EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Jessica Wahlstrom
Chair
Jessica is a program developer and director who has worked with a number of health and non-profit organizations in diverse settings across the globe. She holds a Master in Public Health degree from Columbia University and degrees in International Affairs and Spanish from the George Washington University. She is also a certified career advisor and is trained in grief work. Jessica feels at home when she visits Marydell; the quiet, stunning rock formations, trees, and open water views remind her of Minnesota, where she was born.
Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD
Verónica Méndez, RCD, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and was raised in Spanish Harlem, New York City. She is a religious of the Institute of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine and has ministered with her congregation in Florida, South Carolina and New York. From 1981 to 1988 she was director of Marydell Camp. Sister holds a master’s degree in Hispanic ministry from the Jesuit Theology School in Berkeley, CA and has participated in numerous workshop on a variety of topics.
BOARD MEMBERS
Monica Lepore
Monica Lepore is a professor emeritus from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She currently keeps busy with Adapted Aquatics Instructor Training, coaching Special Olympics, triathlon coach for Down Syndrome Sports of America, teaching swim.
Sr. Eileen O’Farrell, OCD
Sister Eileen was born and raised in England. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1949. In 1952, she entered the Sister of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine. Sister received a Bachelor and Masters degrees in Religious Education from Fordham University. For the past 71 years she ministered in New York, New Hampshire, Florida, and South Carolina, as a teacher and as a director of Religious Education. She is a writer of human-interest stories and shares many talents. Sister has served on the board for three years.
Diane Eppolito Gaber
Diane was a camper starting at the age seven and joyfully spent the next 13 summers at Marydell,
She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and health education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent as well as a master’s degree in Science education with a concentration in the biological sciences.
Diane has been a science teacher for the last 30 years. Diane is married to her husband Adam and they are blessed with four beautiful children and three grandchildren. She lives in Woodbury Connecticut . Her hobbies include teaching fitness classes as well as hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Denise Adorante
Denise became a camper in the mid 60s and thus began years of summers spent at Marydell as a camper, kitchen/laundry worker, “CIT” and ultimately a counselor. Denise is a recently retired educator, teaching in the Independent School system in New York City for 43 years.
Carolyn Caulfield
Carolyn is a special education teacher to 3 – 5 year old autistic children in Jersey City, NJ. She has degrees in Journalism and Music, Education, and an MA in Special Education, she is also a certified paralegal. She is an active member of St. Michael’s RC church in Cranford, NJ. She volunteers for the Radio station Star99.1 FM Radio. The station spreads the Gospel and brings hope through its many ministers of Christian music. She is also very proud to be a former Marydell Camp camper and counselor. Her experiences as a teen at Camp Marydell literally saved and changed her life.
Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD
Sr. Veronica Mendez, RCD has been on the Board since it was only an Advisory Committee. She has been a Sister of O.L. of Christian Doctrine for 62 years. Sister has ministered in New York, South Carolina and Florida. From 1981-1988 she was Camp Director for Marydell Camp.
Jessica Wahlstrom
Jessica is a program developer and director who has worked with a number of health and non-profit organizations in diverse settings across the globe. She holds a master’s degree in public health from
Columbia University and degrees in International Affairs and Spanish from the George Washington
University.She is also a certified career advisor and is trained in grief work.
Sr. Cecilia LaPietra, OP
Sister entered the Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill, NY on September 8, 1959. In 1994, after participating in different ministries, she began seeing many new faces around Sparkill. She and the other sisters thought the best service they could provide is to teach them English. Classes began in 1997. They had 39 students then and now, 25 years later, they are located in Marydell Faith & Life Center in Nyack with registration of 250 to 300 students.
STAFF
Roxana Morel
Director of Operations
Roxana Morel, our Director of Operations is a former account executive who joined Marydell Faith and Life Center in late 2017 after a short hiatus from work to care for her young children. She’s a wife and mother of two sons and one dog. “Being surrounded by nature, I feel at peace here at Marydell. I love talking to the sisters and receiving their daily blessings.”