Hi, my name is Christie...

What my trail has looked like...

Although I grew up around Christianity in the South and became a believer at a young age, my faith truly deepened through a life-altering experience: a Traumatic Brain Injury.

Before that, I served with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) for five months in Taiwan, and I returned home with plans to attend art school. However, everything changed during a horseback riding accident, when I suffered a serious brain injury. I spent three months in the hospital (half of that in a coma), endured two major brain surgeries on my skull, years of therapy to relearn how to walk, talk, and use the right side of my body again, and began experiencing seizures, which could still occur today.

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By God’s grace, I finished my art degree and dreamed of returning to the mission field. Yet, just before graduating, I had a seizure while driving, which made overseas work impossible at that time. It was a painful detour. At that time, I asked, “God, what are You trying to do with my life?”

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In an effort to answer that question, I discovered that Denver Seminary offered a degree called Christian Formation and Soul Care, which focuses on spiritual direction. I knew right away—this was what I had been searching for—a way to sustain my faith and walk closer to God through all things. It was something I deeply needed in my own life, and something I longed to offer to others. I graduated in 2017 and have since walked with others on their faith journeys, offering the same care and presence I’ve been blessed to receive.

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Where my calling and compassion meet...

After graduating from seminary, I had the privilege of spending 14 months overseas doing missions work in Australia. But once again, due to ongoing health issues (specifically seizures), I had to return to the U.S. I deeply grieved the loss of that dream and found myself asking God, “If I love serving You, why do You keep closing this door?”

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Over time, I began to realize that my mission field is walking alongside other missionaries—supporting, encouraging, and offering spiritual care, regardless of their location in the world.

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Through the challenges I’ve lived through—and those I continue to face—I’ve developed a deep passion to reach out to individuals with disabilities. Not only those with physical limitations, but also those navigating the many other forms of disability that often go unseen.

My heart longs for others to see and experience God’s hand at work in every area of their lives, no matter the struggle. I believe with all my heart in the truth of Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Every trial, every hardship can be used for His glory and our good.

What I Do

I’m currently serving in two main ways:

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Paraclete

As a Paraclete Associate, support allows me to offer spiritual direction to individuals through various Christian organizations. This includes in-person and virtual sessions.

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Azmera

Specifically, I provide spiritual direction for missionary women at Azmera retreats and virtually throughout the year. These times of rest, reflection, and renewal are sacred and life-giving.

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Qualifications

• M.A. in Christian Formation and Soul Care – Denver Seminary (2017)

• Certified Spiritual Director – CSDA (Christ-centered Spiritual Direction Association)

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I am passionate about helping believers—especially those serving in missions and the disabled—stay spiritually healthy, encouraged, and deeply connected to the heart of God.