About Melissa Auten

My first career was as a health care provider—I worked for 37 years offering direct patient care as a nurse in a variety of subspecialties.  As I grew older, however, I began to realize that the work I was truly meant to be doing is that of a “soul tender.” Toward that end, I entered a program in spiritual formation at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Virginia and, on completion, opened my spiritual direction practice in Wake Forest, NC.

Two years later, I applied for and was accepted into a new program being offered by the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was called The Living School, the life vision of the well-known author and much beloved Catholic priest, Fr. Richard Rohr. This is where I began to integrate Christian mysticism with Perennial Wisdom, two streams of influence that form the basis for most of my core beliefs.

I love the work of soul care more than anything I have ever done.  It gives me such great joy to be a part of someone’s unfolding and blossoming as a human being, growing in the light of God’s great love.  Even in the midst of darkness and suffering, there is always beauty waiting to be unearthed.

I would love the opportunity to see if we are a good fit for working together. I can see you in my tiny home office if you are in the greater Raleigh area (I’m not kidding- it’s tiny and my dog will try to squeeze in with us making it even tinier!). I can also meet with you via Zoom if you happen to live elsewhere in the country, which several of my directees do.  Just fill out and submit the form on my Contact page. I’ll get back to you, I promise!

Thank you for stopping by, and hope to meet you soon. Namaste!