This is Iela
MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS & TL2 ASSISTANT FACILITATOR!
Hi, I’m Iela!
Most days you can find me trying to convince my 11-month-old to take a nap or walking outside in all types of weather.
I am known for my Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies”, dance moves and my desire to always try to see another person’s point of view.
People often refer to me as “an old soul”. I’ve got a grandma bedtime and grew up with a sister who is 5 years older than me, so I’ve got one foot in the Millennials and another with the Gen Zs. I got married and trained as a spiritual director right out of college and I used to be afraid to show my full goofy side as I felt like it wouldn’t be seen as wise or thoughtful. BUT, over the years I’ve learned it actually just helps others feel more comfortable being themselves as well!
I absolutely love having a job where I get to be creative, work with family, and encourage people to lean into their gifts and trust God’s heart for them. I first realized I had a love for listening and meeting people where they are as an eighteen-year-old camp counselor and have been looking for ways to lean into this ever since. In 2024 I completed my master’s in marriage and family therapy and am currently pursuing my LMHC.
One of the things I am passionate about in life is soaking in the present. I have a tendency to always be planning and looking ahead, but I fully believe that grounding in the moment and recognizing the beauty in the season you’re in can be transformative.
Through PAX, I have grown immensely in my own walk with God as well as had the opportunity of cheering on so many others as they do the same! I have gone through almost every program (some more than once) and I love hearing from and meeting other participants in the PAX community. Assistant facilitating TL1 & TL2 has been stepping into sacred space. I can’t wait to see what each new year brings!
When I am not working for PAX, you can find me lost in a fiction novel, outside moving my body, loving on my daughter, exploring with my husband, or trying not to spend money on another pizza or latte…
A few other things you may or may not know about me are that:
I was an absolutely terrible eater as a child. Now, I love trying new food!
I get overwhelmed when I have too many demands on my time and thrive with more margin.
I once spent 20 straight days in the Montana wilderness.
I attended the same church for the first 21 years of my life and loved it.
I play four different instruments and love making music, but am terrible at practicing so odds are you will never hear me play…
I would love to connect with you! You can find me giving spiritual direction or happy to talk all things PAX. Feel free to reach out to me directly to chat further at ielapaxcenter@gmail.com! OR come join me in TL2!
Want to join Iela in TL2 this year? Learn more below & snag one of our final spots in the cohort! OR start your journey with year 1 of this program & join Iela next year!