Meet the 2024 Season of Joy Prayer Guides

Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ

Fr. Michael is a retreat leader, poet, story teller and spiritual director at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House. He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. He is the founder of Charis, a national Jesuit retreat ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s. For 10 years he trained spiritual directors at Loyola University-Chicago.

Fr. Ryan B. Browning, STL

Fr. Ryan is a priest in the Diocese of Rockford and the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Geneva, Illinois. He holds various leadership roles within the Diocese and is dedicated to nurturing disciples through prayer and the sacraments, helping others experience the transformative love of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Willie Cobb

Dr. Cobb serves as a Chaplain and consultant, dedicated to fostering transformative and lasting change that cultivates a positive work environment. He is particularly passionate about assisting neurodiverse children, families, and individuals in discovering joy, love, and success in their lives.

Rosanne Coury

Rosanne is a certified spiritual director with expertise in Religious Studies, Theology, Education, and Psychology. She has served as a Director of Religious Education and a Theology teacher. Living in the Chicago area, she enjoys reading, music, and meaningful conversations, and is married with four adult children and three grandchildren.

Terri Davis

Terri is a vocalist, teacher, writer, and producer, with a career spanning over thirty years. As owner of Cincinnati-based Respected Artists International (RAI), Terri creates and performs live, musical events, coaches career-bound singers, and produces meditation podcasts for Advent and Lent for her RAI YouTube channel.

Jennifer Falbo-Negron

Jennifer, a licensed integrative counselor at Phoenix Rising Solutions, LLC in Illinois and Indiana, utilizes trauma-informed approaches like mindful movement, Somatic Experiencing, and forest therapy in her work. In her leisure time, she enjoys outdoor activities, singing, fitness, crafting, and family time. She is excited to join Heart to Heart!

Fr. Sean Grismer

Since his ordination in 2016, Fr. Grismer has served in several Rockford diocese parishes, including Holy Cross, St. Mary, and St. Patrick. He has been the Priest in Residence at NIU’s Newman Center and a Spiritual Director at Aurora Central. . Currently he is Parochial Administrator at St. Patrick (Hartland) and St. Mary (Woodstock). He also hosts “Dose of the Ghost” podcasts on YouTube and Facebook.

Lauren Hackman-Brooks

Lauren is a listener, writer and facilitator steeped in Ignatian spirituality. She appreciates snow-covered pine trees, a house full of people she loves, and a well-formatted document. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Lauren lives in Spokane, Washington with her family and works for the Jesuit Schools Network of North America.

Nancy Hulsebosch

Nancy is a spiritual director trained in the Ignatian tradition. She offers spiritual guidance, mentors aspiring directors, and participates in retreats at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House. Along with her husband, Tom, she co-founded the Hulsebosch Hope Foundation, which supports nonprofits focused on enhancing well-being in Chicago’s south and west sides.

Fr. Radmar Jao, SJ

Fr. Radmar currently serves as the Socius for the USA West Jesuits, and is based in Portland, OR. He was an actor in Los Angeles before joining the Jesuits in 2001. He’s been a spiritual director, young adult minister and presenter on Ignatian Spirituality for over 20 years.

Paula Kowalkowski

Paula is an experienced music educator with over 30 years in high school and college settings, currently serving as the Music Director at St. Thomas Becket Church. She holds a Master’s Degree in Contemporary Spirituality, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, and works as a retreat leader and spiritual director at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House.

Sharon Krone

Sharon is a long-term transplant from North Carolina, calling Chicagoland home for 35 years. She is a spiritual director, supervisor and retreat leader, formed in the Ignatian tradition. She is Director of Ministry at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, Illinois.

Fr. Jim Kubicki

Fr. Jim, a Jesuit since 1971 from Milwaukee, has dedicated his life to spiritual ministry, including retreat work and Native American Ministry. He previously served as the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer and now mentors future faith leaders as a spiritual director at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee.

Crystal Meisaan Chan

Crystal is a storyteller for NPR, a children’s author, and a spoken word artist. As a trauma-informed spiritual director, she weaves together spirituality, mental health, and social justice, helping individuals navigate challenges while maintaining their core sense of self and guiding them back to a state of wholeness through intentional, embodied practices.

Fr. Kevin Menard, SJC

Fr. Kevin earned a Marketing degree from Marquette University in 2011 before transitioning to ordination with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in May 2025. He is now an associate pastor at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, focusing on marriage preparation and leading the young adult group.

Anne Rometty

Anne is a qualified Spiritual Director focused on Ignatian Spirituality, serving at Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington, Illinois. She enjoys giving faith formation talks to educators in the ArchDiocese of Chicago. Anne and her husband John love spending time with family and adore their grandsons, Kelly and Quinn.

Fr. Keith Romke

Fr. Keith, a priest of the Diocese of Rockford since 2011, is committed to helping individuals recognize their identity as cherished children of God through the experience of His profound love. He encourages others to embrace God’s love and discover peace in His presence through joy and evangelization.

Fr. Jacob Willig

Fr. Jacob is a Cincinnati priest and Director of the Newman Center at Miami University. He comes from a large Catholic family with 7 siblings and is the nephew of Fr. Jim Willig, founder of Heart to Heart Ministries. He holds a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Divine Mercy University and has a deep love for Jesus, often saying, ‘Mother Mary will guide us through!’ during difficult times.