Awake Welcomes Five New Leaders
As Awake continues to grow, we are pleased to welcome two new members to the Awake Leadership Team and three new members to the Board of Directors. All five people have been engaged with Awake in a variety of ways and we are grateful to them for deepening their commitment to the organization in these new volunteer roles. Here we give them the chance to introduce themselves and share a little about what drew them to Awake.
New To The Leadership Team
Christine Ellerbrock
I am originally a registered dietitian but currently work as a stay-at-home mom. Several years ago I experienced deep personal wounding from the lack of support I received from clergy during a difficult life situation. I became disillusioned and angry, including with how the Church has handled the abuse crisis and its victims. I could not just ignore the gross injustices that had been inflicted on the Church’s own flock. I became increasingly aware of the vital role of the laity in helping heal the Church. I asked God to lead me to somewhere I could help—however small that role might be. Finding Awake was a clearly answered prayer. I have gratefully served Awake as a member of the Prayer Team since 2022.
Michael Koplinka-Loehr
I’m the fourth child in a Catholic family of eight children, have been married 42 years, have four grown daughters, and we are joyfully expecting our fourth grandchild in January 2024. My career spanned non-profit organizations (fundraising, directing) in combination with civic involvement via elected leadership positions (legislature) in upstate New York. I am passionate about overcoming historic barriers for underrepresented survivor constituencies (barriers such as systemic oppressions, community-wide collective trauma, stigma, shame, silence, and secrecy) to have full access to services and resources, to meet their unique needs. As I continue on my healing journey, I find Awake to be a much-needed balm and a responsive model for the global Roman Catholic church to follow, keeping survivors at the center of both safeguarding and healing.
New To The Board of Directors
Fr. Thomas Berg
I am a priest of the Archdiocese of New York but grew up in Milwaukee. I’ve served for thirteen years as professor of moral theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York, where I collaborate in the formation of future priests. Helping church leaders to respond more adequately to the clergy sexual abuse crisis has become a passion for me. I believe intensely in Christ’s power to turn our wounds into sources of grace for ourselves and others. I am also a founding member of the National Catholic Restorative Justice Initiative, which seeks to apply the practices of restorative justice to the Church’s sexual abuse crisis. Along this path, our Lord has led me to accompany a number of survivors on their journey toward healing, and to collaborate more closely with Awake, supporting our organization’s prophetic mission.
Kathy Ann Coll
I was born in Rochester, New York, the oldest of seven in a Catholic family. I chose to attend university in Pittsburgh, where I met my husband, a mountain climber; we now have two adult sons. I retired after 35 years as a high school teacher of leadership development, English, and student activities. Currently, I am a travel guide and leadership consultant. My strong faith has led me to be involved with numerous parish ministries for over 50 years. As a victim/survivor of abuse from a foreign priest assigned to my church, I recognize the voice of God on my healing journey, and my heart and soul rejoice.
Janine Geske
I was raised in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, and graduated from Beloit College with a BA and a MAT in elementary education. After teaching sixth grade, I graduated from Marquette Law School, served as chief staff attorney at the Milwaukee Legal Aid Society, taught as a law professor at Marquette, was appointed as an interim Milwaukee County Executive, and then founded the Marquette Law Restorative Justice Initiative and the Andrew Restorative Justice Center. I also served as a Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge for 12 years and a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice for five years. I have been a practicing Catholic for over 40 years. For the last 15 years I have worked internationally to develop, teach, and apply restorative justice approaches to the clergy/religious abuse scandal. Having the deepest respect for Awake’s work, I am happy to serve as a member of its board.
