Reverend Wendy Jo Cole, MSW, MSED, Spiritual Director/Companion, Interspiritual Minister
Wendy Jo Cole supports individuals and groups to heal and accept their journey through companioning and connection. Her own journey brought her through the lived experience of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The immense difficulty of this time, the symptoms, the aloneness, and the stigma call her to give back to the community through support and advocacy. Wendy has served as admin and mod for the Benzo Warrior Community, where she moderates and facilitates groups.
Wendy Jo has spent much of her career working as a director of a preschool in Brooklyn, where she learned to understand and value our inner child and bring play into even the hardest of places. She believes in welcoming, standing up for, and protecting each other, and that we all belong and we can come as we are.
Currently, Wendy Jo substitutes and consults in early childhood, supervises students at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, and is finishing up her final year at the Ackerman Institute of Family Therapy. Wendy has a Masters Degree from Bank Street College in Early Childhood Leadership, an MSW from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from Mount Holyoke College.
Wendy Jo lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her partner David (aka the Tulip King), his mom, and different constellations of diverse and beautiful adult birth and chosen children.
Former administrator, Benzo Warrior Community
Ordained Minister
Certificate in spiritual direction
Masters in Social Work, Masters in Education
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS
Sanctuary Sundays
Sanctuary Sundays is a spiritual community where we create sacred time and space each Sunday together. We are a sanctuary of and for survivors/thrivers from all faiths and traditions who come together to share prayers, poetry, verses, stories, and songs that connect us to spirit. We will have a topic each week that supports all of our healing, including nurturing ourselves, radical acceptance, little love notes, turning over anger, beloved community, the extraordinary in the ordinary, and more. We believe that our spiritual connection to the divine and our heart’s full connection to each other furthers our healing. We invite you to come to our gathering each week just as you are.
To welcome everyone, Sanctuary Sundays is offered on a ‘pay what you are able’ basis, with a minimum donation of $1. Our suggested contribution is $25.
Caregiver Support Circle with Wendy Jo:
For any spouse, caregiver, friend, or other carer who is supporting someone coming off or healing from psychotropic medications.
Individual Spiritual Guidance Sessions w/Reverend Wendy Jo Cole, MSW, MSED
If none of the available time slots fit your schedule, please reach out to Wendy Jo directly at wendyjo@heartcorecollective.com.
Spiritual Guidance 1:1 Coaching with Wendy Jo
Wendy Jo offers compassionate coaching sessions to support individuals on their healing journeys. Drawing from her lived experience of benzodiazepine withdrawal and her extensive background in early childhood education, spiritual direction, and family therapy, Wendy Jo provides a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for growth and connection. Her approach blends advocacy, play, and deep listening to help clients embrace their path, nurture resilience, and find belonging. Wendy Jo believes in honoring each person’s unique journey, empowering them to heal and thrive as they are.