Kay Dokkestul

Kay Dokkestul gratefully came to know Jesus at a youth retreat in 1971 after being raised in the church and given a strong foundation of faith. Education has been a significant theme throughout her life. She spent 40 years teaching in a variety of settings, including public school, homeschooling, and classical Christian education, with the unique privilege of teaching every grade level over the years. The final 18 years of her teaching career were spent with high school students, teaching English, literature, Bible, humanities, and electives. She also developed curriculum and trained teachers for three classical Christian schools in northern Iraq, briefly living there and returning many times to serve.

In 2017, Kay attended her first retreat with Dovehouse Ministries and was thrilled to discover the gift of intentional time and space for intimacy with Jesus. She began to recognize how much of her life had revolved around work and responsibility—both important and meaningful things—but found herself longing to learn how to truly enjoy God.

As Kay continued attending retreats and participating in other Dovehouse offerings, these practices became deeply precious to her. She went on to earn her certificate in Spiritual Direction through Dovehouse Ministries and now loves helping others discover the wonder and delight of God and His world in everyday moments. Kay offers individual spiritual direction, groups, quiet days, the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, and retreats.

Kay lives in Franklin, TN, with her husband of 50 years. They have three grown children and a daughter-in-law who all live locally. She treasures time with family and friends, is an avid reader, loves exploring old bookshops and antique stores, and enjoys arts and crafts of all kinds.

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
—Westminster Shorter Catechism