Valerie Hess is a musician, instructor in Spring Arbor University’s Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership (MSFL) program, and an author. Her writing and speaking primarily focus on issues related to spiritual formation through music and through the spiritual disciplines. She has been involved with Renovare, the small group movement that grew out of Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline, for twenty years. Valerie received her Masters in Church Music and Organ from Valparaiso University. She has a B.A. in Music and Psychology from Metropolitan State College in Denver. She is currently the Coordinator of Music Ministries for Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder. Additionally, she is a music reviewer for the American Recorder Society.