Hometown: Welland, Ontario, Canada

Entrance date: August 27, 2006

First Profession date: May 2, 2009

Educational background: B.A. in business administration, St. Catharines Business College, St. Catharines, Ontario; ASL classes at Niagara College, St. Catharines, Ontario, and Canadian Hearing Society, Hamilton, Ontario; Theology classes at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, Indiana; Activity Director Certificate, Indianapolis, Indiana; Professional Dementia Certification Scholarship, Ivy Tech, Indiana

Work background: Passport officer for Passport Canada, respite companion worker for the regional municipality of Niagara; sales associate for For Heaven's Sake gift shop; activity director assistant in Hildegard Health Center

Present ministries: Activities assistant at a nursing home in Evansville, Indiana

Other interests: Prayer, reading, journaling, learning, walking, hiking, swimming, spending time with our Sisters, playing games, attending our community parties, and hearing from my family and friends

What attracted me to this community: When I began searching for a religious community, I knew it definitely had to be Benedictine, with the daily celebrations of the Eucharist, living in community, communal prayer, meals, and way of life. The diverse ministries told me that doors were open and limitations would be few; I wouldn't feel held back. The support of a community living the same life and goals and to be able to share that life with them was equally important; I no longer wanted to go it alone. The most unexpected surprise I discovered from my visits, and what completely "sold" me on this community, was the absolute commitment I sensed, and since witnessed, from the community for each sister. The sisters sincerely care, they hold each other up, and you can count on them not letting go.