Spirations Institute is a monumental turning point in the lives of its students.

Spirations attracted me because it encompasses many different spiritual and religious practices and traditions. Widening my awareness and exposure to those traditions outside of my own is deepening my spirituality and what I have to share with others. But the most incredible aspect is that of the "story" - my story, our story, the Divine feminine story - and how those stories unfold and relate to ourselves, each other, our community, our world and the cosmos. It is life-changing and life-giving. I am coming home to my "self" and it is a glorious story!
Susan Waller, Van Meter, Iowa
Church Music Director and Spiritual Mentor

The Spirations training program is challenging in that it gently asks you to please step out of your comfort zone - and then compassionately gifts you with new life experiences and ways of being in the world. I have learned to listen - really listen - to my own heart-songs as well as the heart-songs of others.
Kathy Schutz,
Yoga Instructor and Spiritual Director

I have found no other spiritual direction training program that provides the breadth of resources to open mind and spirit... Spirations has offered me the great gift of Self, teaching me to come home to my femininity, to myself as an adult woman, and by introducing to me - at long last - the true community I want to hang with.
Ann Patrykus, Milwaukee, WI
Artist and healer

Spirations has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It hasn't been easy, per se, but well worth it as I've learned so much about myself! I've always been "spiritual," but Spirations has opened to me many fresh ways of experiencing my spirituality. Some of these practices have been very unfamiliar and sometimes awkward for me; however, the presentation, support and caring from the leadership has helped me understand, learn and grow.
Retta Michalek, Kenosha County, WI
Qualified Mental Retardation Professional and United Methodist Lay Minister

Spirations has shaped my life in countless wonderful ways. It has brought me into a deeper understanding of my own spirituality and given me the skills and confidence to meet others on their spiritual path. Through Spirations I have engaged all of my senses in the process of becoming, and I have experienced profound life changes on many levels, including personal emotional healing, gaining clarity on forming a new business venture, and exploring the depths of my creativity. Spirations is truly a unique program, and it has been all I could have wished for and more!
Betsy Leighton, Minneapolis, MN
Fiber artist, spiritual director and natural parenting advocate

Spirations has offered me a powerful, supportive, regular gathering place to gain insight into spiritual direction. It is allowing me to emerge—to see the world with new eyes, and hear the world with new ears, and it's changing how I relate to it. Trish has displayed a gentle, compassionate leadership style that takes the intimidation out of the learning experience.
Trish Kalhagen, Edgerton, WI
Personal Skills Assistant and spiritual guide

Through Spirations I have been gifted by creative and groundbreaking teachings that further my trust in the rhythm of life. In turn, this facilitates the movement of living in a space where I can meet others in a deeper way to share our experience of humanity. Spirations has provided me a place to receive compassionate listening and to extend that out into the world.
Pamela Rediger, Minneapolis, MN
Author and interspiritual mentor


A Letter From a Distance Learner:

I have been in Spirations' Distance Learning Internship for over a year now. What I love most about this program style is that it is a homecoming to the way I learn. I can go at my own pace lingering anywhere I feel called. I receive each clearly organized module through email. Any questions or requirement expectations are easily answered as I am supported by Trish through email and phone. I purchase my materials and I enter the experience of the module. The flexibility to respond to module requirements is open-ended and I love the challenge of making those reflections visual at times. As a visual artist, I can integrate my digital images into my reflections. All of these are emailed to Trish. When I have completed a module, Trish and I have a phone conversation. It is a holy and sacred time’ a celebration. I am always touched by her gentleness of Spirit.

This online format equalizes the playing field to be open to all persons, no matter where you live, rather than within a geographic region. It allows for content to be explored at your own time and individual pace. It allows for participation from your home which eliminates travel time and possible inconvenience of weather.

This distance learning opportunity has changed the landscape of my life. It has allowed me a natural way to pursue being a story midwife that I might not have otherwise had. It can also be so for you! Spirations invites you to become a story midwife in a world asking for listeners.

Susan Hodges, Waukesha, Wisconsin
College professor, Reiki master practitioner, spiritual mentor and Certified United Methodist Lay Speaker