The SoulCore story is really a faith journey from suffering to joy and call to mission.

Devastating loss led Colleen to a deeper devotion to the Blessed Mother, and eventually to the conception of SoulCore. She grew up in a close Irish, Catholic family, the fifth of six children. Tragedy hit her young family when her oldest brother died at the age of 15 when he was struck by lightning.

The death of Colleen’s brother inflicted a deep wound in all of her family’s hearts and was the catalyst that eventually led her father to alcoholism and second-oldest brother to drug addiction.

Even amidst their trials, her family home was filled with love, laughter; and the cornerstone was her mom, Marian’s, devout faith.  She was a witness of self-giving love, perseverance in adversity and trusting in God’s plan. In no small part to her mom’s years of unwavering faith and prayers, Colleen’s father & brother would each make miraculous recoveries from their addictions.

Marian’s faith was the spiritual glue that bound Colleen’s family together in suffering and in joy.  So it was utter heartbreak when her mom died suddenly & unexpectedly.  Then two months later as they still navigated through grief another cross was laid upon her family when her father and brother died together in an accident.

In her devastation, the rosary became a source of peace and healing.  Colleen’s devotion to the Blessed Mother deepened in a palpable way.  She began praying the rosary while running and found the combination a beautiful time of prayer integrating body & soul.  A friend suggested adding core exercise to her regimen and the inspiration to incorporate the rosary with core strengthening, functional movement was conceived.

Colleen shared the inspiration with her friend Deanne Miller, who shared a devotion to the Blessed Mother, and had a background in fitness instruction. As a teenager, Deanne had also experienced her own healing of body & soul through the combination of prayer and movement after struggling with disordered eating and excessive exercise. Together they began developing the program and SoulCore was born.  Interest in classes grew and beautiful testimony of participant experience shared. Encouraged by Immaculee Ilibagiza, Colleen & Deanne formally launched the movement, released the Joyful Mysteries dvd and opened the SoulCore Marian House studio, named in honor of our Blessed Mother and my beautiful mom, Marian.

SoulCore is now offered as youth, college & adult programs. SoulCore Discovery Retreats are offered to those discerning to become SoulCore Leaders, with the mission of  launching classes across the country and around the globe. SoulCore is an invitation to integrate body & soul in prayer while discovering the beauty of the rosary; a gentle path to grow in virtue and interior peace.

The SoulCore logo, the A intertwined with the M, symbolizes the Latin term “Auspice Maria” which means “Under the Protection of Mary.” We deepen our devotion to Jesus and Mary by praying the Rosary, helping us to remain aware that we are constantly under their guidance and protection.

Colleen grew up in a lively Irish Catholic family where faith was the cornerstone. Personal tragedy led Colleen to a deeper conversion in faith and discovery of the beauty and healing power of the rosary. Athletics had been a part of her life since she was young, but as an adult struggled to commit to an exercise routine. Through integrating the rosary with physical movement she found a sustainable path to nourish her body, mind & soul. Now her desire is to share it with everyone. She is an inspirational speaker and leads retreats throughout the United States. Her favorite role though, is that of wife & mother!

Deanne is wife to Mike and the mother of four adult children. She grew up in a big, lively Greek family and was raised Greek Orthodox. She came into the Catholic Church following the birth of their second daughter—a journey filled with abundant grace. As a teenager, Deanne experienced personal suffering that shaped her profoundly. Through God’s mercy, she discovered healing in the integration of prayer and movement, fostering a lifelong desire to honor the Lord in both body and soul. Deanne seeks to help others recognize the sacredness of their bodies, live lives of virtue, and grow in intimacy with God. She shares her personal testimony and leads retreats around the world, always pointing to the transforming power of the rosary and the gentle, healing love of Christ.

Leigh is a wife and mother of 3 daughters. She grew up in the South, graduating from Texas A&M University and LSU for her MBA. Leigh serves as SoulCore’s Leader Liaison, guiding others through every step from Leader discernment to final Leader Certification. Leigh has many gifts, including hospitality, warmth, organization and a joyful spirit. Everyone who comes in contact with Leigh is better for it!

Julie and her husband Joe have been married for over 30 years and are blessed with four beautiful children, two sons and two daughters. In addition to being a Certified SoulCore Leader, Julie shares her gifts of Strategy and Development, along with Co-Leading the SoulCore Genesis Prescription. She is a tremendous asset to SoulCore and our mission to spread the beauty and transforming power of the rosary around the globe.

Sydney is behind SoulCore’s Social Media, and brings so much heart to the way we connect with our community. As SoulCore Co-Founder Deanne’s daughter, Sydney has been connected to the SoulCore mission from the very beginning. She shares her natural sense of storytelling and warm, invitational approach with our community – beautifully reflecting the mission of SoulCore.

Jamie has been married to her best friend Rod for over 35 years. They have one son Max, a true miracle. Jamie serves as a SoulCore Leader and Mentorship Director, helping discerning Leader candidates and current Certified Leaders hone their skills in leading SoulCore with confidence, courage and clarity. Jamie has a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom, and reflects the light of Christ to everyone she encounters.