Staff
Betty Daugherty, FSPA
Betty Daugherty, FSPA, is involved as a presenter and planner for a variety of programs. She provides spiritual direction and retreats. Sister Betty has a Master’s degree in English from Notre Dame University. Previously she was a teacher, editor, FSPA communication director and FSPA regional administrator. “I see Prairiewoods as a center that facilitates a new understanding of the sacredness of everything and explores the place of the human within the community of life,” Sister Betty says. bdaugherty@prairiewoods.org
Marjorie English, OSF
Marj English, OSF, is Prairiewoods’ coordinator of spiritual services. Among her responsibilities are providing spiritual direction and retreat services, facilitating Wednesday Women, and creating and implementing various prayer experiences and outreach programs. Sister Marj has been a teacher, formation minister in her community, campus minister, member of the leadership team of her community, and presenter and supervisor in a spiritual direction internship. She has a BA in English from Marian College in Indianapolis, Indiana, and an MS in Education from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Sister Marj was trained in doing spiritual direction and directed retreats at the Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio. She also has been a free-lance spiritual director in the Indianapolis area. Sister Marj says, “Prairiewoods has an allure all its own. I couldn’t refuse the offer to work with a group of gifted people committed to a worthwhile mission and vision. I am glad I am here and enjoy serving those who come to Prairiewoods.” menglish@prairiewoods.org
Joann Gehling, FSPA
Joann Gehling, FSPA, is interim co-director at Prairiewoods and is available for spiritual direction, counseling, hosting retreats and healing touch spiritual ministry. She has a Doctorate in Ministry degree with a concentration in Feminist Theology and Psychology. jgehling@prairiewoods.org
Rita Heires, FSPA
Rita Heires, FSPA, is the volunteer coordinator at Prairiewoods. As such, she schedules volunteers to assist groups that use the facility. If you are interested in volunteering at Prairiewoods, please call 319-395-6700.
Nancy Hoffman, FSPA
At Prairiewoods, Nancy Hoffman, FSPA, is involved in therapeutic massage therapy, healing touch and tai chi. Throughout her time at Prairiewoods, Sister Nancy has occasionally presented programs in eco-spirituality and holistic energies. She has a Master’s degree in Theology, is a trained spiritual director and has a BA in Education. She is a licensed massage therapist. Before coming to Prairiewoods, Sister Nancy taught school for more than 30 years and was involved in formation work in her Franciscan community. She is a life-time learner, treasuring all that the land, its plants and animals, the Prairiewoods staff, and the Prairiewoods guests and clients teach her. Working and living here is a sacred experience for her.
Ann Jackson, PBVM
Ann Jackson, PBVM, is the coordinator of retreat and spiritual services at Prairiewoods. Sister Ann designs and facilitates programs related to spiritual growth and also provides spiritual direction. She has a Master’s degree in pastoral studies with a concentration in leadership/adult Christian formation and a certification in spiritual direction. She has related master’s coursework at Chicago Theological Institute and Drake University. Sister Ann studied clinical pastoral education at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clarke College in Dubuque. “Prairiewoods is a sacred space,” Sister Ann says. “The beautiful grounds and the quality of programs offered strengthen and sustain hope in the people who come here. The FSPA and staff, a wonderfully supportive learning community, help all who step onto the grounds of Prairiewoods to deepen their relationship with God, self, others, and Earth.” ajackson@prairiewoods.org
Andrea Jilovec
Andrea Jilovec is Prairiewoods’ program coordinator. Most recently she created new educational programs for the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. She also brings with her decades of nonprofit management experience. Andrea grew up on a farm in eastern Iowa, but like many native Iowans, left home after high school to explore the “larger world.” She received a BFA in Speech Communication from Drake University, studied expansively at the Oregon College of Art and Craft and has taken numerous professional courses in management, leadership and computer technology. She has traveled extensively throughout the western United States and Canada, including Alaska and Hawaii, and has visited Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Andrea appreciates Prairiewoods’ mission; its fun, caring and fully committed staff; and its lovely surroundings. “Maintaining the integrity of excellent programs is important to me. I look forward to creating interesting new courses to draw in a wider public seeking to connect with the sacredness within themselves and their environment.” ajilovec@prairiewoods.org
Jill Jones
Jill Jones is Prairiewoods’ kitchen manager. In a former life, she was a nurse for 3o-plus years. Jill then decided to pursue her interest in culinary arts. She attended Kirkwood Community College’s Culinary Arts and Bakery program and became known for her artisan breads. In her free time, she runs a community garden. Jill loves Prairiewoods for its peaceful, natural setting and “the wonderful people to cook for.” jjones@prairiewoods.org
Linda Koehler
Linda Koehler is the person at Prairiewoods who provides the welcoming, clean environment for our guests. As our housekeeper, Linda has the important job of making sure the Guest House rooms are cleaned, the laundry is done and everything is ready for anyone coming for an overnight stay. She also takes care of setting up our meeting rooms for groups and organizations that come here, as well as all the other housekeeping activities in the Center. Prior to coming to Prairiewoods, Linda provided child care in her home, worked in security and as a courier, and cleaned homes. When not working, Linda enjoys cooking, walking, visiting her three children who live out west and being with her friends. lkoehler@prairiewoods.org
Andi Lewis
Andi Lewis is Prairiewoods’ marketing coordinator. She grew up in Michigan and attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she earned degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Women’s Studies. After college, she stayed primarily in the Chicago area, working as a reporter and producer, the marketing and operations director at a professional organizing service, and a textbook writer and editor. Throughout all of her careers, she has developed a love for various aspects of marketing and communications. Andi is drawn to Prairiewoods’ commitment to being a responsible and loving part of the world in which it exists. She says, “I am excited to tell others about all that Prairiewoods has to offer … from nature trails to overnight retreats, and all the life-giving programs in between.” alewis@prairiewoods.org
Nancy Rood
As receptionist, Nancy Rood is the first friendly voice you hear at Prairiewoods. Before coming to Prairiewoods, Nancy worked at Marion Christian Church and AEGON. Nancy has more than 16 years of administrative assistant experience. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family and friends. nrood@prairiewoods.org
Emy Sautter
Emy Sautter is the ecospirituality coordinator at Prairiewoods. She provides ecologically-centered programming and services to those visiting Prairiewoods. She also focuses her energies toward improving the land health at Prairiewoods by restoring Iowa’s natural landscapes: the tall grass prairie and oak-savanna. Emy has a degree from the University of Illinois in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and a background in environmental education and land management. “I believe that my love for Mother Earth led me to Prairiewoods and I am very happy to be part of this special community!” Emy says. esautter@prairiewoods.org
Cliff Schueler
Cliff Schueler provides the maintenance and general upkeep of Prairiewoods facilities and grounds. As our groundskeeper, he takes care of the lawns, trees, woodland and prairie. Cliff is equally adept at using a hammer, table saw or paint brush as he is at driving a skid loader or the Prairiewoods’ tractor. Prior to coming to Prairiewoods, Cliff spent 25 years maintaining and repairing manufactured home communities, apartment complexes and schools. His hobbies include weight-lifting and woodworking. cschueler@prairiewoods.org
Donna Venteicher, FSPA
Donna Venteicher, FSPA, is interim co-director at Prairiewoods. She has served on the Prairiewoods Board for three years. Sister Donna has a degree in Nursing Home Administration and has several decades of experience managing nursing homes. She has also worked as a food service manager and organized a home health care agency. Prairiewoods is happy to welcome her to the staff! dventeicher@prairiewoods.org
Lucille Winnike, FSPA
Lucille Winnike, FSPA, ministers as retreat director and a spiritual director. Prior to her time at Prairiewoods, she worked in the same capacity in the Cedar Rapids area for a number of years. Earlier ministries include teaching and administration in Catholic schools, as well as administration within the FSPA community. Sister Lucille has a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Notre Dame University. She did further studies in Spirituality, also at Notre Dame, where she interned as a spiritual director. “I love Prairiewoods,” Sister Lucille says. “Many persons who come here experience the richness and healing powers of Prairiewoods itself, of Mother Earth, of God. It is my privilege to meet with some of those people.” lwinnike@prairiewoods.org
