Staff

The presence and spirit of the staff at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center contributes to the sacredness and renewal of Marywood. You will find the staff accommodating and attentive to your needs.

Elizabeth Amman, OP - Director

Sister Elizabeth Amman is a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister with a background of leadership positions in health care, development, and education. Along with masters degrees in Health Care Administration and Religious Education, she is a certified Spiritual Director. She is also experienced in development, financial management and facilities planning.

Sister Elizabeth grew up in a small rural German community in the Saginaw, Michigan area (Chesaning), and she welcomes the tranquil and serene work setting of Marywood. In addition to management, she offers spiritual companioning

Anita Beskar, FSPA

Sister Anita Beskar, FSPA joins the Marywood community after nearly 60 years of active ministry in her Franciscan community. She brings a broad experience, including developing a Global Education program at Viterbo University, and, most recently, companioning women in their early years of incorporation into the life of a Franciscan Sister. The contemplative atmosphere of Marywood draws her to offer hospitality and presence in this sacred space.

Roselyn Heil, FSPA

Sister Roselyn Heil is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. As staff at Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center she provides eco-spirituality programs and leads discussions on Native American issues and the environment. She returned to her rural Wisconsin roots for the opportunity to integrate her life experiences as a naturalist with her experiences as a trained chaplain. Sister Roselyn enjoys collaborating with people regarding environmental concerns, connecting our spirits with the earth and her creatures through storytelling and a listening heart. She is also available as a spiritual director.

Karen Kappell, FSPA

Karen Kappell, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, is an artist and teacher who has used these skills in combination with spiritual direction training to create programs and opportunities that develop the creative potential in those who attend Marywood. She believes that the quiet and beauty of Marywood surroundings contribute to bringing forth the creativity that lies within each person. Sister Karen has a studio in her residence where she produces art in a variety of media, in addition to coming to Marywood to share her talents. She is available as a spiritual director.

Marla Lang, FSPA

Marla Lang, FSPA, joined the Marywood Spirituality Center staff as Outreach Coordinator July 2003. She brings to Marywood her rural family background from Central Wisconsin, the tradition of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and an array of educational and spiritual experiences. Her previous ministries as teacher, principal, director of religious education, parish director and religious community leader have enriched her life and the offerings she shares at Marywood and in outreach programs. Sr. Marla savors the exchange of gifts that happen whenever two or more people meet. She is also available as a spiritual director.

Kathy Lentsch, OSF

Sister Kathy Lentsch has a vast background in spiritual companioning. She has been campus minister at University of Iowa, and at Mesa State in Colorado. She has worked closely with vocation directors and lived in houses of formation in her religious community. She has worked in various retreat centers and spent eight years of ministry in leadership for the Dubuque Franciscans, OSF. Sister Kathy grew up a farm girl in Iowa with a father who loved fishing, and she appreciates the beauty and serenity of the Marywood setting. She is a skilled retreat director, having earned a masters degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha, NE, where she also received certification as a spiritual director. Sister Kathy is pleased to be able to companion Marywood visitors as they enrich their spiritual journeys.

Pauline Wittry, FSPA

Pauline Wittry was the first staff person at Marywood and began programming slowly, offering Twilight renewals. Sister Pauline's previous work included a hospital background as dietitian and twenty years training chaplains. She holds Masters in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago and in Religious Education from Mundelein College, Chicago (now part of Loyola). Sister Pauline has an ongoing fascination with stars and cosmology. She continues her grief ministry at Marywood, leads weekly centering prayer, and is also available for spiritual companioning.

Susan Fredenhagen - Office Manager

Susan Fredenhagen is the office manager at Marywood. She loves the energy and spirit that is found here and the beauty and serene setting makes it a wonderful environment in which to work. Susan has lived in the Northwoods since 1974, owning and operating a local business for 17 years with her husband and three children. She is an avid outdoor person, especially enjoying horseback riding, canoeing and cross-country skiing.

Addie Halfmann - Marketing Manager

Addie Halfmann serves as the marketing manager at Marywood and is responsible for Marywood's newsletter, Roots and Ripples, as well as printed materials and advertising. She had served as a marketing communications manager for an international cookware company, where she represented the company at trade shows and to the media, and also wrote sales, promotional and instructional copy. Addie is married to Charles and is the mother of three grown children. She is active in her church and community, and is passionate about serving the poor locally and globally.

Darrell Shelby - Maintenance Coordinator

Darrell Shelby has been coordinating the maintenance of Marywood's buildings and grounds since 2005. He enjoys the outdoors and is an avid hunter and fisherman. He is also active in the community and enjoys teaching the sport of water skiing.

Tammy Van De Loo - Housekeeper

Tammy Van De Loo serves as housekeeper for Marywood's cabins and offices. Tammy, and husband, John, have lived in the Northwoods since 1991. She is very active in the lives of her two teenage children. She enjoys living on the lake and all that the outdoors has to offer. Tammy said, "I appreciate the positive and uplifting environment of Marywood that makes each work day enjoyable."

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