Revd Dr Alan Niven (Interim Chair 2009)

In 1994 Alan became the full-time lecturer in Pastoral Studies at the Churches of Christ Theological College where he also serves as Vice Principal. His teaching covers pastoral counselling, marriage and family studies, violence and abuse, grief and loss, formation and pastoral leadership.

Revd Dr Michael Smith SJ (Dean ex-officio)

Michael Smith SJ, is a Jesuit.  He is the Dean of the Institute for Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation. One of his hobbies is SCUBA diving.  He is pictured here diving off the coast of Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Sr Jan Geason RSM (Secretary ex-officio)

Formerly a teacher and social worker, Jan returned to the ministry of spiritual direction after 11 years in local and national leadership in her Mercy Congregation. She trained in spiritual direction at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. She now works on the team at the Campion Centre.

Mrs Geraldine Bachowski,

Geraldine is a spiritual director and retreat leader. She also works as a formation leader at the WellSpring Centre in Ashburton in the Formation Programme for Spiritual Directors

Revd Dr Michael Kelly CSsR

Michael A. Kelly, CSsR is an ordained member of the Redemptorist Congregation. He  teaches at Yarra Theological Union in the disciplines of pastoral theology. He is also coordinator of Postgraduate Studies at YTU and the current Chair of the Academic Board of the Melbourne of Divinity.

John has been Executive Officer of the Australian Jesuit Foundation for the last 3 years after a senior management career in marketing with major international companies. In concert with the Foundation’s objectives , he is an enthusiastic supporter of Spirituality and Pastoral Formation and has access to a comprehensive range of media for its promotion . John is Executive Editor of the Foundation’s ‘Companions’ magazine.

Revd Joan Wright-Howie '

Joan Wright Howie is a Uniting Church minister, spiritual director and the mother of three young children. She has served as a parish minister. Joan is currently working part-time with the Uniting Church Centre for Theology and Ministry as Spiritual Formation Advisor. Her role includes fostering the ministry of spiritual direction in the Uniting Church, retreat leadership, teaching and developing resources. Joan also supports the WellSpring Centre spiritual direction formation team.