About Heather
Heather Penzel, MA
Spiritual Director | Reiki Practitioner | Queer & Non-Binary
My Story
My awareness of God's presence began early—raised in a Christian home where I knew about the divine in my head, but not yet in my heart. That changed when I entered adulthood and faced a personal struggle with depression. I issued an ultimatum to the Divine: "I need You to make what I know in my head about Your love real in my heart, or I don't want to do this anymore.”
What followed was a journey that would reshape my entire understanding of faith..
I spent time in a charismatic Vineyard Church community that became like family, incubating my tender heart. Then came a transformative 6-month internship spending midnight to 6am in a prayer room. It was in contemplative prayer that I most clearly heard God's voice and felt divine love. I learned that while charismatic experiences can be like throwing gasoline on a small flame, the contemplative tradition is the slow-burning heat that transforms us from within.
Finding my way home
When I discovered Quakerism during seminary, everything shifted. I sensed God sitting quietly with me, allowing me to be in my anger and rage without correction, judgment, or turning away. This transformed my images of the divine and allowed me to finally accept myself as a queer, non-binary person. That
experience of being held without judgment—of being seen and loved exactly as I am—became the foundation of my work as a spiritual director. More
recently, I've been influenced by teachers and practitioners outside the Christian tradition: Hawayo Takata, Papa Joe Delamere, Ram Dass, Chani Nicholas, Eckhardt Tolle, and the poet Hafiz. It's been a beautiful season of seeing the values of Jesus lived out in diverse streams of faith. Today, I'm part of a local Quaker meeting and a spiritual recovery program.
Why I do this work
A sacred text that has long been my touchstone reads: "I am certain that God, who began the good work in you, will carry it on to completion..."
My hope is to pass this faith on—to help others see themselves as divinely created, whole individuals: body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The values that drive my life are justice, peace, integrity, community, and equity. Whether with clients, friends, or strangers, my wish is to be a welcoming presence—hospitable and safe for everyone I cross paths with.
I know what it's like to feel unseen by faith communities. I know what it's like to deconstruct harmful teachings and rebuild a relationship with the sacred. I know what it's like to be told you're too much, or not enough, or that you don't belong.
You belong here.
My Training & Practice
I hold a Master's degree and have completed professional training as a spiritual director. My practice is grounded in the Quaker tradition, which believes:
There is a living, dynamic presence at work in the world—both within us and outside of us
There is that of Spirit in everyone
Each person is capable of direct, unmediated experience of the divine
Our understanding is nurtured and enlarged in community
Revelation of truth is continuing and ongoing
We welcome truth from whatever source it may come
Our inward experience transforms us and leads to outward faithful action
I am committed to ongoing formation, supervision, and creating trauma-informed, LGBTQ2AI+ affirming, anti-racist spaces for all seekers.
What People Are Saying
“I had 3 sessions over a couple of months with Heather, and I was impressed with how good they are at this thing! I felt well held and lead, with a light but directive touch.
The sessions were guided, and very open and explorative, a wonderful balance. There were great questions , and adequate time and encouragement for meaning seeking.
The sessions I did were all useful and to the point on their own and were well wrapped up and contained as a whole progression and a unit.
Thanks for your mahi!”
— Aaron, Te Whanganui a Tara
"Heather created such an amazingly safe and welcoming space for me. I have had several interesting revelations while working with them. They are a kind and wonderful soul. Looking forward to more. Thank you, Heather!"
— Michelle, Portland"I felt warm and welcome when I met Heather. I took with me two intentions to the reiki session and came away with a positive mindset towards both; this carried on to positive outcomes in my own life. Heather was thorough in identifying their own perspectives and insights which were quite applicable to my own life."
— Rhihanna, Ōtautahi 
My Approach
Integration can be difficult to accomplish. If one aspect of our being—mind, body, community, or spirit—is left untended, our growth can be incomplete. Each of these elements are interconnected, like the four directions or seasons. We can only be as integrated as our least tended element.
If any aspect is not looked after, we can find ourselves losing our center and drifting toward burnout... or worse.
As your spiritual director, I don't have an agenda for your journey. My role is to hold space, ask questions, listen deeply, and help you notice where the divine is already at work in your life. The path to wholeness is unique to each individual—and it can be completely transforming.
Let's discern your course together.