Director and Program Coordinators

Cathy Elkington (Director of WellSpring)

Cathy has dedicated her life to fostering spaces where individuals can explore their spiritual journeys with authenticity and depth. As a Spiritual Director since 2011 and a Pastoral Supervisor accredited by the Australian Association of Supervision (AAOS), she has guided countless individuals and groups in deepening their connection with the Divine and discerning their vocational paths.

Cathy’s leadership is well-rooted in both spiritual and educational settings. As a Lecturer at the University of Divinity and the Australian Catholic University, she has helped shape theological and spiritual learning for many. Her time as Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development with The Salvation Army saw her developing initiatives that nurtured spiritual depth across diverse communities.

Beyond spiritual leadership, Cathy brings extensive experience in operational management, overseeing ministry placements, community programs, and strategic faith-based initiatives. Her work as Mission & Ministry Coordinator at Eva Burrows College exemplifies her commitment to fostering inclusive, reflective, and thriving faith communities.

Holding a Master of Spirituality from the Jesuit College of Spirituality, Cathy’s formation has been deeply grounded in the contemplative tradition, shaping her approach to leadership, discernment, and communal growth. Cathy is committed to nurturing WellSpring as a dynamic and flourishing community, where people can continue to find inspiration, belonging, and spiritual nourishment.

Anne Pate (Program Director)

Anne migrated to Melbourne from the UK with her Australian husband in 2002. She completed the Arrupeâ program with a Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction, has a Graduate Diploma in Supervision, and is finalising her PhD on the Fifth Week of life after the Spiritual Exercises. Anne is passionate about the transformative power of the Exercises and loves offering group retreats which combine imaginative prayer with creative practices. Anne is Missional Spirituality Pastor at Northcote Uniting Church, where she seeks to make the riches of the Christian tradition accessible in today’s context. Her life journey and professional experience in social work, research, teaching, and formation shape her open stance towards all who are searching for depth and meaning in life. Anne enjoys being at home with Daisy the mischievous Labrador, painting, and travelling. She joined the WellSpring team in February 2024. 

Bernie Byrne  (Referral Team Coordinator)

Bernie did her initial training as an Ignatian spiritual director as part of the Campion Arrupe Program in Kew, and is now also a spiritual companion with Wellspring and a member of the Referral Team. Bernie loves to offer silent retreats, and has given the Full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius over 35 days on a number of occasions. “I love the dynamic of the Retreats and the silence which draws people into deeper relationship with God”. Bernie has a background in occupational therapy and has worked with older people and people with disabilities for over 40 years. Bernie’s interests include being with family and friends, music. Pilates, dining out and attending films and plays, social justice, and reading and praying with the mystics.

Margaret Donald (Retreats Coordinator)

Margaret Donald is a spiritual director with a deep love for Celtic Spirituality, Centering Prayer, and the process of reflective art-making as a container for awareness. She is an experienced retreat facilitator and is passionate about offering creative silent spaces where each person can depth their own unique journey of the heart.