Compassionate and Experienced
Wisdom Ways was established in 1994 as a Ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet - St. Paul Province. The Sisters of St. Joseph built their ministries based on the mission of “moving always toward the profound love of God and neighbor without distinction.”
At Wisdom Ways, our team features experts with a diverse range of backgrounds, qualifications, and knowledge that are dedicated to supporting you on your journey. With a deep understanding of the complexities of life, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your emotions and spiritual beliefs with guides who truly care about your well-being.
Guiding You Through Life’s Transitions with Empathy and Respect
When you choose Wisdom Ways, you are choosing a partner who will walk alongside you. We understand the challenges you may face during times of hardship and growth, and we are here to provide personalized support that respects your individuality. Your journey is unique, and we honor that uniqueness by meeting you exactly where you are. Whether you seek emotional healing, spiritual connection, or personal growth, our offerings fit your individual needs and aspirations, empowering you to discover your own path towards fulfillment. Through our holistic approach that integrates spiritual practices and emotional wellness strategies, we provide the tools and guidance you need to navigate life's transitions with clarity and confidence.
OUR VISION
Moving people from deep inner listening into courageous action to co-create a better world.
OUR EXPERTS
Dr. Marian K Diaz, DMin.
Director of Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality
Marian Diaz, D. Min. (she/her) is the director of Wisdom Ways. Marian brings broad educational and professional experiences to the position including a variety of ministerial, educational and administrative roles. Her work has ranged from teaching in higher education to volunteering on behalf of our country to the Holy See. She has presented widely and offered retreats on a variety of topics. Her interests include Scripture, spirituality, women in the Church and support of professional ministry. She serves as a spiritual director and life coach. Marian completed her doctor of Ministry degree at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida with a focus on adult faith formation in a diverse cultural context. She is the mother of four children.
651-696-2790
Dr. Danielle Clausnitzer, PhD
Assistant Director of Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality
In her role at Wisdom Ways, Danielle remains committed to creating accessible and social-justice oriented programming for all. Danielle received her Doctorate in Theological and Religious Studies from Georgetown University with the successful completion of her dissertation "The Roots of Rootwork: Addressing theContemporary Concerns of Hoodoo Practitioners." As she continues to grow personally and professionally, she hopes to share her passion for education in the areas of anti-Black racism, ableism, and the promotion of person-first societies. In her role, she hopes to make meaningful change in St. Paul and Metro area communities as we work together to right the injustices in society. When she is not working to address the these injustices, she enjoys camping, taking care of her dog and cats, reading, and spending time with friends.
651-696-2787
651-696-2794
Leslie Aktan, MA
Office Coordinator of Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality
Leslie (she/her) was born and raised in rural Iowa but spent her Junior year of High School in Turkey as an exchange student. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, MO before finishing her degree in Global Studies from the University of Iowa. She has many years of experience in non-profits including events management and administrative work. She enjoys volunteering for a variety of organizations and continues to sit on a school board. Leslie lives with her husband, 3 boys, and 3 cats in St. Paul and enjoys drinking coffee, biking, reading, and traveling for fun.
OUR MISSION
Wisdom Ways creates open, accepting spaces that advance the spiritual growth, authenticity and fullness of life for all people. Our resources and offerings aim to help support movement into meaningful and impactful action to advance personal and communal well-being – and you won’t be doing it alone.
OUR VALUES
In a spirit of wisdom, We honor the inherent dignity, particularity, and wholeness of each human person. We believe that each of us can call forth healing, growth, integration and expanded freedom for ourselves and each other. We listen to and support the creative expression of spiritual wisdom across varied religious and secular ways of being. We commit ourselves to inclusivity, accessibility and liberating justice on behalf of personal transformation and the transformation of the world.
Directions from I-35
I-35E Exit on Randolph Avenue. Proceed west to the Fairview/Randolph Avenue intersection. Continue on Randolph. Turn left at the second entrance onto the campus of the Sisters of St. Joseph. I-35W Exit on I-94 eastbound and proceed to the Vandalia/Cretin Avenue exit. Go south on Cretin to Randolph Avenue. Go east (left) on Randolph to the Cleveland Avenue intersection. Continue on Randolph and take the third entrance on the right at the sign for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Directions from I-94
I-94 Eastbound – from Minneapolis Take the Vandalia/Cretin exit. Go south on Cretin to Randolph Avenue. Go east (left) on Randolph to the Cleveland Avenue intersection. Continue on Randolph and take the third entrance on the right at the sign for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I-94 Westbound Take the Snelling Avenue (US 51) exit. Go south on Snelling Avenue to Randolph Avenue. Turn right on Randolph. Proceed west to Fairivew/Randolph intersection. Stay on Randolph and turn left at the second entrance onto the campus of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Parking at the Carondelet Center
You are welcome to park anywhere in the Carondelet Center parking lot. Additional parking is available on the south side of Randolph Avenue. Disability parking is available near the Carondelet Center.
Parking at Saint Catherine University
Depending on the time of day, parking may be available in the O’Shaughnessy parking lot at St. Catherine University (enter gate 4 from Fairview Avenue just south of Randolph). Between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm a permit is generally required to park in this lot. Please call St. Catherine University at 651.690.8888 to learn more about parking at St. Kate’s.
Bus and Bike Transit
Wisdom Ways is easily accessible by transit. Route 87 bus on Cleveland Ave connects to the Green Line on the north and six bus routes serving Highland Village on the south. Route 74 bus on Randolph Ave connects to the A Line bus rapid transit and numerous other routes. Metro Transit trip planner.
Bicycle lanes on Cleveland Ave link to many other bike routes. There is bicycle parking at campus locations. St Paul bike maps.