Val De Brenni: Program Lead Teacher & Coordinator

Dip. T, 1968, Grad Dip R.E, 1984; (UniSA); B Th 1994; M Ed 2000 (UniSA); M Th St 2007, (Catholic Theological College: Flinders University); Cert. Supervision (Melbourne College Divinity 2011).

Undertook Spiritual Direction formation through the Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Directors’ Formation Program in 2007/2008, then was mentored by Sr. Carina Flaherty ivbm in 2009/10 as Program Assistant. Have been a spiritual director for 14 years.  Facilitating directed retreats for the last 9 years

Undertook supervision training (Grad Cert: Supervision) at Melbourne College Divinity, Janet Ruffing (2009), Maureen Conroy (2010) both with full practicum and at Supervision Workshop & Practicum - Lucy Abbott-Tucker (2013) (Institute for Spiritual Leadership, Chicago & Barnabas Ministries).

Has extensive experience in Adult Education, with eighteen years of experience as a Consultant in Religious Education and Spirituality, with the Catholic Education Office, S.A. and twelve years of experience as a lecturer/tutor at St. Francis Xaviers’ Seminary and then the Catholic Theological College, ACD Brooklyn Park, S.A. Currently am a Team member of the Mary MacKillop Precinct: Centre of Education, Spirituality and Hospitality.

Lesli Townsend: Assistant Coordinator

Undertook Spiritual Direction Training Archdiocese of Adelaide Spiritual Directors’ Formation Program 2013/14, graduated in 2014.

Experience of Teaching, Leading Retreats and group supervision. Spiritual Direction program supervisor past 5 years.Study at Christian Training Centre, Mapodo, New Guinea.2000-2009. Assisted in Adult Education, Biblical Studies, Pastoral Care.

Currently employed by Calvary Hospital coordinating a creative art pastoral care program in palliative care.

Bruno Benci: Administration Assistant

Bruno joined the Spiritual Direction Team in 2023. He has had extensive experience working in the Archdiocese of Adelaide and Port Pirie as a teacher and Principal in Catholic Schools for 40 years. Bruno has served on numerous Parish Pastoral Councils leading formation and parish planning. Bruno is currently undertaking studies in the Spiritual Direction Program.