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Jan Brendes
Jan is Prairiewoods' scheduling manager. She is also a Reiki Master and Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry practitioner on the holistic staff. As a spirit sculptor, she creates environmental art work; as a facilitator, she enjoys weaving creative expression into women's sacred circles in Mexico, and drumming in Prairiewoods' Peace Drumming Circle.
Jan has a BSS from Cornell College, majoring in religion, anthropology and women's studies, and minoring in art.
"I really enjoy the wonderful diversity of the people who come to Prairiewoods. Also, the holistic ecological perspective that Prairiewoods embraces has allowed me to deepen my own spiritual connection to the Earth." - Jan Brendes
Josh Delperdang
Josh Delperdang was born and raised on the Mississippi River in Keokuk, Ia., with two brothers and three sisters. Joshua put aside his natural talent in art to receive a culinary degree in Houston, Texas, while working at Café Annie, a four-star restaurant owned by Chef Robert Del Grande. He met and married his wife, Cynthia in Houston and they now have Kora, Lily and Logan. Josh was previously Executive Chef at Vino's Italia Ristorante for more than two years.
Betty Daugherty, FSPA
Betty is involved as a presenter and planner for a variety of programs and retreats. She provides spiritual direction and arranges private directed retreat opportunities for individuals.
Betty has a master's degree in English from Notre Dame University. Previously Betty was a teacher, editor, FSPA communication director and an 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." - Betty Daugherty
Mary Ellen Dunford
Mary Ellen is the programming coordinator at Prairiewoods. Her role includes designing, developing and implementing programming that advances the mission of the center. Mary Ellen is also active in the field of holistic health, especially in the area of massage therapy. She has presented workshops and reflection days basing them on her experience with holistic modalities.
"Being at Prairiewoods allows me to live out the Franciscan values and charisms that are life giving and meaningful for me. I like challenges and am energized by new ideas and projects." Mary Ellen Dunford
Helen Elsbernd, FSPA
Helen is the director of Prairiewoods. She provides administrative coordination of all aspects of the Center. She also provides spiritual direction. Previously, Helen ministered as a member of the FSPA leadership team, which followed many years of academic administration in colleges and teaching at all levels.
After her formal education culminated with a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Illinois, she has been a continuing student in the fields of spirituality and leadership. In addition to many workshops, retreats, classes and organizational activities, Helen has completed the program for spiritual directors at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
"The mission of Prairiewoods has called me to this place. I feel sacredness of God's presence pervading Prairiewoods. This enables my search for meaning and my desire to serve others and deepen my relationships with God, myself, those around me and the earth. I am grateful for the call to be here." - Helen Elsbernd
Marjorie English, OSF
Marj is Coordinator of Spiritual Services. Among her responsibilities are: providing spiritual direction and retreat services; facilitating Wednesday Women; creating and implementing various prayer experiences and outreach programs.
Marj has been a teacher, formation minister in her community, a campus minister, a member of the leadership team of her community and a 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. 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.
"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 look forward to serving those who come to Prairiewoods."
Joann Gehling, FSPA
Joann is an adjunct staff member at Prairiewoods and is available for spiritual direction, counseling with individuals, retreats, healing touch spiritual ministry and Reiki. She has a Doctorate in Ministry with a concentration in Feminist Theology and Psychology.
Maryam Gossling, FSPA
Maryam is the artist in residence at Prairiewoods. Her paintings are on display at the Center building and are for sale. Maryam has done illustration and design for a variety of publications, and designs her own line of greeting cards that are available in the Prairiewoods gift shop.
Maryam has a master of fine arts from The University of Wisconsin, and a master of arts education from The Ohio State University. She also holds a bachelor of arts education from Viterbo College in La Crosse, WI.
Rita Heires, FSPA
Rita 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, call 319-395-6700.
Nancy Hoffman, FSPA
At Prairiewoods, Nancy is involved in holistic energies including massage therapy, Reiki, healing touch and Tai Chi Chuh. She also assists in providing spiritual life services and coordinating the outdoor development.
Nancy has a master's degree in theology, a B.A. in education and is certified in holistic energies therapies and as a spiritual director. Before coming to Prairiewoods Nancy taught school for more than 30 years and was involved in formation work in her Franciscan community.
Nancy 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.
Dawn Hysler
Dawn Hysler is a life-long Iowan. She has called Cedar Rapids home for 30 years and is elated to be at Prairiewoods as the new receptionist. Dawn has a BA in English from Luther College and has taught English and reading in Estherville, Ia., and English as a Second Language at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Most recently, she worked in the Cedar Rapids Community Schools at Jefferson High School.
Dawn's interests include playing the Irish folk harp with "Young at Hart," cooking, bird watching, flower gardening and spending time with her husband and adult children.
Ann Jackson, PBVM
Ann is the coordinator of retreat and spiritual services at Prairiewoods. Ann designs and facilitates programs related to spiritual growth and also provides spiritual direction.
Ann has a master's degree in pastoral studies with a concentration in leadership/adult Christian formation, and certification in spiritual direction. She has related master's coursework at Chicago Theological Institute and Drake University. Ann studied clinical pastoral education at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI, and has a bachelor of arts in English from Clarke College in Dubuque.
"Prairiewoods is a sacred space. 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." - Ann Jackson
Linda Koehler
Linda is the person at Prairiewoods who has provided 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 meetings rooms for groups and organizations that come here, as well as all the other housekeeping activities in the Center. Linda is also a part-time cook, assisting the food service manager.
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 in the west, and being with her friends.
Emilia 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 towards improving the land health at Prairiewoods. Emy has a degree from the University of Illinois in Natural Resources and Environmental Science and a background in environmental education and land management. She loves animals, especially toads and turtles, the outdoors, reading and spending time with her family.
"I believe that my love for Mother Earth led me to Prairiewoods and I am very happy to be part of this special community!"
Clifford Schueler
Cliff 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 Center's tractor.
Prior to coming to Prairiewoods, Cliff has had 25 years experience in maintenance and repair in settings of manufactured home communities, apartment complexes and schools. His hobbies include weight-lifting and woodworking.
Sue Davis Smith
Sue is the marketing coordinator at Prairiewoods. She plans, designs and sometimes writes for the Prairiewoods newsletter, creates promotional brochures and updates the Prairiewoods' website. In addition, she plans special events and manages the gift shop.
Sue comes to Prairiewoods after spending 20 years in journalism. She wrote for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids and publications in Des Moines and Bettendorf, Iowa. She has a BA in English with a minor in women's studies from the University of Iowa. Sue discovered Prairiewoods after being assigned to write a story about the spirituality center.
"I enjoy getting the word out about Prairiewoods. It really is a special place.'' - Sue Davis Smith
Lucille Winnike, FSPA
Lucille ministers as a retreat director and as 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.
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. 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."
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| For me, my God, all joy and all achievement, the very purpose of my being and all my love of life, all depend on this one basic vision of the union between yourself and the universe. |
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- Teilhard de Chardin
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