Instructor:  Nancy TannerThies,  is a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  She is the Proprietress of Sapattu, a small retreat center near Jefferson City, Missouri.  She and her husband, Roger, teach classes there and provide space for personal spiritual retreats.  Nancy also provides Spiritual Companionship for individuals.

TannerThies' educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston, a Masters in Religious Studies and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Chicago

Nancy has congregational experience and has also served on the regional staff of the Christian Church of Mid-America.  During her time on regional staff she assisted a variety of conflicted congregations.  Nancy also was a practicing Intentional Interim Minister for a number of years.  She did training for the Interim Ministry Network for more than 15 years. She and her husband were trained as family mediators and had a private mediation practice for more than seven years.

Roger and Nancy's blended family includes four married children and six grandchildren.  They also have two nephews and three godchildren that they think of as grandchildren.