Neil

Growing up in Independence, Ohio, Neil was raised by his uncle as the youngest of five siblings. His lifelong Catholic faith shaped him from childhood, but it was during a senior-year retreat at John Carroll University—where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in Art History—that he experienced a deeper conversion. That moment became a turning point, inspiring him to weave his faith intentionally into every corner of his life.

This commitment guided his discernment toward the vocation of marriage, eventually leading him to meet his wife, Nellie, in 2006. They married the following year and have made Cleveland their home since 2008, building a life rooted in community, service, and spiritual growth.

Over the years, Neil has poured his energy into a wide range of ministries, including youth ministry, music ministry and men’s ministry by leading book and bible studies, talks on men's spirituality for men's groups, and spiritual direction. Most recently Neil has begun Catholic life coaching for men. He became certified in 2026.

His dedication led him to earn his certification as a spiritual director through the Heart of Christ program. He is also a marriage mentor for the Diocese of Cleveland through which he and his wife Nellie prepare couples for marriage and offer talks on Holy Intimacy for post-Cana groups.

Neil is a Knight of Columbus and an active member of the Fasting Brothers apostolate. When he’s not accompanying others on their spiritual journeys, Neil can often be found reading, studying art, or enjoying music—whether listening or playing. His life reflects a steady, joyful commitment to living his faith with purpose and generosity.

When you first get married you hold in your heart the hopes and
dreams you have had since you were a child. This was no different for
us. We met on CatholicMatch.com, and quickly realized we only lived
15 minutes from each other! We got married in our mid 30’s and began
our life together buying our home with the desire to fill it. However,
soon after we realized that this dream of having children was going to
be very difficult. Eventually, after several years of working with NaPro
doctors and so much prayer, we accepted the fact of our primary
infertility – we were never able to conceive. We prayed fervently for
God’s mercy and He was generous. We had to lean into each other and
fall forward on our knees in worship with supplication and
lamentations. Doing this changed everything. We asked our joint
Spiritual Director, Fr. Max Cole, what we should be doing now that this
season of trying was over. Here is what he said to us:

There is more than one good in marriage… it is free, total, faithful, and
fruitful. Marriage is unitive and procreative, not just you (Nellie), Neil and
God – but includes the whole church. You will draw others to Christ. If we
can’t love one person in marriage, we can’t love the church. The love
between you and Neil should be the example of God’s love for all humanity.
Procreation is the fruit of your marriage; leading others to the love of God,
THAT is your procreation.

His words gave us new purpose and direction in our vocation. While we were already certified spiritual directors, it was Fr. Max who would lead us to our Diocesan Marriage and Family Ministry Office that trained us to be marriage mentors. And we have worked to “lead others to the love of God” ever since.

- Neil and Nellie Krawczynski

Nellie

Nellie is one of twelve siblings. Born into a Puerto Rican family she quickly learned to pick her battles. She has spent the last twenty-two years in the clinical counseling field providing individual and group therapy primarily to women who experienced trauma and impactful life events.

She has been (and currently remains) a certified level 2 trauma professional, is certified in EMDR and she incorporate IFS, Polyvagal informed techniques, somatic psychology and cognitive behavioral strategies into her work. Nellie is also a certified spiritual director who received her training from the Avila Institute/Heart of Christ School of Spiritual Direction.

Her approach has almost always been integrative with the goal that each healed or healing wound means another barrier to intimacy with Jesus is overcome. Through these modalities, with the Lord at the forefront, many have found hope and healing while doing this work together.

Additionally, Nellie has spent over 30 years in women’s ministry including speaking at women’s conferences, developing and facilitating women’s retreats, founding a Catholic women’s music ministry called Daughters of God, hosting women’s bible studies, book studies on women’s spirituality, and spiritually directing Magnify 90 for her parish. She is a Prepare and Enrich Certified Marriage Facilitator, and with her husband Neil of 19 years she is also a Marriage Mentor for the Diocese of Cleveland.

Currently Nellie has moved on from therapy full time and is now a Catholic Certified Life Coach. Advancing and fine-tuning her skills and knowledge, she has answered a new call – Catholic Behavioral Health Coaching.

Some of Nellie's favorite things to do are singing and cantoring at her parish of St. John Bosco in Parma Heights . She also loves to visit with her grandnieces who bring joy to her life. Nellie also loves to do get-aways with her husband Neil and simply relax.

Our Story

Nellie & Neil

When you first get married you hold in your heart the hopes and dreams you have had since you were a child. This was no different for us. We met on CatholicMatch.com, and quickly realized we only lived 15 minutes from each other! We got married in our mid 30’s and began our life together buying our home with the desire to fill it. However, soon after we realized that this dream of having children was going to be very difficult. Eventually, after several years of working with NaPro doctors and so much prayer, we accepted the fact of our primary infertility – we were never able to conceive. We prayed fervently for God’s mercy and He was generous. We had to lean into each other and fall forward on our knees in worship with supplication and lamentations. Doing this changed everything. We asked our joint Spiritual Director, Fr. Max Cole, what we should be doing now that this season of trying was over. Here is what he said to us:

There is more than one good in marriage… it is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. Marriage is unitive and procreative, not just you (Nellie), Neil and God – but includes the whole church. You will draw others to Christ. If we can’t love one person in marriage, we can’t love the church. The love between you and Neil should be the example of God’s love for all humanity. Procreation is the fruit of your marriage; leading others to the love of God, THAT is your procreation.

- Neil and Nellie Krawczynski