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Biography
As a spiritual director, trained in the traditions of St. Ignatius of Loyola, it is my privilege to journey with others, always on the lookout for the ways God is present and moving in our lives.
Professionally, my experience begins and ends in Catholic education. My first career-oriented job was at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles where I taught freshmen theology and coached girls’ basketball. When my children entered elementary school, I transferred to teach where they were in school, Our Lady Queen of Heaven. We relocated to Mobile, Alabama and in time, both of our children would choose to study at Spring Hill College. It wasn’t long before we were, once again, back on campus together! I took a position at Spring Hill, working for Fr. Christopher Viscardi, SJ and Fr. Gregg Lucey, SJ. In these men, and their Jesuit brothers, I observed a beautifully lived example of Ignatian Spirituality. With their encouragement and support, I completed the Certificate of Spiritual Direction at Spring Hill College.
I have worked in many different areas within the church including, ministering at Mobile County Metro Jail, serving as prefect of the Ignatian Branch of the Sodality of Spring Hill College, participating with other couples in the Domestic Church Movement and various other faith formation initiatives. Serving on retreat teams, in particular as a spiritual companion on A.C.T.S. retreats, affirmed my desire to become a spiritual director.
My husband and I live in Mobile, Alabama but spend considerable time in Louisiana where our two adult children and two grandchildren live.
Joan S Dobard
BoardBiography
I am Joan Dobard, a Catholic lay person living in Alexandria, LA. I’m married and have 2 adult children and a daughter in law. I am a member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, where I have volunteered or served in various ministries over the years.
As a speech-language pathologist, I have walked with many individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds through difficult circumstances, challenging obstacles, and celebrations of achievements. The Holy Spirit has utilized these experiences, combined with a lifetime of active compassionate listening and the many changing seasons and events of life to enrich my perspective as I accompany others on their spiritual journey.
Years ago, I experienced a personal faith crisis and began a search for answers. Christ met me where I was and my life was changed. I began spiritual direction with a priest and began voraciously learning about the faith and growing in my interior life. Years later, while looking for a new spiritual director, I was invited to consider the internship. I completed the prerequisites and was accepted into and trained by the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center of New Orleans, LA. I feel blessed to participate in this ministry. I am happiest when I am accompanying someone in a monthly session or on retreat.
I can meet with individuals in person or virtually by Zoom. I can provide ongoing directions, as well as 3, 5, and 8 day retreats and the spiritual exercises in daily life also known as the 19th annotation.