TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY: LEADING CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUAL GROUPS & RETREATS STAFF

Lorie Conway is the program director for the Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups and Retreats. Lorie has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. Lorie is a graduate of Shalem’s Living in God and Transforming Community programs. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a M.A. in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a M.A.S. in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery.

Sarah Anders is Leader of the Wild Earth Spiritual Community (formerly Church of the Wild DC) in metro DC. Ordained as a UCC minister, she has left the institutional church to be part of a movement in re-wilding spirituality. After she received an MTS from Wesley Theological Seminary, she took Shalem’s Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats in 2006-2007. It was there that she found the readings and contemplation that she didn’t receive but yearned for in seminary. Shalem was a formative experience that led her to return to Wesley for an MDiv and ordination. After serving in two progressive and wonderful churches in the area, she “left the building” and has been outdoors ever since. Embodiment is central as she continues working with Cynthia Bourgeault’s Wisdom Way of Knowing, Gurdjieff, and the Wild Church Network.

Gordon Creamer, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. As a contemplative and creative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated a diversity of retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. Learn more at www.themissionbridge.com.

Ann Dean is on the staff of Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups and Retreats and on the staff of Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership. A nationally known leader for deepening the life of prayer and for developing new structures committed to Earth care and social justice, she is a minister in the ecumenical Church of the Savior and part of their Dayspring Retreat Mission Group.

Joy Douglas, a 2025 graduate of the Transforming Community Program (TCP), has since joined the TCP leadership team. As a creative facilitator, artist, and contemplative retreat practitioner, Joy designs experiences that foster reflection, connection, and transformation. By combining storytelling, creative practices, and intentional reflection, Joy assists individuals in recognizing their strengths and fully engaging in their personal and professional journeys.

Kathryn Gaughan is a program administrator for Shalem and a drummer and drum circle facilitator, who loves leading groups in prayerful musical experiences. She is a graduate of our Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program and serves on the staff of our Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program.

Rev. Angie Jones-Ramirez is a Professor of Health and Life Fitness at Baltimore City Community College, where she has served for 21 years. She also serves as a Chaplain with the Baltimore City Police and Fire Departments, providing compassionate spiritual care and support to officers, fire fighters, their families, staff, and the broader community. Angie is a graduate of the Shalem Institute’s Transforming Community program. She holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Liberty University, a Master’s of Divinity Degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and is dedicated to integrating faith, wellness, and compassionate self-care. Angie is deeply passionate about journeying alongside individuals and communities impacted by complicated grief and trauma, creating spaces for healing, hope, and restoration. Grounded in a Christ centered contemplative tradition, Angie finds joy in writing icons, reading, and experiencing the awe and beauty of nature, which deepens her relationship with the Divine, nurtures her spirit, and informs her ministry of presence.

Kevin Omi is a spiritual director and leader of contemplative practices at the rich and evocative intersection of Christian and Buddhist practices. Kevin received a diploma in the art of spiritual direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of the Transforming Community program and serves on the staff of that program.

Leah Rampy has a background in corporate management and leadership consulting as well as a deep passion for contemplative living and care of the Earth. She has a PhD in Curriculum from Indiana University and is a graduate of our Living in God: Personal Spiritual Deepening and our Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Programs. She is currently part of our pilgrimage team and a mentor in our young adult program. She is also on the staff of Transforming Community.

Trish Stefanik is co-director of Heart Longings: An Invitation to the Contemplative Path. A graduate of Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups and Retreats, she also is a part of that program’s leadership team. In addition, she facilitates small groups as part of Shalem’s Group Spiritual Direction program. Trish delights in opening a way for creativity and contemplation. She is resident manager of Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring Retreat Farm in Germantown, MD, and has a passion for the natural world, social justice, simplicity, and silence.

Judy Walsh-Mellett completed Shalem’s Transforming Community program in 2015 and now serves on the staff of this program. She has a long association with Dayspring Silent Retreat Center assisting and leading retreats and serving on the Ember Day team. She hosts Still Place: An Urban Retreat in her Mt. Rainier, Maryland home and garden. She also accompanies individuals in spiritual guidance and is a graduate of the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance at Richmond Hill.