Story of Heather Makowicz
I warmly invite you to learn a little bit about me…
One of the deepest privileges I have had through the years has been accompanying individuals and small groups integrating a life of faith with our natural human experiences, both broken and blessed.
Being in Spiritual Direction for over 20 years has been one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Through involvement in clinical social work, inner healing prayer ministry, and a deep desire to walk with others in their life with God, it felt very natural for me to pursue the vocation as a Spiritual Director. It has been a joy to offer Spiritual Direction and Contemplative Retreats within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia extending to the Mid-North Atlantic Regions since 2016.
From 2017 - 2024, with the support of many, I was blessed to have founded and led Peak Encounter Ministries, a non-profit, Catholic-Christian organization under the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I joyfully created experiential outdoor adventure and contemplative retreats that integrated Scripture, prayer, and relationships with others.
I am a member of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association (ESDA) through Grafted Life Ministries and Seek Direction. In 2016, I completed my first certification in Spiritual Direction through Neumann Univeristy. In 2017, I pursued an additional certification through the Lanteri Center of Ignatian Spirituality, to accompany individuals through Spiritual Exercises in everyday life.
On a personal note, I have been blessed to be married for over 30 years and am a mother of three young adults. My oldest son, born at 23 weeks gestational age, was born with multiple special needs, so I am no stranger to complex, challenging situations.
Though the journey has not been easy, I can honestly say the Lord’s hand has been in our lives through and through. I have witnessed miracles of physical and deep inner healing.
If I am not giving spiritual direction, you can find me hiking, paddleboarding, or sitting around a campfire having fun conversations with family and friends.
I look forward to connecting with you, wherever you are in your faith journey!
May our God bless you always,
Heather Makowicz
Credentials
Education
The Lanteri Center of Ignatian Spirituality, Spiritual Direction Supervision Course
The Lanteri Center, Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Specialization in Ignatian Spirituality
Neumann University, Certificate in Spiritual Direction
MSW, LCSW #CW023936
Norfolk State University, Master’s in Social Work, Clinical Concentration
Towson University, BS in Psychology, Clinical Concentration
Formational Models
Basic Training - HeartSync Ministries
Basic & Advanced Training - The Immanuel Approach
EMDR Trained – River’s Edge Institute
Internal Family Systems Informed (IFS)
Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
Theology of the Body Institute
Physical & Inner Healing I Global School of Supernatural Healing
Levels 1, 2, 3 - Christian Healing Ministries
Associations
Seek Direction Evangelical Spiritual Direction Association
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