Prairiewoods would not exist without the thousands of inspired individuals who have given their time, talent and treasure to bring this place to life. Sisters, staff, volunteers and board members have created a legacy of love and on the land and in the lives of thousands of people.
Staff Members
Aaron Brewer
- abrewer@prairiewoods.org
A proponent of land stewardship and environmentalism, Aaron studied Parks and Natural Resources and Conservation Management at Upper Iowa University, leading to his involvement with Brucemore, Trees Forever, AmeriCorps and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Originally from Iowa City, Aaron lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife, Hannah, and daughter, Maribel. As Prairiewoods’ Land Sustainability Coordinator, you’ll find him practicing his passion for gardening and managing the 67 acres of timber and prairie restoration projects. He welcomes volunteers and nature enthusiasts to join in caring for this wonderful land together and hopes you find great peace during your visit.
Ann Jackson, PBVM
- ajackson@prairiewoods.org
Sister Ann is Prairiewoods’ coordinator of spiritual services. Blending love of nature, literature, leadership and spirituality, Ann delights in listening with others to the energy of Spirit stirring creativity, passion, discernment and service. Newly certified as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, she is committed to mindful living and compassion, evolving consciousness, and personal and social transformation by bringing mindfulness to local and global communities. She enjoys offering spiritual direction and facilitation to individuals and groups.
Christine Kirpes
- ckirpes@prairiewoods.org
Christine, Prairiewoods’ Garden Coordinator, managed the Green Prairie Garden at Prairiewoods for ten seasons as part of Metro Catholic Outreach. Now she runs it as a member of the Prairiewoods staff. After earning two life science degrees, she ended up in Cedar Rapids in the early ‘90s. She became involved with Indian Creek Nature Center, volunteering as a naturalist off and on for 20 years. She was introduced to Prairiewoods in the early 2000s and enjoys hiking and taking advantage of various environmental and spiritual programs here. She, her husband and their three adult children love getting outside, especially visiting national parks together. Christine’s interests also include tending to her collection of houseplants, gardening, reading fiction, dancing, visiting new places, and almost any activity in or around water. Working with others in our food pantry garden has provided community, therapy, learning and joy to her and many others. Growing food for those facing food insecurity in a sustainable way is her attempt to do good in the world.
Erik Meggers
- emeggers@prairiewoods.org
Erik, Prairiewoods’ maintenance coordinator, keeps the grounds and buildings in working order. Before coming to Prairiewoods, he was a mechanic, lawn-care technician and stay-at-home dad. He and his wife, Heather, have one son, Ian. Erik enjoys bicycling, gardening, fishing and hunting. He is a happy presence at Prairiewoods, always willing to handle any maintenance needs with a smile!
Rev. Jean Sullivan
- jsullivan@prairiewoods.org
Jean serves as the Hospitality Coordinator, welcoming groups that come to Prairiewoods to enjoy beautiful spaces, wonderful food and the great outdoors! With a bachelor’s degree in medical anthropology, a master of divinity degree and nearly three decades in ordained congregational ministry with the United Church of Christ, she has also explored the impact of stress and trauma on individuals and the community and how we build resilience. Jean lives in a 100-year-old home on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids with her husband and clergy colleague, Ed; her son, Buster; and her daughter, Cleo.
Joann Gehling, FSPA
- jgehling@prairiewoods.org
Sister Joann is one of Prairiewoods’ foundresses and has been on staff since it opened in 1996. She is available for spiritual direction, counseling, hosting retreats and healing touch spiritual ministry. Joann has a doctorate in ministry with a concentration in feminist theology and psychology.
Julio Vera
- jvera@prairiewoods.org
Julio graduated from Carlson College of Massage Therapy in 2024. He specializes in therapeutic, deep tissue, muscle tension and relaxation massage. Born in Mexico, Julio is bilingual in English and Spanish. He recently moved to Iowa from New York City with his family who is local to the area. Julio is also a dance fitness instructor with a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
Leslie Schwarting
- lschwarting@prairiewoods.org
Leslie S. is a full-time spiritual director and retreat facilitator at Prairiewoods. As a wife, mother of three adult women and former hospital executive, Leslie’s journey has led her to profound joy in serving this ministry. Her extensive corporate background, which includes leading large teams, strategic planning, project management and business development, as well as her spiritual direction training, have uniquely prepared her for this role. She finds great fulfillment in supporting others as they seek to deepen their connection to the Divine, themselves and others, and is deeply empathetic to their personal and spiritual growth.
Leslie Wright
- lwright@prairiewoods.org
Leslie W., Prairiewoods’ director, has a certificate in spirituality and community, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in human development. She has worked as a buyer, business analyst, grantmaker and nonprofit consultant, as well as serving as adjunct faculty at Mount Mercy University. Since the early 2000s, Prairiewoods and its programs have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary. Leslie loves to garden; spend time with her husband, Jason, and kids, Grant, Casey and son-in-law, Scott; and herd her three dogs.
Lucille Winnike, FSPA
- lwinnike@prairiewoods.org
Sister Lucille ministers as a retreat director and spiritual director. Earlier ministries include teaching and administration in Catholic schools, as well as administration within her community. Lucille has a master’s degree in mathematics from Notre Dame University, where she later did further studies in spirituality and interned as a spiritual director. She 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.”
Mariah Andrews
- mandrews@prairiewoods.org
Mariah serves as Prairiewoods’ Food Service Director, leading a collaborative kitchen rooted in sustainability, seasonal ingredients and spiritual alignment. She believes food is more than fuel—it heals, nurtures and unites us. Mariah brings more than a decade of experience in food innovation, plant-based cooking and community-building. Before joining Prairiewoods, she co-founded The Plantiful Pantry, a plant-based café and meal subscription service focused on creating vibrant, locally sourced dishes—like Wicked Dill Pickle Soup and Mexican Street Taco Bowl. She lives in Mount Vernon with her husband, Christian, and is the proud mom of two grown children, Sophia and Gus. Outside the kitchen, she’s a cookbook author, certified yoga teacher and voracious reader. She’s passionate about creating spaces where food brings people together in meaningful, joyful ways.
Nancy Hoffman, FSPA
- nhoffman@fspa.org
Sister Nancy is one of six foundresses of Prairiewoods. She provides therapeutic massage, healing touch, tai chi, and a variety of programs on eco-spirituality and holistic health. Nancy has a bachelor’s degree in education, has a master’s degree in theology, is a trained spiritual director and is a licensed massage therapist. She is a life-long learner, treasuring all that the land (and its plants and animals), the Prairiewoods staff and our guests teach her.
Nancy Schrimper
- nschrimper@prairiewoods.org
Nancy, Prairiewoods’ office supervisor, has been a welcoming presence here at Prairiewoods since 2011. She serves on the Ecumenical Community Center Foundation Board of Directors, one of the many nonprofit organizations that she is passionate about. Nancy has two grown kids, Megan and Nate, and son-in-law, Tucker. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, thrift shopping and baking.
Robert Hogg
- rhogg@prairiewoods.org
Robert, the program assistant at Prairiewoods, has a passion for nature and people and is excited to be part of a community embracing our interconnectedness. He has studied biology and worked at multiple national parks and wildlife refuges on restoration and research projects. When he isn’t greeting people in the main office and helping with all the amazing programming here, Robert enjoys running, spending time with family, and finding fun events and parks around the area.
Trace Harshman
- tharshman@prairiewoods.org
Trace, Prairiewoods’ housekeeper, has 20 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning. She has an adult son and enjoys spending time with her family. Trace also likes to go out to eat and watch movies.
Board Members
Charles Crawley
Charles is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids and volunteers as a tutor at the Catherine McAuley Center. He was a part-time adjunct professor at Mount Mercy University where he taught writing and Capstone courses before retiring in 2022. He also retired from Collins Aerospace in 2018 after a career in technical writing for 22 years. He loves Prairiewoods because it acknowledges our role in caring for God’s creation.
Claire Sagers
Claire is the Director of Alumni Engagement at Coe College, with previous experience in adult education and health and wellness. She and her husband, Ben, are native Cedar Rapidians who enjoy being involved in their community and supporting local organizations. As a Linn County master gardener, she has a deep love and appreciation for nature, and her favorite thing about Prairiewoods is the intersection of faith, nature and wellness. She enjoys serving the organization on the board and sharing her passion for those areas with others.
Frank Nidey
Frank is a retired lawyer, having represented individuals and small businesses in Eastern Iowa for more than 40 years. He grew up on an Eastern Iowa farm in the 1950s and early 1960s in the company of his grandfather, from whom he inherited a love of our Mother Earth. Frank finds his spiritual connection most easily in nature and has been an appreciative visitor, volunteer and participant in Prairiewoods programs for many years. Frank believes whole-heartedly in the mission and the vision of Prairiewoods and says: “I consider it a privilege to serve on the board of Prairiewoods.”
Greg Barnett
Greg is a retired software engineer with a passion for renewable energy. He helped design his net-zero house. The solar panels on his roof provide more electricity than his all-electric house and electric vehicles consume. He uses his passion for reducing his carbon footprint to further the mission of Prairiewoods to reduce our environmental impact and for all of Creation. He lives with his wife and two adorable cats. They have two grown children and two grandsons.
Hether Stauffacher
Hether is an Assistant Vice President RE-Consumer Support Manager at Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, where she has been for almost two decades, and has 24 years of banking experience. Through her growth through CRBT and moving into a leadership role, Hether was seeking to join a board that was a good fit to her core beliefs. Hether has her 200-hour yoga teaching certificate and is always looking for opportunities to connect with the environment and those who are like-minded in the community. After doing some research and visiting with some outside and some within Prairiewoods, this opportunity felt like a great experience for Hether to continue her own personal growth as well as the future growth of Prairiewoods.
Marie DesJarlais, FSPA
Sister Marie is the director of Global Awareness through Experience (GATE) and GATE Charitable Giving, a nonprofit through Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA). She has been a part of the Prairiewoods board since 2019. She says, “I believe in the mission and vision of Prairiewoods. They serve as a beacon of hope in our world through education and living the value of science and eco-spirituality for transformation.” She serves as our liaison with FSPA.
Marin Noska
Marin first found Prairiewoods while serving in Green Iowa AmeriCorps, where she helped remove invasive plant species and cleaned up tree debris after the derecho. She now works as a housing case manager at Willis Dady Homeless Services and is excited to put her passion for the environment to work here at Prairiewoods.
Dr. Nate Klein
Nate is married to Jenny Klein, and they have four children who are full of life. He currently serves as the Vice President for Education with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. Nate joined the Prairiewoods board to continue his own faith journey while supporting others along theirs in a meaningful way through the Franciscan charism.
Peter Correll
Peter is a father, husband and designer working in residential remodeling in Iowa City. He has lectured for Iowa State University’s architecture department, worked as a carpenter, practiced architecture, started a furniture design/build studio and recently returned to residential remodeling. He is a LEED-accredited professional who is interested in the evolution of sustainable, renewable, and regenerative design and built environments. Peter enjoys serving the evolving mission of Prairiewoods.
Roselyn Heil, FSPA
Sister Roselyn is the pastoral associate at St. Mary’s Church in Odanah, Wisconsin, Indian Reservation, and a spiritual director. Most important in being there is creating safe space for being an energy of healing presence. She has deep roots in the Care of Earth, as she grew up on a small dairy farm and worked in God’s cathedrals as an interpretive ranger in the national parks for twelve years around the country from the Florida Everglades to Yellowstone to Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco. She also fought forest fires in Glacier National Park. Being involved in her FSPA community’s eco-spirituality committee since 2004 and participating in workshops at Prairiewoods has offered her root connections in the cathedral of Prairiewoods. As John Muir so powerfully said back in 1869 in his Papers, “When we try to pick out anything by itself we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible cords that cannot be broken, to everything in the universe.” Back in the national parks, she could only quote John Muir. But she knows Jesus said it long before: We are all One in the Body of Christ. Roselyn says, “I honor the opportunity to saunter on the land of Prairiewoods to nourish the radiance of the Body of Christ.”
Suzanne Rubenbauer, FSPA
Sister Suzanne is a spiritual director and caregiver. She has been on the board since 2020 and was previously the FSPA leadership team liaison to the Prairiewoods board (2010–2014). She says, “The Prairiewoods Mission statement itself best articulates my reason for choosing to serve on its board: ‘Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a sacred space where people of all faiths and cultures are invited to explore and nurture their relationship with the Source of all Being, Earth, Self and Others with an increasing awareness of the story of the Universe.’ This sacred space of 70 acres contains the reality and opportunity of conscious awareness of the Divine in all relationships. Hence, every person, rock, tree, breeze, program, retreat, drop of stream water reflects Divine Goodness and Grace. Prairiewoods’ active and ongoing history of environmental education and actual ‘doing’ serves as a necessary model for the future of Earth and all of her inhabitants.”
Cara Matteson
Cara is a native Iowan, growing up in southeast Iowa. She has had the privilege of establishing a career in something she loves: water! She has worked in various water sectors and locations over the years and is currently the Sustainability Director with Linn County. Outside of work she is a mother and enjoys being active outdoors. She has always felt peace with being in nature, which has also aided in deepening her spiritual growth. She is active in her church through various activities and continues to be humbled as a youth leader. Prairiewoods holds a special place in her heart as she has truly experienced it as a place of transformation.
Rev. Rose Blank
As a retired United Methodist clergy, Rose’s life’s work has always included the area of spiritual formation. Prairiewoods has been such an important part of her spiritual journey, and this opportunity gives her a chance to support the ongoing mission of being a place of transformation for others.
Founders
The land now known as Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center was purchased by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) of La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1962 as a farm. Twenty-seven acres of this land were rented for crop production. Woods covered the remaining land, where hills and a small creek sheltered many forms of wildlife.
In 1988 members of the Central Region of FSPA gathered to consider future purposes for this land. Using the theme Ecology—the Farm, the members focused on environmental issues in relationship to the land they held in trust. Following this meeting, the 27 acres formerly tilled were placed in a Federal Land Program and prairie grasses were planted where corn and soybeans once grew.
Another step toward the creation of Prairiewoods was taken in 1991 when Paula Gonzales, SC, was invited to address the sisters on the topic of The Dream of the Earth. This dynamic speaker brought new awareness to the need to preserve sacred spaces and to raise ecological issues to a new prominence in the concerns of the Franciscan community.
These gatherings of Central Region members around issues of care for Earth led to a decisive meeting in the fall of 1992. At this meeting, the Sisters called on one of their own members, Cecilia Corcoran, FSPA, to address the topic of Redeem the Time: Our Eucharistic Task. In her creative and moving address, Sister Cecilia recalled the history of the land now called Prairiewoods and challenged the Central Region to move toward a major commitment toward preserving Earth’s fragile environment through the creation of a spiritual and educational center.
Six sisters were chosen to bring this dream into being: Sr. Betty Daugherty, Sr. Joanne Moeller, Sr. Joann Gehling, Sr. Nancy Hoffman, Sr. Maryam Gossling and Sr. Therese Pedretti. The six sisters guided the design, construction and early operation of Prairiewoods. They set the stage for all that has happened since.
Landmark Dates
Important dates in the history of Prairiewoods include:
May 7, 1995: Groundbreaking
July 5, 1996: First Guests
September 28–29, 1996: Open House
October 4, 1996: Dedication