Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P., D.Min.
President & Executive Director
Sister Terry Rickard, O.P., is a Blauvelt, NY Dominican Sister. She was appointed Executive Director of RENEW International in May of 2006 and President in December, 2009. Before coming to RENEW, Sr. Terry worked for many years in parish ministry in the South Bronx and was Vocation and Formation Director for her Dominican congregation. She has extensive experience presenting workshops, retreats, and parish missions. Sister Terry is also a regular contributor to the RENEW International blog. Read more.
Msgr. Thomas A. Kleissler
President Emeritus & Co-Founder
Msgr. Thomas A. Kleissler is a Priest of the Archdiocese of Newark and the co-founder of the original RENEW process in the Newark. He was appointed Director of RENEW from its inception and became President in 2001. In December of 2009, he passed the leadership of RENEW to Sr. Theresa Rickard but continues to use his gifts and talents as part of the RENEW team. He co-authored Small Christian Communities: A Vision of Hope for the 21st Century and numerous articles. He holds an MA in Theology from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ and an MA in Counseling from Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Msgr. Kleissler’s vision for a renewed Church came out of his work as a parish priest in Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Park Ridge, NJ, and as pastor of St. Ann’s Parish in Newark. His memoir, Beyond My Wildest Dreams: From Local Ministry to Worldwide Mission, recounts the history of RENEW and how it touches the lives of millions of people all over the world. The Msgr. Kleissler Legacy Society is a wonderful way for donors to help continue to foster renewal in the Catholic tradition.
Jennifer Bober
Manager of Marketing
Ms. Bober is a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford with a BA in English. An experienced marketing & communications professional, she came to RENEW with both non-profit and publishing experience. In addition to her marketing career, she is a professional liturgical musician and had the privilege to sing for St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Sr. Ruth Bolarte, IHM
Manager of Hispanic Services
Sister Ruth is a member of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA. She holds degrees in theology from Immaculata University and St. Charles Seminary in Pennsylvania. She received her doctorate in ministry from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has ministered as teacher, catechist, and facilitator of various formation and leadership programs. She has served on local, diocesan, and national boards ministering to the Hispanic Community. Before coming to RENEW, Sr. Ruth served as the Director of the Office of Multi-Cultural Ministry at the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ.
Milissa Else
Director of Pastoral Services
Milissa was Vice President and Director of the Church Division for Ruotolo Associates, where she served the Catholic Church for nearly 20 years working with a wide variety of Catholic organizations directing strategic planning efforts, conducting planning studies, and consulting on capital campaigns. Milissa has presented workshops on missionary discipleship and stewardship for national and regional meetings of International Catholic Stewardship Conference and has also been a frequent presenter for NCDC (National Catholic Development Conference) at their national and regional workshops. She holds a BA from Mount Holyoke College. Milissa is active in her parish and serves as St. Mary’s program coordinator for “Be My Witness”, a RENEW International program. Milissa is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry at Seton Hall University.
Peter Fiore
Director of Sales and Marketing
Peter came to RENEW International after a a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry where he worked in sales, sales training, product marketing, and sales management. In 2005, Pete was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Paterson and currently serves at Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, NJ. At Holy Family, he is the Director of Evangelization, RCIA and Baptism programs, as well as serving as co-chair of the Pastoral Council and Men's Club. Pete holds a degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from St. John's University College of Pharmacy and a dual MBA in Marketing Management and Management.
John J. Fontana
Director, Ignatian Business Chapters
John served as the Executive Director of the Woodstock Business Chapters at the Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College before bringing them to RENEW as Ignatian Business Chapters. He is also the President of Fontana Leadership Development, Inc. John has worked as a management consultant for Morrison Associates, was Executive Director of Partners for Catholic Health Ministry Leadership, and founded and was the Executive Director of The Crossroads Center for Faith and Work at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago. He has taught at Georgetown’s Executive Master’s in Leadership Program, Notre Dame, Loyola, Mundelein and other universities. He is a graduate of Holy Cross and holds a Master’s Degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Loyola University of Chicago.
Mary Foy
Associate Director of Pastoral Services
Mary holds a master’s degree in pastoral studies with a concentration in spirituality from the Loyola Institute for Ministry of Loyola University in New Orleans. She has served the Church in many capacities, including cantor and choir director, parish catechetical leader, director of adult faith formation, and director of parish sacramental preparation, as well as homeschooling both of her children. Mary has also mentored many parish support groups and adult study groups and has been a member of various diocesan advisory committees. In addition to her work with RENEW, Mary continues to minister part time as a parish pastoral associate.
Marissa Klapwald
Director of Development
Prior to joining RENEW, Marissa Klapwald served as the alumnae director for two Catholic schools, Marylawn of the Oranges and Mount Saint Mary Academy. She was later the development manager for the Wharton Music Center and CivicStory. Marissa also worked for Random House and as a freelance editor and copy editor for publishers and businesses. A New Providence resident, Marissa holds a law degree from NYU, a Masters in English from Drew University, and a BA from Seton Hall University.
Mary Beth Oria
Director of Finance and Business Operations
Ms. Oria oversees operations at RENEW International, particularly in the area of publishing. She was Vice President of Finance and Operations for Hanover Brands, Hanover Direct Inc., direct catalog and e-commerce marketer located in Weehawken, NJ and Hanover, PA as well as Manager, Financial Planning for Corporate Division of Colgate Palmolive, Inc., New York, NY. Ms. Oria served on her parish team that implemented a Junior Youth Ministry program. She holds an MBA from Seton Hall University.
Charles Paolino
Managing Editor
Deacon Paolino spent 43 years in newspaper journalism and more than 30 years as an adjunct instructor of English at various universities and colleges. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in journalism from Penn State. He is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Metuchen, ministering in liturgy, preaching, and adult education at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse Station. He also is a columnist for The Catholic Spirit, the newspaper and web site of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Patricia Wiley
Director of Information Technology and Human Resources
Pat Wiley came to RENEW after retiring from Ernst & Young as a principal in the practice that provides financial education and counseling to the employees of large businesses. Throughout her career, Pat specialized in consulting services that optimize human resources, and implement strategy and organizational culture change. Pat has a BA from the College of New Rochelle and an MBA in finance from the College of Insurance. She volunteers on other non-profit boards, and teaches adult painting classes.
Milissa Else
Director of Pastoral Services
Milissa Else, Director of Pastoral Services was Vice President and Director of the Church Division for Ruotolo Associates, where she served the Catholic Church for nearly 20 years working with a wide variety of Catholic organizations directing strategic planning efforts, conducting planning studies, and consulting on capital campaigns. Milissa has presented workshops on missionary discipleship and stewardship at national and regional meetings and conferences. She holds a BA from Mount Holyoke College. Milissa is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry at Seton Hall University.
Sr. Ruth Bolarte, IHM
Manager of Hispanic Services
Sr. Ruth Bolarte, IHM, Manager of Hispanic Services is a member of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, PA. She holds degrees in theology from Immaculata University and St. Charles Seminary in Pennsylvania. She received her doctorate in ministry from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has ministered as teacher, catechist, and facilitator of various formation and leadership programs. She has served on local, diocesan, and national boards ministering to the Hispanic Community. Before coming to RENEW, Sr. Ruth served as the Director of the Office of Multi-Cultural Ministry at the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ.
Rev. Jerry Browne
Director of the RENEW Africa National Office
Rev. Jerry Browne serves as the Director of the RENEW Africa National Office in South Africa. He conducts RENEW workshops and leadership training sessions, and promotes RENEW Africa to dioceses throughout South Africa. Fr. Jerry also heads the Pastoral Development Office for the Diocese of Port Elizabeth.
Joanne M. Cahoon
Pastoral Consultant
Joanne M. Cahoon holds a BA in Religious Studies; MA in Religion/Pastoral Ministry; Graduate Certificates in spiritual direction and in spirituality studies; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where her specialization was spirituality and practical theology. Joanne has also taught in elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate school settings. She’s also served as youth minister, high school campus minister, consultant, writer, national trainer, diocesan staff member, staff member of a graduate school, spiritual director, facilitator of retreats and professional coach.
Dr. Sœurette Fougère
Pastoral Consultant
Dr. Sœurette Fougère is an Education Administrator with over two decades of experience in the New York City public school system. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Bilingual Education, a Doctorate in Education, as well as several other professional certifications. She works extensively with the Haitian Catholic community in the New York area, where she founded a Haitian prayer group and has organized numerous prayer days and retreats. She is also a member of the Haitian Charismatic Council and has been a keynote speaker at several religious conferences.
Mary Foy
Associate Director of Pastoral Services
Mary Foy, Associate Director of Pastoral Services, holds a master’s degree in pastoral studies with a concentration in spirituality from the Loyola Institute for Ministry of Loyola University in New Orleans. She has served the Church in many capacities, including cantor and choir director, parish catechetical leader, director of adult faith formation, and director of parish sacramental preparation, as well as homeschooling both of her children. Mary has also mentored many parish support groups and adult study groups and has been a member of various diocesan advisory committees. In addition to her work with RENEW, Mary continues to minister part time as a parish pastoral associate.
Jessica Guerriero
Theology on Tap Coordinator
Jessica Guerriero, Theology on Tap Coordinator, is a Catholic Studies major at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. Through Martin Scholars fellowship she was awarded internships at RENEW International and at Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary school in Jinja, Uganda. Jessie is active in many areas of campus ministry, leads Bible Study, is part of the Service Break Experience Program, serves on her school's Core Retreat Team, and is a catechist for high school students at a local parish.
Manuel Hernandez
Pastoral Consultant
Manuel Hernandez ministers in various dioceses helping to implement RENEW's programs in the Latino community. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from Fordham University. Before coming to RENEW in 2002, Mr. Hernandez has been involved in parish ministry in the Dominican Republic, in the Archdiocese of New York, and in the Diocese of Paterson.
Sr. Honora Nicholson, RSM
Pastoral Consultant
Sr. Honora Nicholson, RSM is a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She holds a degree of Master of Arts in Theological Studies as well as certificates in Canon Law for Religious Institutes and in Spiritual Direction. Sister Honora is an educator who has also served in parish ministry and Community leadership and has extensive experience in leading retreats and small faith sharing groups.
Sr. Elizabeth O'Donnell, OP
Pastoral Consultant
Sr. Elizabeth O'Donnell, OP is a Dominican Sister of Mission San Jose, California. She holds numerous degrees including an Ed.D and M.A. in Private School Administration. In 2016 she earned a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and serves as a spiritual director in local parishes. Sr. Elizabeth served as Director of Adult Faith Formation and Pastoral Associate at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center in Tucson, AZ and has extensive experience as a Director of Campus Ministry and classroom instructor.
Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP
Pastoral Consultant
Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP is a facilitator of days of reflection/retreats, parish missions, workshops/presentations, author, university teacher, and facilitator of online classes for the University of Dayton and Boston College. She continues the ministry she was involved in for many years in parishes, and as Director for Adult Faith Formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Sister Janet is also the author of numerous books and articles, with an emphasis on resources for catechists.
Mary Beth Oria
Director of Finance and Business Operations
Ms. Oria oversees operations at RENEW International, particularly in the area of publishing. She was Vice President of Finance and Operations for Hanover Brands, Hanover Direct Inc., direct catalog and e-commerce marketer located in Weehawken, NJ and Hanover, PA as well as Manager, Financial Planning for Corporate Division of Colgate Palmolive, Inc., New York, NY. Ms. Oria served on her parish team that implemented a Junior Youth Ministry program. She holds an MBA from Seton Hall University.
Charles Paolino
Managing Editor
Deacon Paolino spent 43 years in newspaper journalism and more than 30 years as an adjunct instructor of English at various universities and colleges. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in journalism from Penn State. He is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Metuchen, ministering in liturgy, preaching, and adult education at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse Station. He also is a columnist for The Catholic Spirit, the newspaper and web site of the Diocese of Metuchen.
Marissa Klapwald
Director of Development
Prior to joining RENEW, Marissa Klapwald served as the alumnae director for two Catholic schools, Marylawn of the Oranges and Mount Saint Mary Academy. She was later the development manager for the Wharton Music Center and CivicStory. Marissa also worked for Random House and as a freelance editor and copy editor for publishers and businesses. A New Providence resident, Marissa holds a law degree from NYU, a Masters in English from Drew University, and a BA from Seton Hall University.
Sr. Honora Nolty, OP
Associate Director of Development
A first generation Irish New York Catholic, raised in Queens, New York is how Sr. Honora, begins to describe herself; a New Yorker by birth and choice. A Dominican Sister of Amityville, NY, she ministered in Brooklyn’s inner city, Long Island, Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and Central America. Her work as teacher, principal, associate superintendent of schools, director of an international volunteer program and a spirituality center in Southampton, NY all prepared her for the various roles she has filled at RENEW.
Mariann Salisbury
Major Gifts Consultant
Mariann has worked in development for more than twenty years, supporting faith-based initiatives and higher education. She earned her B.A. and M.A. at East Tennessee State University in English Literature with an emphasis on 17th Century English Sermons on marriage. She continued her theology and literature work at Georgetown University and Catholic University.
Mary Beth Howath
Development Associate
Bio coming soon.
Peter Fiore
Director of Sales and Marketing
Peter came to RENEW International after a a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical industry where he worked in sales, sales training, product marketing, and sales management. In 2005, Pete was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Paterson and currently serves at Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, NJ. At Holy Family, he is the Director of Evangelization, RCIA and Baptism programs, as well as serving as co-chair of the Pastoral Council and Men's Club. Pete holds a degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from St. John's University College of Pharmacy and a dual MBA in Marketing Management and Management.
Jennifer Bober
Manager of Marketing
Ms. Bober is a graduate of Trinity College, Hartford with a BA in English. An experienced marketing & communications professional, she comes to RENEW with both non-profit and publishing experience. In addition to her marketing career, she is a professional liturgical musician and had the privilege to sing for St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Sr. Gina Scaringella, OP
Communications Associate
Sister Gina recently made her first profession of vows as a Sister of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, NJ. She comes to RENEW after serving as campus minister at Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City, NJ. Before entering religious life, she worked for many years in the field of medical communications. She also taught foreign languages on the high-school and college levels. She holds an MA in Italian from Rutgers University and a BS in languages from Georgetown University, where she majored in Italian and minored in theology. A New Jersey native, Sister Gina enjoys being near the ocean, the place where she recalls most readily the creative goodness of God.
Paul Krenzelok
Sales Consultant
Paul offers extensive leadership experience as a faith formation professional and pastoral minister within Youth and Family Ministry, Campus Ministry, Sacramental Preparation, Adult Faith Formation, Chaplaincy and Vocation Ministry. Before coming to RENEW, Paul served as Director of Discernment Ministry for the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Garrison, NY. Paul holds a BS in Psychology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN and a Master of Divinity from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. Paul loves anything outdoors—hiking, cycling, fishing and more—and enjoys venturing to new places with his wife, Michelle, and their greyhound, Jack.
Richard Vosler
Sales Consultant
Rich has spent the last 20 + years in the financial services industry in sales and operations positions as well as leading sales and operations teams. He is a Certified Life and Business Coach and a Certified Self Talk Trainer. He is also a Certified Spiritual Director through the Diocese of Trenton, NJ. He is very active in his parish as a cantor and instrumentalist with the music ministry, a catechist, a Knight Of Columbus, a youth group volunteer and he is the Coordinator of Small Groups using RENEW materials and also facilitates two small groups. He is most proud of his greatest achievement, being a successful single father of 9 children.
