In this episode, Eileen Spinner, Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, and Public Speaker, reveals how capturing a person’s story can become a profound tool for healing and reconciliation. Eileen details her work with the Lumina program, creating tangible legacy pieces that ensure a person's light continues to shine for future generations. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that every leader has a unique gift to share and that our stories are the most valuable inheritance we can leave behind.
Bio: Eileen Spinner, a native Texan, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Author and Public Speaker in St.Louis, Missouri. She has a Bachelors in Theology and Education from the University of Dallas and a Masters in Counseling from St. Louis University.
Eileen has passionately worked for BJC Hospice for 20 years, helping people share their stories and leave legacy items for their loved ones through the Lumina Life Review program. She also provides grief support to patients and their families. She is an advocate for resiliency in the workplace, encouraging individuals & leaders to invest in their mental health. She has spoken at numerous professional conferences over the past 20 years, including as keynote speaker for the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association, highlighting ways to put these passions into practice.
She is an author, recently publishing “Mom, Tell Me Why You’re Catholic and Everything Else You Love” in 2024 and “Dad, Tell Me Why You’re Catholic and Everything Else You Love” in 2025, which are journals that encourage parents to share their faith, values and stories. These books have been featured on various podcasts and on EWTN. She and co-author, Sr. Gianna Casino, are currently publishing a Friend version that will become part of an entire series of faith journals in 2026.
When Eileen is not at the bedside of her hospice patients and families, you might catch her volunteering at her church or kids' schools, running, watching her kids’ games/musical performances, traveling with her family, or rooting for the Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.
All the journals can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and any major retailer or atbooks.catecases.com.
Quote by Saint Terese of Lisieux, “May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
Something Extra: "We're all made on purpose, with a purpose... that something extra is trying to figure out, what is my gift, right? And then if I know my gift, then I have to share that gift."
Guest Links:
Books:
- Mom, Tell Me Why You're Catholic and Everything Else You Love: A Faith-Based Guided Journal
- Dad, Tell Me Why You're Catholic and Everything Else You Love
- Friend, Tell Me About Your Faith and Everything Else You Love
