This week we are honored to introduce Rebecca Dodge, Awake’s new part-time Survivor Support and Engagement Coordinator, who is based in California. She brings tremendous gifts and relevant experience to this role. In addition to welcoming new survivors to the Awake community, she’ll be coordinating Survivor Circles, assisting with planning and facilitation of the two annual survivor retreats, and engaging in other areas of survivor support.

As we bring Rebecca on board, it’s a good moment to express our gratitude for the generous donors whose contributions have made it possible for Awake to expand its staff. We’re also grateful to everyone who supported our search with prayers and good wishes, as well as those who shared the position listing with their networks!

These early days are truly busy for Rebecca, but she made time to answer a few questions about herself, giving us a chance to learn a little about her career background, what she does for fun, and her message for all the survivors in the Awake community. Please feel free to add your own note of welcome in the comment section below!

Q. Welcome, Rebecca! You have an extensive career background; could you tell us a little bit about why you feel called to this work with Awake?

Awake’s work and mission speak to me in a deeply personal way. For the past ten years, I have had the profound experience of accompanying a close friend through her journey as a survivor of clergy sexual abuse.

While I was aware of this darkness in the Church, it is an entirely different encounter when someone you know and care for experiences this deep trauma. Profound disappointment continued as my friend sought support from the Church during this traumatic ordeal; instead of receiving support, deeper wounds were inflicted.

By dramatic contrast, I witnessed Awake’s transformative role in my friend’s continued healing journey. It was such a privilege to see my friend supported, heard, and encouraged.

This experience strengthened my conviction that I must face the reality of abuse honestly and contribute to the work of healing and accountability within the Church. This is why I feel called to this work with Awake. It is a profound honor to be part of this sacred mission.

Q. It’s so beautiful that your accompaniment of a friend prepared you for this work supporting other survivors of abuse by Catholic leaders. What does your life look like beyond work?

I have a wonderful and supportive husband, Richard. We got married in 2019. We spend as much time outdoors as we can, hiking, camping, and swimming.

Together, we are on a U.S. Masters Swim Team. It’s essentially a bunch of adults reliving their childhood swim team memories with swim practices before the sun rises and weekend-long swim meets. In the evenings you can find me back on the pool deck, coaching a club swim team for kids.

I have a particular love for open-water long-distance swimming. My biggest accomplishment is swimming a 10-mile ocean swim in La Jolla, California in September 2025. It was a long summer of training that truly paid off as the race was an incredible and unforgettable experience!

***The view from one of Rebecca’s trail runs!***

After all that swimming, you can find glued to my couch, most likely reading and sometimes crocheting.

We also have what feels like a miniature farm between our two dogs, a boxer and a whoodle, our rescue rabbit, and our flock of chickens.

Between the water, the outdoors, and evenings with a great book, it’s a full life that keeps me grounded and grateful.

Q. This sounds like a lovely rhythm of life. Can you tell us, what has your faith journey looked like?

I am grateful to my parents for setting faith as the focal point and foundation of our lives. I was the kid at all the activities and jumping in on every volunteer opportunity. Journaling in the chapel was my place of solitude. The Church was home.

But the ugly reality of sin surfaced in these places once deemed sacred and safe. Anger, sorrow, and disappointment welled up.

Try as I might, I could not have a solo wrestling match with these things on my own. I needed to wrestle with God. And I did just that. He was so gracious in receiving all those feelings that I brought to Him. My feelings are still present. But so is He. That darkness is still present in the Church. But I am deeply committed to working for transformation and healing.

Through it all my faith is still the focal point and foundation in my life. The Church is still home. And for that I am endlessly grateful.

Q. Thank you so much for sharing more about your journey and your commitment to Awake’s mission. What do you most want survivors to know as you begin this work?

To the Survivors in the Awake Community:

As I begin this work, I would like you to know that my heart and work is for you. I am dedicated to accompanying you on your healing journey—no matter how messy it may be.

I recognize the painful reality of abuse within the Church and the urgent need for accountability, transformation, and healing. I am deeply committed to doing my part in this sacred work.

I realize change can be very difficult and all your feelings during this time of transition are valid and completely understandable, and I know it may take time for you to feel comfortable with me in this role.

I would like you to know how much I value and respect your ideas, feedback, suggestions, and wisdom, and I eagerly welcome emails or opportunities to meet to learn how I can best serve you.

I truly look forward to getting to know each member of the Awake community.

—Interview by Catherine Owers

Join Us In Welcoming Rebecca Dodge to the Awake Staff!

How Do Other Faith Traditions Address Abuse?