Karen Jantzi

Karen Jantzi started her professional career as a nurse. Her nursing experience includes school nurse in segregated Mississippi public schools, a psychiatric inpatient crisis unit, mental health consultant for developmentally disabled adults, and mental health advocate and educator for congregations and denominational groups. She participated in spiritual formation programs during this time, knowing she wanted to deepen her connection with God. She met her spiritual director, a retired Jesuit priest, during one of the programs. Fr. Ed introduced her to and trained her in Ignatian spirituality. Her combined interest in psychology, spirituality, education, theology and human development led her to Temple University where she received a PhD in spiritual formation and religious education. She taught Human Development in Temple’s education department for 13 years.  During this time she began developing and teaching adult classes and leading retreats in her congregation. She also led spiritual direction groups with young adult women. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Joe, a retired teacher in the Philadelphia school district.