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Board Members ...
Ex-Officio Members Delmarie Gibney FSPA, RN, D.MIN.
Cecilia has spent more than twenty years in Latin America, first in El Salvador and Guatemala before the wars of the 80's, then in Mexico as Co-Director of Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE). Among her degrees Cecilia holds a Ph.D. in Women's Religious Studies from The Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, a Masters in Ministry from Aquinas Institute St. Louis, MO, and a M. Ed. From Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, her ministry is one of raising awareness about critical issues impinging on all residents of this planet. She does this through her work with GATE and her writing. Since August 2005, Cecilia divides her time between international GATE pilgrimages and The Christine Center where she is part of a team of Franciscan Sisters providing contemplative space and retreats in west central Wisconsin.
Born in Chicago and educated in the Chicago Public School system until 1953 when family relocated to Brainerd, Minnesota. After finishing high school, attended Brainerd Junior College, transferring to University of Chicago, obtaining a BS in Biology and a MD. My internship and residency were at Hennepin County Hospital/University of Minnesota with Board Certification in Internal Medicine in 1968.
Experience in academic medicine (U of MN), part of start-up staff for Pilot City Health Center in 1968 for purposes of community involvement and development of multidisciplinary health teams. Experienced in chemical dependency treatment including the treatment of narcotics addiction. Owner/director of Preventive Medicine Associates with focus on alternative methods and nutritional therapies.
Co-founder of Sagaris, a women’s therapy collective; Maidenrock, a women’s learning institute and Women in the Wilderness, outdoor adventures for women.
Member of the first all women’s group to canoe the “middle track” to Hudson Bay, and member of the all women’s group to follow Mina Benson Hubbard’s canoe route through “unknown” Labrador to Ungava Bay.
I am recently retired from active medical practice, unmarried and living with cat.
Joann Gehling, FSPA, is a pastoral counselor and spiritual director at Prairiewoods Spirituality Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. Joann has a Doctorate in Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary with a specialization in feminist theology and psychology. She chose to be a member of WomanWell Board because she believes in the Mission of empowering women to claim their gifts so that they, in turn, can celebrate and share this goodness with others.
I became involved at WomanWell because of my business experience as a research consultant in Corporate America which supports my “real” work of personal development through Vision Questing and spiritual practices. I agreed to be on the Board after an inspiring conversation I had with Delmarie Gibney when she shared that her mission in life is “To help women wake up”.
Sister Laurice Heybl, FSPA. has an MA in Pastoral Ministry and an MA in Art. At this time she is retired and working with art projects and spiritual direction. She always admired the ministry provided by Del and Marcie as well as the adjunct staff at the Center in its sabbatical time and in the ongoing development of programs. I continue to enjoy being a part of its future possibilities.
Paula received her doctorate in Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1998 and is currently a pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. Her focus at Plymouth is Religious education and Spiritual enrichment for children, youth and adults.
Paula was in the Spiritual Direction Group, class of 2002-2004. Through her work at Plymouth, Paula is looking for places to collaborate and to hold retreats and feels that a connection with WomanWell could benefit both facilities. She is especially interested in program development at WomanWell since this is a large part of her focus at Plymouth. Paula would be a wonderful contribution to our WomanWell Board.
Carol Petersen is currently studying at St. Catherine’s and St. Thomas through the School of Holistic Health to complete a double masters in Holistic Health and Social Work. Carol worked for almost three years at Wisdom Ways as the Administrative Assistant responsible for event planning, registration and first point of contact. Carol left that position in February of 2007.
Carol is a graduate of the Spiritual Direction Program, Class of 2002-2004. She is also very familiar with WomanWell because of the close collaboration between Wisdom Ways and WomanWell over the past few years. Carol joined the meeting with Eileen Welsh and Maribeth Gray to discuss the creation and distribution of a mailing list for WomanWell and provided a lot of useful information. With her experience at Wisdom Ways and interest in holistic health, Carol would add new dimensions to the WomanWell Board.
I spent thirty years as a Career Guidance Counselor for a wide population of people including ex-offenders, the disabled, single parents, laid off workers, Vietnam veterans, youth and single young men, mostly of color. Although I was a bit infamous for boundary ambiguity, I always felt that people contain their own answers and simply need a listening heart and a few suggestions or ideas, or just a hug. In some cases, of course, I provided some strong direction. But for the most part, I saw counseling as listening. My two year training in the Center for Spiritual Guidance Program confirmed this thinking, expanded upon it and gave me a fresh vocabulary for Story. I have described the experience as “sparklers in my brain”. I am a zealot. I want everyone to have this experience!
I have been a recipient of services from WomanWell for a number of years, but attending the Spiritual Guidance Program at this facility was transforming for me. It is a deeply sacred space to me and the programs are profound. With the advent of the spiritual Guidance Program at WomanWell I have become convinced that there is a new vitality which will soon explode on the east end of the Metro and Western Wisconsin. I believe fiercely that WomanWell, steered carefully but enthusiastically, will become a Haven for many spiritually bereft souls and a continued enhancement for those already on a Journey.
I am honored to be a member of the Board of Directors at this most exciting juncture in the history of WomanWell. Let’s get the Story out!!
Eileen Welsh holds an undergraduate degree in English and education, and graduate degrees in education, and counseling. An educator for 46 years, she has worked in diverse settings as a teacher, a counselor, a school administrator, and the director of educational programs. She brings to the board a strong desire to serve and empower others. As a board member, she helps to create and to provide opportunities for women to learn, to explore, to deepen, and to clarify life issues. As a strong proponent of life long learning and living a conscious holistic based life, she finds her work as a board member of Woman Well, a privilege and an honor.
Ex-Officio Members
As Administrative Assistant at WomanWell, Margaret Belanger is our office manager, treasurer, receptionist and resident computer guide. She is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Paul Province. A lifelong resident of Minnesota, Margaret enjoys genealogy research, gardening, cross country skiing, knitting, sewing, reading, travel and all life has to offer. Margaret has masters degrees and many years of experience in Education Administration and Health Care Administration, and has served her religiouscommunity as a leadership team member.
Delmarie Gibney, FSPA, RN, D.MIN. Delmarie's passion has been to create environments and opportunities whereby people can become empowered to do the work for which they have been called. WomanWell has provided that space for these past twelve years. She has enjoyed working with many creative persons in both her administrative and programming roles. The diversity of people she has met through her work and living in the Twin Cities has greatly enriched her life. The challenge and excitement has been
Linda Mershon, FSPA, MA Linda is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, serving a 4-year term on the Leadership Council. In this capacity, she serves as Liaison to the WomanWell Board. Linda holds an MA in Spirituality from Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona. Her background is in management and administration, having served in nursing homes, libraries and legal offices. She worked for the FSPA sponsored Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE) program leading tours to Latin America as well as Eastern and Western Europe. She is a certified spiritual director and has trained as a hospital chaplain..
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1784 La Crosse Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55119 | Phone:(651) 739-7953 | email seeking@womanwell.org
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