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
Betty supports Bill & Kristi by managing their schedules, communications, and multiple administrative projects. Previously she served in leadership capacities in both church ministries and corporate settings. Betty is grateful to be part of this powerful, timely ministry that extends the love of Jesus in a profound and genuine way.
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.
Staff Support Advisor
Gina provides support for Soul Shepherding staff, resource development, and special projects. She has served in church leadership for many years, including on executive teams and serving in worship ministry and spiritual mentoring.
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 and Operations Manager
Kailee leads the implementation of Soul Shepherding’s marketing and development strategies. She also serves as lead project manager. Kailee works closely with Soul Shepherding’s team of Advisors, Sr. Spiritual Directors, and Network members to support their ministries. Kailee has served many ministries, non-profits, and companies in the private sector in both marketing and development 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 initiativs 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.
Lead Writer and Editor
Molly leads the content creation team for Soul Shepherding and also serves as a Sr. Spiritual Coach. She has served as a ministry leader in her church for many years. Prior to Soul Shepherding, Molly served as a project manager in neuroscience research.
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.
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.