Welcome, I’m Puanani Calvillo, MAT, NASM-CPT

I am a spiritual director who companions at the intersection of spirituality and movement . I would describe my practice as intuitive, embodied, liberative, maternal, and integrated. In addition to my education and lived experiences, the spaces I hold are profoundly shaped by the collective wisdom of my Sāmoan-Pilipina ancestors, aunties and grandmothers. My work centers the well-being (mind, body, & spirit) of marginalized communities.

Spiritual Direction

One might seek a spiritual director for companionship in connecting with self and the Divine, discernment, grief, exploring or establishing a spiritual practice, navigating life transitions, or a evolving/ expanding theology or spirituality.

In one-on-one and group sessions, I accompany seekers by listening contemplatively and offering embodied practices as a mode of listening to support, presence, deepening, exploration and meaning making.

Accompanying with Movement

Our bodies hold wisdom, both from our own lived experiences and those of our ancestors. I meet you where you are at in your body & spiritual journey. I may offer dance, primal flow, or other movements as a mode to listen together.

Strength training can serve as a deep spiritual practice. The repetitive and deliberate actions inherent in lifting and body weight exercises create a rhythmic focus akin to meditation, drawing attention to breath, bodily sensations, and the present moment. This approach to strength training invites individuals to reconnect with their sacred selves, the Divine, and cultivate profound inner resilience.

Education & Experience

I have a Master's Degree in Teaching, certification in Spiritual Direction from Still Harbor, certification in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and specialization in Kettlebell fundamentals. Aside from my own practice, I am a co-educator/facilitator for Liberated Together Spiritual Direction School. I also support immigrant christian families as a grant administrator for Boston University STH. In 2013, my husband and I transitioned out of formal ministry where we lead El Puente Community Church for over 10 years in Santa Ana (Santana) CA.

Personal

I'm a California girl, born and raised in LA and Orange County. I experience great delight in talking stories over comfort food, dancing unapologetically in my kitchen, lifting heavy weight, mothering my 3 children, and day dates with my husband.

“In collectivist cultures, our elders told us long ago that we carry the stories of our communities in our bodies.”

-Cindy S. Lee