I am Faye Coorpender, a spiritual director since 2016. I enjoy journeying with others through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and on-going spiritual direction. My personal experiences of on-going spiritual direction, retreat work, workshops, conferences, and relationships with other spiritual directors have been a blessing to me and have inspired in me a hope to assist others in their desire to know God’s great love for them. If you’re interested in learning more, I can be reached at faye.coorpender@gmail.com. I am available to meet digitally or in person in the Baton Rouge area.

Melinda LeBlanc

Melinda is an Ignatian-trained Spiritual Director who is passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with God through individual direction, group faith sharing, and retreats. She meets directees in person in the Baton Rouge area, and also meets directees virtually by Zoom and Skype. She received her certification in Spiritual Direction from the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in New Orleans in 2012. She also holds a Masters of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University. Melinda served as spiritual director and campus minister at Christ the King parish at LSU, and was on staff at the St. Joseph Spirituality Center. She also serves in the Women of the Well ministry and is currently on the board of the Louisiana Association of Spiritual Directors. She and her husband Darrel live in Baton Rouge and enjoy birdwatching and fishing.

I belong to St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette, LA. I completed my internship in Spiritual Direction in September of 2020. I was trained at the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in New Orleans. Spiritual Direction has been a part of my own faith life for about twenty-five years. Currently I serve on the board of the Louisiana Association of Spiritual Directors. I have a deep desire to accompany others in discovering where God is present in their lives. I see directees both during the day and evenings and I am open to directing Christians of any denomination.

Joan Broussard

I am married, a Lay Carmelite and a Catholic member of St. Anne Parish in Youngsville, LA, where I serve as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. I received my training at St. Charles Retreat Center, finishing in 2007. I offer ongoing spiritual direction and well as directing the Spiritual Exercises (19th Annotation). It is my greatest privilege to assist others enter their relationship with Jesus and grow in holiness. I am available on Wednesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 9:00AM-4:00PM.

Wendy Enloe is the Director of Adult Faith Formation and a spiritual director at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana. She meets with individuals and retreatants for spiritual direction at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and offers programs on Christian formation and spirituality. As an instructor for the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center Spiritual Direction Internship program in New Orleans and for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Ministry and Theology Certification program, Wendy shares her passion for spiritual direction, spirituality, and prayer with adults in their formation. Wendy holds a Master of Religious Education from Loyola’s Institute for Ministry in New Orleans, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in New Orleans, and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University.

Doris Melito

I am a resident of Metairie, LA and I completed my training through the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I am open to persons just beginning their faith journey or those further along. I see spiritual direction as journeying with another, co-discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and helping someone notice the presence of God in their prayer and life.

Yvonne Hymel

I received my training in Spiritual Direction through the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center in 2009.  I have been offering one-on-one spiritual direction since that time.  I have years of ministerial experience including catechetical and retreat work.  I am a wife, mother and grandmother, a retired nurse and childbirth educator.  As a spiritual director, I have a special place in my heart for those desiring a mature spirituality and deepening relationship with God as they navigate the journey from “obeying the rules” to trusting the inner wisdom of their heart.  I am open to companioning women or men.  I am a Catholic but see folks of other religious traditions.  I see directees Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm; in person or zoom.  My contact information is as follows: yhymel09@gmail.com; 504-481-4319

Katherine Bernal

My name is Katherine Bernal. I am married with three married daughters and eight grandchildren. Being a cradle Catholic in South Louisiana opened me to spiritual direction. After our girls were born, our new DRE mentioned she was a spiritual director. As her directee, my prayer life began to deepen and become more important to me.
After moving to North Louisiana where spiritual directors were few and far between, I began to discern becoming a spiritual director myself. When I retired, my path to training for becoming a spiritual director opened up. I traveled to Shreveport for direction with the only Catholic director in our diocese at the time and then monthly to New Orleans for training and formation. Years later I also trained to give the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life retreat.
Being a director has increased my awareness of God in my life as I listen to others and help them find God in theirs. I have truly felt blessed by this calling and the people I meet along the way.
I am a member of St. Paschal Catholic Church in West Monroe, LA. Where I am a Lector, Minister of Holy Communion, and help with our RCIA/OCIA program.
My email is: Katherine.76bernal@gmail.com

Renee Aldridge

My name is Renee Aldridge, and I am a Certified Spiritual Director. My husband is an ordained Deacon in the Catholic church serving at our local Catholic hospital. We have two daughters who just recently married and now we are blessed with sons. I was born and raised in New Orleans and currently live in Pineville with my husband and rescue dog.

I was introduced to Spiritual Direction at 26, after a significant crisis. Spiritual Direction was a lifeline for me at a very critical time, and my Spiritual Director was the face of God and the voice of Christ. I have remained in spiritual direction for most of the last 30 years. About 12 years ago, God put a calling on my heart to provide the gift of spiritual direction for others, and in His time a path was cleared to provide the way.

I received my training from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Spirituality Center in August 2021. I attended diaconate classes at St. Meinrad with my husband. I also hold degrees in science and art from Louisiana State University. I live with a life-threatening immune deficiency that keeps my eyes on the hope of salvation and my soul at the foot of the cross. I am always seeking wellness and healing of mind, body, and soul.

In the practice of spiritual direction, I often use creative and artistic sources in adjunct to scripture. I can provide ongoing direction, 3,5 or 8 day Directed Retreats, and/or the 19^th Annotation in person or remotely through Zoom or other platforms. I welcome directees who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, especially those looking for a place to be understood and to begin healing.

I can be reached at renee.aldridge1@gmail.com or 318-542-1966, and welcome calls for inquiry.

Nicole Mitchell

I am a lifelong Roman Catholic and parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. I am married to Deacon Richard W. Mitchell and known in many parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria as the “Girl on Fire”. I have two daughters and one son-in-law. I like to spread the gospel of Christ through my involvement in many ministries throughout the Diocese. I am one of the founders of the Genesis of Eve Women’s ministry which was established in 2019 and volunteer my time to help host the annual conference. I was a co-facilitator for The Great Adventure Bible Study held at the Diocese in 2020. I actively participate in the Pro-Life Movement, support the Steubenville South Youth Conference, and have a special love for the ACTS Retreat movement serving as a Women’s Retreat Director, Retreat Consultant and was a founding member of the Diocese of Alexandria’s ACTS Mission Chapter to bring the ACTS Retreat to parishes throughout the Diocese.

In 2019, I was introduced to the Spiritual Direction Program by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. My zealous love and service throughout my years of ministry along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit inspired me to journey on the path of becoming a certified Spiritual Director. I retired in 2022 as the District Manager of Louisiana State Probation and Parole after serving in the law enforcement profession for 29 years. During that time, I saw firsthand the brokenness in our society and the need for God’s love and mercy. I truly desire to help women and men to draw closer to the Lord and guide them to be the disciple Jesus wants them to be.

On August 17, 2023, I graduated from the intense internship and received my certification as a Spiritual Director from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I am certified to provide ongoing spiritual direction, as well as direct 3, 5 or 8 day Directed Retreats in person or remotely through Zoom or other platforms.

I can be reached at forevercatholic820@gmail.com or 318-447-6383 and am eager to speak with anyone who is seeking to deepen their relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Joan Dobard

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. I enjoy nature, reading, and music.

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 be reached at jdobard@gmail.com

Ingrid Cannella

My name is Ingrid Cannella, and I am a Certified Spiritual Director in Central Louisiana where I work in coordination with my Pastor and Bishop.  As a cradle catholic, I have been an active member of the church, and involved in a variety of ministries.  In 2021, I began practicing Spiritual Direction after completing the training and certification through the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center program.  My training includes the approach of St. Ignatius who developed Spiritual Exercises used in spiritual direction.  I received additional training to offer the 19th annotation for those who are ready to make the exercises.
I am a participant in the LASD Board, and a new LASD Board Member where I am happy to serve. I have a great desire to serve others who are in search of a closer relationship with God even in the midst of the messiness of daily life.
For most of my life, I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist.  I am a certified Compliance Officer working in the Behavioral Health Care field.  After many years of providing behavioral health services, God drew me to Spiritual Direction by the invitation of a local Deacon.  I find joy and gratitude participating in the ministry of spiritual direction.  I have found Spiritual Direction to be a blessing in my spiritual life and feel drawn to share this gift with others.  God is always guiding and leading us, and it is so helpful to have another walk along on the journey.
My recreational activities include travel, hiking, back-packing, fishing, gardening, aviation, reading, and hand crafts such as crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, and quilting.  I love to learn.

Bradley Leger

It is my privilege to journey with directees on their paths toward embracing the Holy. Besides formal training in spiritual direction, I also hold a Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University-New Orleans. Background is also steeped in education (Ph.D.), retreat work (group and directing individuals in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius), workshops, social justice advocacy, centering prayer, and liturgical music. My ministry is inclusive and ecumenical, including welcoming those who are exploring/embracing LGBTQ+ issues. Located in Marrero, Louisiana (New Orleans metro area). Willing to conduct sessions via Zoom if necessary. brad@balconsulting.org

I am Liz Reno, a parishioner at St. Margaret of Scotland in Albany. I graduated from the Arch-Diocese of New Orleans Spiritual Director Internship program in 2022. I am honored and humbled to serve in this ministry. Through this ministry I am able to meet people where they are, accept them there, and walk with them on their journey to a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. We only become our authentic selves through our relationships, of which the most important is our relationship with the Triune God. Along with individual direction in person or via zoom, I am beginning a small group ministry and offer retreat direction. I enjoy working with people who are discerning a transition in their lives. Through life experience I also work well with people who have a mentally ill family member. I can be reached through email at lizreno7@gmail.com or by phone at 225.281.4027.

Dr. Brenda Leroux Babin is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, a certified Enneagram teacher and practitioner in The Narrative Tradition, and a retreat facilitator. She is wife, mother, and Honey to the most adorable Noah Joseph. She was born in New Orleans and baptized in Bayou Terrebonne where she now lives in the town of Houma, Louisiana. She loves to sit in deep conversation with another person exploring deeper questions and accompanying others in their spiritual lives. She also enjoys helping others in their journey of self-discovery and transformation using the Enneagram. Her passion for serving her community and for dedicating her life to creating a better, more compassionate community for all is rooted in her deep spiritual belief that all are one. Learn more at www.BrendaLerouxBabin.com.

Maria Burke

My name is Maria Burke and I reside in Mansura, LA. I see clients in person and in the Alexandria area and I work virtually with directees outside of the area. I attended the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center internship in Spiritual Direction, graduating in August of 2021. Those looking for spiritual direction can reach out to me via this website, or email mburke4553@gmail.com. I usually meet with directees in the mornings at 8am or on Fridays. I am a life-long Catholic serving in many areas within in my Church parish and currently I am working for a nonprofit in the Alexandria area where I have been trained to minister to those in need of healing because of abuse or loss of a child/loved one, including those who have affected by abortion.

Mike Van Vranken

I am blessed with the ministry of spiritual direction: as one who offers one-on-one direction virtually, I also offer guidance through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. I currently lead a Peer Supervision group. And finally, I am involved as a teacher of new spiritual directors with the Archdiocesan Spirituality Ctr. of New Orleans. I have a certification in spiritual direction from the ASC, and I have received additional formation and training through the Christian Spirituality Masters Program at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
My email address is: mikevanvranken@comcast.net

Loretta Ortego

I am Loretta Ortego and I live in Chataignier, Louisiana. I am married to Deacon Charles Ortego and we have 4 adult children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. We are very blessed with family.
I am retired from teaching high school theology in Catholic school. I love the Church and have always tried to serve her in any way I can, but mostly in education. I taught in Catholic school for 34 years and catechism even longer than that. The Lord has blessed me with many religious experiences but the most profound thing I have ever gone through was the 19th Annotation. I first heard of the spiritual director internship many years ago but the Lord only opened the door to enter in 2021 through the Archdiocese of New Orleans Program held at Grand Coteau. I just received certification as a spiritual director in August 2023. It has been such a privilege to sit and watch God’s movement in directees. I am so humbled to have this experience and thank God everyday for the many holy people I have met seeking to go deeper in their spiritual lives. All of this brings me closer to the Lord. It is with a grateful heart I thank the Lord.

I am Christie Adler, a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Bentonville, Arkansas.  I am a certified spiritual director trained by the New Orleans Archdiocesan Spirituality Center based on the model of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.  To me, Spiritual Direction is a God-given privilege of meeting the person where they are, and in that sacred place, listening with the ear of the heart, and helping them to connect and deepen their personal relationship with God.  I’d be honored to journey with all who is seeking “something more” and God in all things.  I am active in the spiritual direction ministry full time, and I offer spiritual direction and directed retreats in person or by FaceTime or Zoom.  I may be reached at Godwit0111@gmail.com.

Ashley Daigle

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.