Thomas Hull
Alice Eaton
Laurie Bartoletti
Paula McKenzie
Cathy Crosby
Connie Kelly Barsanti
Martha Bartholomew
Peter Fallon
Mary Schneider
Candy Krepel
Nkuzi Michael Nnam
Barbara Roth
Germaine Goetz-Sota
Beth Winkel
Jana Minor
MaDonna Thelen
Meet Our Associates
The Long and Winding
Dominican Road
by Mary Schneider
Although I had no way of knowing it at the time, the seeds of my Dominican life had already been planted when my family moved to St. Cajetan Parish on Chicago’s south side. It was then that I first met the Sinsinawa Dominicans who taught me from third to eighth grade. The Sisters made a great impression on me, and years later, when I felt called to religious life, I thought first of joining them.
After one year of college, I entered the community (1962). My first teaching assignment at Corpus Christi Elementary School was a grace-filled gift and had lifelong effects on my professional and spiritual life. Loretta McCook was my principal and mentor, and through her I realized a desire to specialize in the teaching of reading. It was at Corpus Christi that I first became familiar with the works of Thomas Merton whose words have captivated me all my life and enriched my desire to live a contemplative life.
Although I left the community in 1968, the blessings of those years remain with me. After returning to Chicago, I taught at St. Kilian School, went on to graduate school, and eventually to the Oak Park, Illinois, public schools. There for 33 years, I first served as a reading specialist followed by 25 years as a central office administrator. My last assignment, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, was a privileged opportunity to work with principals and teachers in curriculum development and improvement of instruction.
I became an associate in 1987 and cherish the relationships and opportunities to share in the mission and ministry of the Sinsinawa Dominicans. Most recently, since 2003, I have been a sponsor in the Visitation Scholarship Program. Also, since 2006 I have served on the board of directors for Trinity High School. It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of these dynamic and life-changing educational communities.
I am also a member of the academic advisory board for the Hephzibah Children’s Home and Shelter in Oak Park. I enjoy part-time teaching; consulting; time with family and friends; travel; retreats; taking classes; exercise; reading; genealogy; and all that Chicago offers.
I am also blessed with a great family. I have five brothers and sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews, an aunt, and relatives in Ireland and Germany. We are good friends and enjoy each other immensely.
Deo Gratias!