Weekend Ignatian Retreat

About Maria Cressler, MTS, Sarah Otto, M.Div., and Kay Satterfield, MA

Maria G. Cressler, MTS, is the Executive Director of Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center and has served in this role since September 2009. She received a B.A. in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Master of Theological Studies and Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill College. Her heart for Ignatian Spirituality has broadened the ministries of Ignatius House during her tenure to include programs from Spring Hill College, Hispanic retreats, teen and young adult retreats, an expansion of the Ignatian Spirituality Project serving the homeless, and efforts to help people of all lifestyles know they are children of God. Maria believes deeply that none are excluded from God’s love, in the benefit of interfaith dialogue, and in activities that encourage mutual understanding. Prior to Ignatius House, she served in pastoral and parish roles to lead programs such as prison ministry, Emmaus, Cursillo, Rite of Chrisitian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and JustFaith. These experiences continue to shape her deep desire to help others encounter God. Maria and her husband, John, minister together at married-couples retreats as well as at interfaith events.

Sarah Otto, M.Div., is a Jesuit-trained retreat director and spiritual director who completed her Master of Divinity at Boston College. She studied theology as both an undergrad and graduate student. Her passion has focused on the intersection of faith and justice, which led her to study in El Salvador. Sarah spent a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving men and women experiencing homelessness in Portland, Ore. Sarah has worked as a hospital and prison chaplain and most recently worked in college campus ministry for five years, both at Providence College and as director of a Newman Catholic Center in Chico, Calif. As a mom, Sarah is particularly passionate about ministering to women and families but continues to enjoy helping people discern how to live a faith that does justice, as well as discovering the unique and creative ways God works in everyone.

Kay Satterfield, MA, has served as a spiritual director and retreat director on the Pastoral Team of Ignatius House since 2017. Currently, one of her primary roles is as Coordinator of Ignatius House’ Tending the Flame Spiritual Direction Formation Program. Kay holds a Masters in Pastoral Care from Fordham University and a Certification in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse, NY. An Atlanta native, Kay also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. Prior to coming to work at Ignatius House, Kay served on the pastoral ministry staff at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville, NY. Kay has a passion for helping people discover grace in their everyday lived experience or as St. Ignatius of Loyola termed it, “finding God in all things.” She is a mother of four adult children and delights in her role as a grandmother too!