Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction
A two‑year formation program in Tucson, Arizona
"Dedicated to supporting spiritual guides in their efforts to work in a multi-faith world."
A Path of Sacred Listening, Contemplative Practice, and Interfaith Wisdom
Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction offers a two‑year formation program for those called to spiritual companionship, deep listening, and contemplative presence. Rooted in interfaith wisdom and grounded in the sacred traditions of many lineages, our program supports seekers, leaders, and companions who desire to walk alongside others with compassion and integrity, as well as those who are seeking to weave a contemplative inner journey into their daily lives and/or would like to experience practices and teaching from different spiritual traditions.
Our approach honors the sacred in everyday life, the wisdom carried in each person’s story, and the transformative power of community.
Are you ready to apply now?
Upcoming Cohort -At a Glance
Cohort: Fall 2026–2028
Start Date: September 12, 2026
Schedule: 2nd Saturday each month, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Sept–June) for 2 years
Location: St. Philip’s in the Hills, Tucson, AZ
Tuition: $750/year (payment plans available)
Scholarships: Limited assistance available
Status: Accepting applications now
Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Apply: https://www.tacheria.org/spiritual-direction-application
Exploring the World’s Sacred Traditions
This two‑year formation program encompasses and explores the beliefs, practices, and sacred stories of many of the world’s spiritual traditions and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Shamanism, Sufism, and Native American spirituality. Spiritual leaders and guest teachers from diverse lineages share their insights, knowledge, and lived experience throughout the program, offering students a rich and expansive foundation in spiritual direction and companionship.
How We Learn Together
Learning at Tacheria is both didactic and experiential. Participants engage through dialogue, readings, reflective practices, and embodied activities, while also practicing holy listening with their classmates. This formation process prepares those who feel called to accompany others through spiritual direction or spiritual companionship, and offers a supportive, contemplative community for those seeking to deepen their own inner journey.
We welcome people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, gender and sexual orientations, and religious or spiritual traditions. All are invited to explore, question, and grow within a community rooted in respect, compassion, and sacred presence.
Faculty & Guest Teachers
Our program is enriched by a diverse group of teachers from many traditions who bring wisdom, experience, and deep commitment to sacred listening.
Program Details: Upcoming Cohort & Key Dates
Cohort: Fall 2026–2028
Start Date: September 12, 2026
Commitment: Two year program
Schedule: 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:00 am–3:00 pm September through June (10 months) for two years
Location: St. Philip’s in the Hills -Tucson, AZ
Health & Safety: We observe CDC guidelines for group gatherings
Program Cost
Tuition: $750 per year
Payment Plans: Available throughout the year
Scholarships: Limited scholarship assistance offered
Application Process
Applications: Accepted annually and submitted electronically below
Application Fee: $50 non‑refundable
Payment Methods: PayPal, check, money order, or cashier’s check
Next Steps: You will be contacted by our Director
Apply Now
Step One: Complete the Application
Step Two: Pay the $50 Application Fee
Step Three: Our Director will reach out to you shortly
Discover more about Tacheria’s formation, teachers, and alumni experiences
Tacheria Staff
Betty Stauffer
Director
Betty graduated from Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction in 2004. She was first introduced to spiritual direction through the Church of the Savior in Washington D.C. in 1985. She has been in spiritual direction herself and served as a spiritual director and retreat leader since that time. Betty is a former Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and was very active in their Hunger Ministries. She is a social worker who has served as an Executive Director, first of New Life Community in Cleveland, Ohio from 2002 to 2020 at Literacy Connects in Tucson, AZ. Betty became a Co-Director of Tacheria with Frank Williams in 2018. She became Director in 2021.
Reverend Deborah Christine
Provisional Director
She earned degrees in Education from ASU and the University of Arizona and spent many years teaching in Phoenix and Tucson.
After raising twins, she followed her call to ministry, completing her Master of Divinity in Denver. She went on to serve churches in Colorado and Montana, eventually becoming the District Superintendent of Montana East, overseeing 40 congregations.
Deborah returned to Tucson in 2021 and later completed the Tacheria Spiritual Direction program (Class of 2024). She currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at St. Mark’s UMC.
Grounded in an inclusive and compassionate faith, Deborah is committed to helping the Divine be known through community, service, and spiritual formation.
She became Tacheria’s Provisional Director in 2026.
