Who is Soulcare MKE?

Soulcare MKE LLC has been developed by
Laura Gilmartin H.

Laura has been aware of, and paying attention to, her spiritual journey for more than thirty years. She has noticed that, at times, the path of her soul has been tumultuous, as though she has been passing through a violent storm. At other times, her soul’s path has been… almost without a path; she has simply noticed a sense of spaciousness, of tender care, of gentle presence and clarity.

Each phase of her soul’s journey has been one of
transformation towards deeper authenticity.

She believes that your soul is also finding its way.

As a spiritual companion, Laura’s lens of accompaniment began during a year of service with the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, which was then followed by 20 years serving as an alternative educator, theology teacher, and campus minister in a variety of school settings. Her heart resonates particularly well with people who find themselves navigating moments of transformation, such as the transformative work of establishing one’s identity as a young adult or as a newly retired person, those who engage in the challenging work of societal healing and change, or those whose very spirituality seems to be shifting within them. 

Laura believes that the work of societal healing, including opening to the beauty of racial, economic, sexuality and gender identities, and interfaith understanding, can expand our ability to love, transform our own lives, and create a more whole society. Laura’s ministry of presence enables her to accompany people as they search for, become aware of, and experience God’s presence, both in moments of deep heartbreak, desperation, and overwhelming joy and connection. She loves to listen for the movement of Spirit as people talk about the details of their real, everyday lives. Her primary experience in faith communities has been in the Roman Catholic tradition but she delights in experiencing the wisdom held within all communities of faith and belief. Laura desires for Soulcare MKE LLC to be a safe and affirming space for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities, who have often experienced obstacles to the full access of these spiritual care resources.

Laura has offered numerous retreats, workshops, and experiences of pilgrimage, including a collaborative Civil Rights Pilgrimage for high school youth. Her educational background includes formation in spiritual direction with the Midwest Province of Jesuits and Loyola University of Chicago, a Master of Arts in Lay Ministry from Cardinal Stritch University, a Master of Science in the Cultural Foundations of Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. She is trained to accompany people through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, most often utilizing the format of a, “retreat in everyday life.” Laura prays multiple times each week with the Capuchin friars at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Milwaukee.

Laura is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the mom of two teenage boys, and is happy to meet people in person or virtually. She would be humbled and privileged to help you care for your soul.