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TESTIMONIALS

"I am so grateful for this program and this community. Given the political climate, uncertainty about our country's future, and trying to support clients who are devastated by what is happening, anxiety has been creeping in and trying to take up space in me.

This program has reminded me to pause, ground myself, and connect with the Divine Presence who is always there, waiting to comfort and hold me. What I need most right now isn’t more information—it’s hope, peace, and the ability to stay present. When I start to spiral into worry about the future, this space helps me return to stillness and the One who is the Giver of all Peace and Hope.

Having this cohort and Wisdom Tree Collective to support and encourage me is a true gift. And on top of it all, I’m thrilled to say that I’ve submitted all my work this month! That overwhelm I felt a few weeks ago? Completely unnecessary. This experience is teaching me to trust the process—and for that, I am deeply thankful."

 

- Melody Diehl

   Psychotherapist, Virginia

Learn More About Melody
"Being involved with the Wisdom Tree Collective Spiritual Direction Program for several years, I highly recommend this comprehensive approach used in the training of spiritual directors. The two-fold purpose of the program is one’s own personal formation/relationship with Divine Presence and then, how to accompany others to grow in their relationship with the Divine.
 
The components in this two-year program are self-knowledge, study of faith traditions, cultural differences, and spiritual practices, besides practicum with supervision. Another benefit of this program is the in-person encounter and online connection. May all participants be channels of Divine Wisdom and Grace."
 

- Sister Betty Drewes, OSB

  Ferdinand, IN

"Wisdom Tree Collective's approach truly resonates with me, as it acknowledges the diverse and multifaith world we live in today.

So far, the program has not only deepened my spiritual knowledge but also empowered me to embark on a journey of continuous personal growth. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking a well-structured, open-minded, and enriching exploration of spiritual direction in today's diverse world."
 

- Swaady Martin

   Bali, Indonesia

Learn More About Swaady
"I applied to the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program after having experienced a spiritual awakening at a retreat with Wisdom Tree Collective. I found the spiritual direction I was looking for!

Now the training program is greatly deepening my relationship with God and preparing me for service as a spiritual director.

Wisdom Tree Collective is a gift from God that has changed my life."
 

- Darrell Arnett

   Addiction Medicine Physician (Retired)
   Franklin, TN

"I had been searching for a spiritual direction program to join for many years, but nothing felt right. The Wisdom Tree Collective came along at the perfect time. I love how this program is holistic. This program teaches us how to be spiritual directors, but it also pushes us to turn inward and pay attention to our own inner self. It's giving me the practical tools to be a spiritual director, but also equips me with the wisdom and ways of being with people that will help me hold space for my future directees well."
 

- Abby Buter Oakhart

   Staff Resilience Coordinator & Wellness Coach
   Tacoma, WA

Read More on Abby's Blog
"The Wisdom Tree Collective Spiritual Direction program gathers the best of spiritual direction traditions across faiths. It is a two-year program in listening to, for, and with the spirit, allowing truths to emerge one breath at a time. It is remarkable to me how generous and accurate this process is for listening to and understanding what might previously have been unknown and unwelcome. 
 
It gave me permission to be curious about chaos. It tutored my understanding of chaos through the different wisdom traditions. It grounded me through chaos that happened in my life and attuned me to ‘the technology of listening’ through, in, and to chaos. This training is unmatched.”
 

- Rev. Dr. Amy E. Steele

Social ethicist, Entrepreneur, Ordained Clergy serving in campus ministry
Nashville, TN

"In grad school, I learned to think differently. In therapy, I learned how to think and feel differently. In this program, I'm learning how to think, feel, and see differently. I'm eager to learn how my unfurling might coalesce with a God bigger than I've imagined."
 

- Amy Hammett, MA, LMHC

   Seattle, WA

"Insight, clarity, discernment, and invitation; these are some of the hidden treasures that I have experienced through my participation in the Wisdom Tree Collective’s school of spiritual direction. As a retired pastor and hospice chaplain, I brought more than 30 years of ministry experience to my participation in this program. What I have received is so much more.


I have been invited to journey. I have experienced the subtle movements of Spirit through attention to discernment. With clarity and understanding, the peaks and valleys of my life’s journey have come sharply into focus. And most of all I have been blessed with insights that are preparing me for the next great adventure to come, through continued service to others.


Wisdom is the cornerstone word that comes to mind, and sums up the heart treasure of this journey. If you feel the gentle breeze of spirit directing you to participate in the awesome experience of an awakened life for yourself and others, here is where you will find it."

 

- Chuck Wester 

Pastor—Hospice Chaplain, Tennessee

“I am loving my experience in the spiritual direction certificate program. I have been a Christian all of my life and can honestly say I have learned more in this program in the last 6 months than in the rest of my life collectively. We certainly learn important concepts, but I have changed! My relationship with God has become so much more intimate and woven into my heart. I would recommend this program to anyone of any age who wants to go deeper into spiritual practice with others or for themselves.”
 

- Cindy Smith, Pharmacist

   Nashville, TN

"Fostering curiosity encourages growth. Wisdom Tree Collective has done just that through its Spiritual Director training and certification program. For me, this program has helped solidify the joy in the mystery that Spirit has for us in this life. I have found more of my “tribe” while doing this program’s work and I look forward to continued growth ahead."
 

- Beth Brighton 

Author, Sound Healer, Soul Journeyer

Are your friends convinced you'd make a great spiritual director, but your reaction is, "Me? No way!"? Then this testimonial is for you!

When I first met Kasey, I told her, "I’m good at reading and writing, but real people? We’ll see." She simply smiled and said, "Of course."

As a recovering academic, Year One brought me alive—writing from the heart with Amy-Lyles Wilson, free from footnoting dead theologians. I even asked, "Can’t I just do this part twice?" The gentle response? "You can do this."

Now, four months into Year Two, I meet with four directees a month—and no one has fled the Zoom room! It turns out, being out here with God and real people is not just okay—it’s actually kind of awesome.

So, if you’re hesitant, know this: God can use anyone—even me—as a conduit for Her loving-kindness. You are never alone in this. And maybe… just maybe… your friends are right.
 

- Emily Askew, PhD

   Nashville, TN

"My experience with Wisdom Tree Collective helped build a bridge to a different life - one that is richer and better integrated.
 
It was refreshing and expansive to go through the training program. In an odd way, the interaction with this community has made my spiritual journey less singular. I stumbled (more like was led by the Great Unseen) into a learning experience that took me backwards to my church trauma in my childhood where my soul needed attention. The journey has helped free me from those buried, psychological entanglements. Had I not joined WTC, that unpleasantness would have gone unexamined and remained an obstacle. I feel transformed by this and other experiences during my two years and now beyond.

I remain eternally grateful and pleasantly surprised by the beauty offered in this certification program."
 

- Maria Savage

   Hendersonville, TN

What do I love about Wisdom Tree Collective?

I love the educational offerings.
I love the retreats.

What I love most of all is the community -- it's such a loving community, full of grace, where I can be present, grounded and centered in the holy. Its inclusivity enriches the community, giving us all such a rich blend of traditions and experience and wisdom.

It has helped me open up to the perspectives and experiences of others and see how God can work in and through all of us for all of us. What Wisdom Tree Collective is developing and nurturing in this community is EXACTLY what the world needs right now.

 

- Jill Wright

Value Coach and Spiritual Director in Training

Learn More About Jill
"I began a “deep dive” spiritual journey with Kasey over 10 years ago. It has led me to a deeper understanding and a stronger faith. But when I began the Spiritual Director program I discovered new revelations, healing, and a Divine connection that I could not have imagined. It provided a solid foundation of different wisdom teachings that opened my heart and mind to new ways of seeing the Divine at work. I felt supported and encouraged on this journey and well-prepared to begin offering to others what has been so generously given into me.
 

- Becky Yates

   Retired Pastor
   Nashville, TN

Where do I even begin??? How does one identify the beginning of the ongoing journey of transformation? While I can honestly say that my heart has known the call and the pull into the Something More and the One Who loves me because They are One, I didn’t have language or support for that journey until much later in my life. The transforming of Me has been long in the making and influenced by some amazing people and institutions.

My time with The Wisdom Tree Collective School of Spiritual Direction has been such a pivotal time of coalescing and deepening and trusting that I am enough, my voice matters, my presence and the offering of my gifts in service of the One is significant. AND, all this in community, makes it all worthwhile. I offer a HUGE thank you to Kasey, Amy-Lyles, Sister Mary Rose, and each and every member of my cohort and the Collective!

It has been an amazing two years together. I’m looking forward to many more.

 

- Lauree Fletcher Morris

Companion. Creative. Community advocate. Voice in the wilderness. And stirrer of pots.

Learn More About Lauree
THANK YALL SO MUCH!! Seriously, this program has been such a gift to me individually as a person for my own spiritual growth and for me as a person in the world wanting to give back to our greater community as a Spiritual Director. Kasey, Amy-Lyles, and Sister Mary Rose are full of wisdom and compassion as instructors. They challenge us as students while supporting us in our journeys through the ups and the downs.
I will never take for granted my fellow cohort members and the bonds we forged. It was a gift to be with people from all over the country and beyond, to hear other perspectives and beliefs, and grow in wisdom as Spiritual Directors together. I hope other folks who are looking for a welcoming and loving community of wisdom-seekers find Wisdom Tree Collective. It was and is a truly wonderful community to be a part of.
 

- Allison Gossett

  Nashville, TN

Wisdom Tree Collective is a special community and program where each individual’s spiritual journey is welcomed and respected. Kasey and her team create an environment where we reflect, experiment, embrace failure, gain practical skills to guide others, and embrace the ebbs and flows of our spiritual paths. Wisdom Tree Collective has sparked in me a sense of direction, helping me recognize my own calling from God. I am so thankful for this community and cannot recommend it enough! Come and see!

 

-Christopher Dean

Tennessee

Sally Sharpe

Spiritual Director

“This [The Language of Loss morning retreat] was a much-needed opportunity to explore some unprocessed grief in a safe environment. As a lifelong journaler and journaling instructor, I found Amy-Lyles Wilson to be a wise and gentle guide, helping us give voice to the deeper stories of our souls."

Kim Working

Medical Physicist & WTC Co-Founder

"A very insightful writing experience to ease the anxiety, grieving, frustration and sadness of loss. I would strongly recommend Amy-Lyle's [Language of Loss] retreat to anyone experiencing and wrestling with loss."

B. Y. 

Nashville, TN

“Amy-Lyles Wilson is an amazing facilitator and encourager. Her thoughtful prompts open your soul to receiving and giving thoughts and emotions long buried or even those on the surface that you had never voiced to others. The format for the retreat facilitated trust and openness. The day was filled with encouragement and healing.”

S. S. 

Hendersonville, TN

“The class was good for me, started writing morning pages and Saturday night had a dream, first one in a long time. God is working on my layers, so grateful.”

R. T. 

Mt. Juliet, TN

“Kasey brings the best speakers and ensures that everyone is comfortable. It's a safe space for rest and recuperation. The retreats engage my non-analytical brain (which I should do more often). I would highly recommend.”

L. B. 

Mt. Juliet, TN

“The Wisdom Tree Collective's retreat about grief was helpful to me. The presenter was encouraging to everyone present.”