Feeling deeply moved by God, I left pastoral ministry and began training in the Art of Spiritual Direction by the Sisters of Mercy, Burlingame and the Bread of Life Center, now located in Sacramento, CA. I received my certificate in 2002 and went on to complete training in Supervision of other spiritual directors at Mercy Center Burlingame, CA. I was privileged to have as one of my trainers and spiritual director, a founder of Spiritual Directors International, Sr. May Ann Scofield, now deceased.

I am the founder and former director of  “Side-By-Side,” a listening ministry of presence to those experiencing homelessness: living in shelters, on the street, or on the riverbanks of Sacramento. The program is housed on the Loaves & Fishes campus, a large homeless services organization in Sacramento. As director, I trained volunteers as deep listeners and ran the program for 11 years.

I am always seeking ways to grow and expand my training to better serve others.

As a United Methodist pastor recently retired, I also served several churches. My previous occupation was as a public health nutritionist and registered dietitian with the Native American peoples in Nevada. Health and overall wellness of body, mind and spirit are important to me in my spiritual journey.

I have a grown son, one lively dog, and a large fluffy cat. I love to camp in my 1946 Teardrop trailer in state and National Parks, hike, kayak, walk the dog (a lot), read broadly, and ballroom dance. Salsa and Swing are my favorites. For me, movement and art are paths to connect with the holy in sometimes surprising ways. I offer those possibilities in direction from time to time if one is open to them. I also received spiritual leaders’ training in InterPlay that is meant to “unlock the wisdom of the body”.

I am fluent in the language and spirituality of twelve step programs for over 30 years.  I also have experience in listening to and supporting people from the LGBTQI community.

It is would be my deepest joy to accompany you in the sacred listening of your life. God’s mysterious presence is with us, always. Please contact me for a free half hour consultation session to see if we are a good fit to work together. I see people in person, or via SKYPE or ZOOM.

Sincerely yours,

Linda M. Kelly

Presentations, workshops, and retreats: Earl Lectures, Pacific School of Religion; San Francisco Theological Seminary spiritual direction program; Mercy Center, Auburn; many local churches and groups; and the California-Nevada United Methodist Gathering of the Orders.

Memberships: Spiritual Directors International; Hearts on Fire Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors & Retreat Leaders; ordained clergy person of the United Methodist Church.

Education: M.S. University of Nevada, Reno; M.Div. San Francisco Theological Seminary; Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction; Certificate in the Art of Supervision