About Us
Founder
Bill is a psychologist (PhD; PSY12036 in CA) and ordained pastor, specializing in ministry to pastors. He and Kristi are the authors of Journey of the Soul, which was #1 on Amazon in Christian Counseling. He was personally mentored for many years by Dallas Willard and Ray Ortlund Sr. His earlier book Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke tells the story of his spiritual renewal from anxious living and burnout and introduces the message and way of Soul Shepherding.
As a Spiritual Formation Pastor, he’s served in a mega-church and a church plant. He’s also trained over 1,000 lay counselors and taught courses in Christian psychology and spirituality at the graduate school level. He and Kristi train pastors and other men and women in ministry in their Soul Shepherding Institute and Spiritual Direction certificate program. Bill has been speaking in churches and conferences since 1987 and especially enjoys speaking with Kristi. You can listen to their weekly Soul Talks podcast or read their Soul Shepherding blog.
Founder
Kristi is a psychotherapist (Psy.D.; LPC4 and MFT29887 in CA) and spiritual director for women in ministry and pastors’ wives. She co-leads Soul Shepherding with Bill. She was personally mentored by Jane Willard and Dr. Jan Stoop.
As a pastor’s wife, mother, and ministry professional, Kristi offers empathy and wisdom from her experience personally and as a therapist who has spent many thousands of hours caring for people. Kristi enjoys speaking, training, teaching, consulting, counseling, and retreat leading with Bill, as well as recording their weekly Soul Talks podcast.
Executive Assistant to the Founders
Nicki Bradshaw serves Soul Shepherding as the Executive Assistant to Founders, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere. In addition, Nicki has served in the ministry for 30 years. She’s an ordained pastor, pastor’s wife, and worship leader. Nicki has leadership experience working with best-selling authors, speakers, and executives in various parachurch organizations.
Director of Operations and Programs
Jessica serves Soul Shepherding as the Director of Operations and Programs, providing strategy for and leading various projects and initiatives across the ministry, leading staff members, and supporting their team of Sr. Spiritual Directors. In addition to her training in therapy, Jessica serves as a leadership coach, speaker and nonprofit consultant.
Ministry Relations Advisor
Amy connects pastors and leaders with the resources and services they and their church or organization need. She also provides Spiritual Direction and Coaching. Amy is a church leader and speaker, and is a graduate of the Soul Shepherding Institute (2021). Previously, she was an executive recruiter who specialized in serving the needs of her client companies.
Institute Program Manager
Sue leads the administration of Soul Shepherding’s Institute and Spiritual Direction certificate program and communicates with all students. She also manages the finances and HR. She earned a certificate from the Soul Shepherding Institute in 2015. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of an international ministry.
Financial Stewardship Manager
Mark currently serves on staff with Soul Shepherding as both the Stewardship Manager handling Finances, Human Resources and all other business related matters, and a Sr. Spiritual Director. After serving in the US Army, he started his career in Finance, serving as a Corporate Relationship Banker for 10 years, and then as a Director of Finance for an aerospace manufacturing company for over 21 years. He has a BA in International Studies/Economics, and an MA in Biblical Studies from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
Communications & Operations Manager
Kailee leads the implementation of Soul Shepherding’s marketing and development strategies. She works closely with Soul Shepherding’s team of Advisors, Sr. Spiritual Directors, and Network members to support their ministries. Kailee has a dual Bachelor of Arts in Socio-Legal Studies and Communications from the University of Denver, and has served many ministries, non-profits, and companies in the private sector in marketing, development, and project management capacities.
Sr. Spiritual Director & Supervisor
Dave leads the faculty and supervisors of the Soul Shepherding Institute’s certificate program in spiritual direction. He also serves as a Sr. Spiritual Director for pastors and leaders. He is a longtime church pastor and spiritual director for Biola University and is a graduate of the Soul Shepherding Institute (2018).
Church Relations Advisor
Dave provides coaching for pastors to encourage them to help them and their churches find the resources and services they need. He is a longtime Lead Pastor who grew his church in central CA from 80 to over 3,000 people. He is a graduate of the Soul Shepherding Institute and certificate training in Spiritual Direction (2021).
Pastor Relations Advisor
Sheridan is a bridge builder who provides coaching and soul care groups to strengthen pastors from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. He has been pastoring for 29 years, currently as the Lead Pastor of A Place for Worship church in Fullerton, CA. He is currently earning his certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Soul Shepherding Institute.
Alejandro (Alex) Lopez
Spanish Ministry
Alex leads the Hispanic ministry of Soul Shepherding, ministering to pastors and leaders through retreats, spiritual direction, and discipleship. He has served as a church leader for over 15 years, with experience in church planting and missions. He is currently earning his certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Soul Shepherding Institute.
Valery Lopez
Spanish Ministry
With her husband, Valery co-leads the Hispanic ministry of Soul Shepherding. Together they lead retreats and groups for pastors and church leaders. She has served as a Christian leader and teacher for over 15 years, specializing in discipling and guiding Christian women. She is currently earning her certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Soul Shepherding Institute.
Graphic Design & Resource Development
Briana leads Soul Shepherding graphic design, resource development, and social media. She also provides strategic advice for Soul Shepherding content and marketing. Previously she worked as an office manager for a counseling center. She’s a graduate of the Soul Shepherding Institute (2020).
Operations Specialist
Colleen assists in the implementation of various marketing and development initiatives across Soul Shepherding’s various platforms including the website, weekly blog, weekly podcast, webinars, and email communications. She also manages the online store of resources.
Programs Manager
Jodine serves Soul Shepherding as the Programs Manager, leading the administration of the ministry’s programs. She has a Master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and is currently earning her certificates in both Spiritual Direction and Coaching through the Soul Shepherding Institute. Prior to Soul Shepherding, Jodine was a leader in women’s and recovery ministries while also serving as church staff in Communications and Children’s Ministries. She is also an author of children’s books and a co-author of a devotional for people suffering from chronic pain and illness.
Writer and Editor
Carolyn serves on staff with Soul Shepherding as a writer and editor. A long-time youth and women’s ministry leader, she is also a Classical educator teaching writing and literature. She is currently earning her certificate in Spiritual Direction through the Soul Shepherding Institute.
Donor Care Associate
Sara serves in Donor Relations for Soul Shepherding. She has previously worked with an international non-profit in donor care and fundraising efforts and enjoys seeing the mission of an organization flourish through meaningful relationships with supporters and donors. She has served in youth ministry and church leadership alongside her husband for over 20 years in New Jersey, New York, California, and currently in Alaska. Her and her husband also direct an agricultural camp and retreat facility in Talkeetna, Alaska as they serve the church in Anchorage.
Connections Coordinator
Robyn serves Soul Shepherding as a Connections Coordinator and a Senior Spiritual Coach. She earned her coaching certification from Soul Shepherding in August of 2022. Robyn is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has been in ministry for over 25 years. She has served in student/college ministry, women’s ministry, social justice ministry, and worship ministry. Robyn is a Bible teacher, speaker, worship leader, coach, as well as a pastor’s wife. She has served alongside her husband who has been the pastor at the same church in Texas since 2004.
Sr. Spiritual Directors
Ministry to Pastors & Leaders
Bill and Kristi Gaultiere train pastors, missionaries, and other leaders from around the world to offer spiritual direction ministry for men and women who are serving Jesus. You can connect with one of their Sr. Spiritual Directors now to schedule meeting on Zoom, over the phone, or in person. Through the Soul Shepherding Institute you can complete your training to become a Spiritual Director.
Want to join the team? We're hiring!
David Hartshorne
Financial Advisor
David oversees the finances of Soul Shepherding. He is the Principal of Orange County SMB Clients, providing financial management and consulting. He is a graduate of “The Masters Program” in Christian leadership.