Meet Sandra, the person behind 1300 EXAMEN and info@jisa.org.au. Sandra looks after National Bookings and Promotions for Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia (JISA) and receives all the calls and emails nationally for JISA retreats and events.

“I do the initial work on the enquiries and help people feel connected to our organisation whilst also managing the bookings here at Peter Canisius House in Pymble Sydney” explains Sandra.

With a background in superannuation and investments, Sandra welcomed the career change to work at Peter Canisius House three years ago.

“I arrived here and pleasingly found that I liked the work – a lot. I liked everything on offer here especially Ignatian Spirituality and retreats. It was busy but I managed to arrive home in time for dinner with my family, it was a massive improvement in how I felt” Sandra remembers.

Sandra provides a welcoming presence for the JISA national office and at Peter Canisius House and enjoys helping people when they enquire. “Matching a person’s needs to a retreat or event is really satisfying.”

The most challenging part of Sandra’s role is when it gets busy. “It can be very busy at Peter Canisius House and retreats often run over weekends. Not so much this year of course, as we had cancellations due to COVID-19, but generally it can be like 24/7/365!”

Sandra also enjoys working with her colleagues at Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia, not only at Peter Canisius House but across Australia. “We are supportive of each other and good listeners. We are a relatively small team with individual roles, yet everyone is happy to jump in and help one another when needed.”

In addition to volunteering for her three children’s schools, sport, Guide Dogs and Meals on Wheels over the years, Sandra lives a full life outside of work and enjoys jogging the fire trails with her dogs, cooking, reading and yoga. She has recently started dance workouts and German lessons. “I am dreaming of travelling in a better world… there are so many things to look forward to!”

So when you next call or email JISA to book or enquire about a retreat or program, say hello to Sandra!