ISD is a metaphysical church and learning center that focuses on healing, intuitive connection, and the joy of finding the spirit connection within rather than being told how it should or could be experienced. We welcome those who want to belong to a spiritual group of like-minded people, in which you can explore and find your own path in a community of love and support. Diana Friedell, Pastor; Amanda Hoover, Renee Ranke, Co-Directors;
Rev. Diana Friedell and her sister, Rev. Sue Landon have worked together to charter this new chapter in Oneonta, NY. It is the 4th chapter of this 40 year old institution, which was founded in Sparta, NJ, by Rev. Jim DeBiasio. Jim is now the Pastor at the Institute for Spiritual Development in Washington, D.C., where Sue Landon was ordained. The other chapters of ISD are in Madison, NJ, Sparta, NJ. and Treasure Coast, Florida
Diana Friedell, is the owner of the 18 year old Oneonta based Spiritual Counseling Business, “Tuning In – Tuning Up”, where she offers private confidential Psychic Intuitive Readings, and she teaches classes in Meditation, and Intuitive Development. Diana, also known in the area as a Theater Director and actress, is a graduate of & was ordained through “Fellowships of the Spirit”, a two year school in Lily Dale, NY, as well as a Graduate of SUNY Oneonta in Teaching. Diana was also sanctioned into the ministry at the Institute for Spiritual Development in W.D.C. with the plan to work with her sister Sue Landon on the start up of this new chapter.
- Amanda Hoover is the Co-Director at the Institute for Spiritual Development in Oneonta, and is ordained in ISD's Ministerial Program. She has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Masters of Science in Education and is a certified school counselor and school administrator. She has studied metaphysics, spirituality, and world religions at the college level. Amanda is a Reiki Master and is a certified life coach. She has received extensive professional development in mindfulness in education and training in meditation.
- Rev. Story Lucile Ducey is the Adult Education Co-Chair; Story is a classically trained Psychic Medium and long time teacher of interdisciplinary courses in Comparative Religion, Esoteric Judaism & Christianity and ‘The Art & Science of Intuitive Development for Seers and Scientists.’ Story has an Intuitive Counseling Practice and teaches in both Otsego County and the Metropolitan area. Story is a former faculty and board member of the Metaphysical Center of New Jersey; a Graduate of Columbia University and The New Seminary. Her teachers include Jean Munzer, Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, and Rev. Janet Nohaveck. She has worked as a Pastoral Counselor and Officiant in Christian and Interfaith ministry for 25 years.
-Rev. Renee Ranke, Co-Director, Adult Education Co-Chair: Renee is a psychic medium, automatic writer, channel, spiritual healer, and ordained ISD minister, whose understanding of her mystical journey began after the passing of her husband and an ensuing spiritual rebirth. Much of her training has been through direct intensive communication with a remarkable Spirit Team, calling themselves the We. Her purpose is to help connect others with the guidance and wisdom that they most need and to light the path towards discovering their own Divinity.
