​Center for Spiritual Direction

Dr. Amelia J. Gearey Dyer is the James Maxwell Professor of Christian Education and Pastoral Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary, and Director of the Seminary’s Ministry Resident Program. Amy earned her B. S. from The State University of New York at Plattsburgh and her M. S. and Ph. D. from Florida State University. She has done additional graduate work in Christian Education, Bible, Church History, and Theology. Amy’s interests include working with children, travel, and reading. During a recent sabbatical leave, she spent time in Ireland studying early Celtic Spirituality.

The Rev. Sam Mason, ObJN, is an Episcopal priest, an oblate of the Order of St. Julian of Norwich, and St. Paul’s own Artist-in-Residence. Sam served as part of St. Paul’s clergy for many years following early retirement from full-time parish ministry. While with us at St. Paul’s, Sam already had a quiet ministry of spiritual direction, which is expanded with the opening of this center.

Lisa Richard is a graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, a discernment facilitator for the Diocese of Virginia, and a member of the program team at the Center for Spiritual Deepening at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria. She is also a member of Spiritual Directors International. At the heart of Lisa’s own spiritual development is a desire to maintain a receptive stance, open to signs of the Spirit at work. She is honored to be a companion to other seekers on their journeys, creating space for their stories and experiences.

Howard Kempsell is an Episcopal Priest who has served in parish/cathedral, university, and hospital settings. He completed his doctoral studies in spiritual direction at the University of the South (Sewanee) and the Graduate Theological Foundation, with a special interest in spiritual direction in an age of rapid communication. He studied with Ewert Cousins, editor of the Classics of Western Spirituality. In addition to offering in-person spiritual direction, he is able to offer St. Paul’s parishioners spiritual direction at-a-distance via FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. He is a member of Spiritual Directors International.

For Susan Moore, spiritual direction is being a companion to others on their journey to a deeper relationship with God. It is a time of settling into the heart of God through quiet and listening for the Spirit’s voice. Susan has explored silence, quiet, and contemplative-living at the Shalem Institute, Richmond Hill and Bon Secours. She enjoys finding the Spirit in meditation, morning prayer, contemplative art, blessing rituals, walking meditation and community. With a background in group facilitation and healthcare, Susan is currently leading St Paul’s group spiritual direction offering, and is also available for individual spiritual direction. She is a graduate of the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance, a two year residential program in Richmond, Virginia, and a member of Spiritual Directors International.

Tamera Siminow is a graduate of the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance at Richmond Hill retreat center and the University of the South’s Education for Ministry program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and master’s degrees in political science and counseling psychology. Tamera is also member of Spiritual Directors International and attends Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna. She works in Oakton as a neurofeedback specialist and lives in Vienna with her husband and three children.