and general groups. He regularly plans and leads retreats of various sorts and has an active direction and supervision practice in Madison, WI; Chicago; and over the internet.

Mary Ellen Ryley, SCMM (Sister of Charity of Our Lady Mother of Mercy). Mary received her training in Spirituality and Dreams from the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago. She has been involved in the training of Spiritual Directors for more than 25 years as staff member of the Institute for Spiritual Leadership, the Institute of Spiritual Companionship, and the Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Seminary. She continues to be involved as a Spiritual Director, supervisor, retreat and workshop facilitator in the Chicago area.

Mary Ellen (Mel) holds a Masters Degree in Religious Studies from the University of Detroit and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago.

My life’s passion has been and continues to be a desire to experience and live out Micah 6:8: “This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.” 

I began my professional journey teaching communication and theater in community colleges. While raising three children, I became a parent educator and trained parent leaders to facilitate support groups in churches, schools and community organizations.  Midlife, it became apparent that, as a former pastor said to me, “You are a pastor and won’t be at peace until you go to seminary.”  So I went. I served a small church as pastor in an immigrant community where honesty reigned, and I was challenged to grow in ways of justice and love beyond myself.  I also served a large church as an associate pastor/family pastor where resources flowed freely. I served in middle judicatory leadership as an Associate Superintendent and facilitated new church development. 

I was trained as a Spiritual Director during my judicatory leadership and also served as a director during that time.   I served as the Executive Director of Ministry Mentors, a national not-for-profit organization that facilitated and trained pastors in peer mentoring and connected mentors with seminary students. I have walked alongside many pastors and their families in my pastoral and leadership roles.  I currently serve as a Spiritual Director.   

Participating in the mission of the Journey Center of Chicago is my commitment to continue living a life of compassion, contemplation, love and justice.