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STAFF
Franciscan Mission Service has been blessed with many dedicated men and women, both lay and religious, who have given generously of their time and talents to grow this new branch on the tree of the Franciscan Family. Our staff currently consists of ten lay people whose dedication and enthusiasm have breathed new life and a fresh vision into our organization. The staff members are:
 Kim Smolik, Ed.D.Executive Director
Kim, a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has a 15-year history as an educator, administrator, and activist in a variety of social justice areas, with special interests in transformational and experiential learning, poverty and race education, and organizational change. In 2008, she finished her doctorate in critical pedagogy, which included an action research study on adult transformational learning in multicultural/multiracial environments.
Previously, Kim worked as the Program Director of a full-time domestic lay service program for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN. As an educator, she worked in Mexico with Augsburg College's Center for Global Education and as a high school teacher in both Minnesota and Ecuador. Kim has led cross-cultural immersion trips to a variety of locations in Central and South America, Cuba, and Europe. She is passionate about creating opportunities for herself and others to be challenged and enriched by service, cross-cultural immersion, and critical reflection.
Kim is thrilled to become part of the rich tradition of FMS: "The mission of FMS aligns with my own mission and vocation. I enjoy the challenges and opportunities this position provides, but mostly I enjoy the many people we partner with who touch my life and spirit -- especially our missioners!"
 Rhegan Hyypio, M.A.
Program Director
Rhegan is over-joyed to be working for FMS after having spent three years with the organization as a lay missioner in Brasil and Bolivia. She is a proud native of Florida, born and raised on the Southside of St. Petersburg. After finishing high school, she ventured from the year-round sunshine to the frozen tundra of Milwaukee and Minnesota.
From Marquette University, she earned a B.A. in Writing Intensive English and History of Philosophy and an M.A. from the University of Minnesota in Hispanic Literature. In the interval between schools, she witnessed theory in practice as a lay missionary working with Haitians and Haitian-Dominicans in the Dominican Republic for the Response Ability Program. Still Sensing a strong call to Mission after graduate school-and the need to integrate theory with practice-she found in Franciscan Mission Service, the charism she was looking for in emphasizing love for all God's Creation, a ministry of presence and commitment to reverse, life long mission upon returning "home".
Rhegan is very grateful for the opportunity to accompany the present FMS missionaries in their formation and mission experience. She is enthusiastic about playing a more prayerful and active role at FMS, with all its missionaries and those who support the FMS FAMILY.
 Mariam Mitry, M.Ed.
Program and Development Associate
Mariam returned in September 2008 from eight months of mission work in Lusaka, Zambia where she served as the Public Relations Manager for the Coptic Orthodox Church Mission. Previously she helped design and establish a university at sea program for undergraduate and postgraduate students called The Scholar Ship. She was instrumental in the formation of the program.
Passionate about mission work and service abroad, she joined FMS in August 2009 to help with recruitment, program development, and donor relations. She is excited to hear the stories of returned FMS missioners and learn more about the Franciscan charism.
Jill Staudt
Communications and Development Associate
Jill, a native of Iowa, is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa School of Music. With a passion for making quality educational and learning opportunities accessible to a larger body of people, she has worked and volunteered in numerous non-profit organizations in the areas of communications, event planning, and educational programming.
Possessing a heart for social justice and outreach, Jill was a bible study leader in the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center and spent a summer volunteering at an after-school program in inner-city Chicago as part of the Community Living and Service Projects (CLASP) program sponsored by the Servite Sisters. Jill joined the FMS staff team in August 2009 and is excited to learn more about fundraising as we work collectively to raise awareness of the organization and support for the missioners in their service abroad.
 Rachel Roa
Communications and Development Associate
Rachel, a graduate from Misericordia University, acquired her Bachelors in Accounting with a minor in Communications and Management. She volunteered in her community at homeless shelters, food kitchens, Campus Ministry and Misericordia events. She is eager to be working with a fun loving staff and live in community. Also to support the lay missioners program who serve the mission of FMS and live the Franciscan life.
Peter Mueller Grant and Staff Writer
Peter Mueller was born, raised, and educated in Washington, DC. Attending high school at St. Anselm’s Abbey School made him aware of the Benedictine tradition, and four years at the University of Notre Dame gave him an appreciation for Holy Cross spirituality, in addition to a 2008 B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. Now he looks forward to delving into the Franciscan charism, particularly as it relates to service of the poor and disadvantaged. He recently completed a candidate year of discernment for vocations to religious life at Moreau Seminary at Notre Dame and is excited to be working for Franciscan Mission Service. Go Irish!
Susan Zagar Grant and Staff Writer
Susan went to University of Maryland, Baltimore County and received a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2006 with a minor in writing. She just completed coursework towards a Masters in Professional Writing at Towson University. In addition, she taught reading and math classes at an adult literacy center in Baltimore City before joining the team at FMS. She looks forward to growing in faith and learning more about Franciscan Spirituality and 'the ministry of presence'.
 Laura PerezSpecial Events Associate
Laura Perez comes out of Denver, Colorado. Having received her B.A. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, she took some time back home to spend time with her family and figure out her next step in life. Laura joined the FMS staff in February of 2010 and is excited to be part of a faith-based organization and be part of the exciting events planned for this year!
Selwyn Barnum
Bookkeeper
Selwyn joined the FMS team in October 2009. With over 15 years of bookkeeping experience and a rich history of working with nonprofit organizations, he is a knowledgeable and vital new member of our organization. Visit Selwyn's website at www.sabsbookkeeping.com.
Katie and Kelvin Mulembe House Managers
Kelvin and Katie Mulembe serve as House Managers, responsible for the maintenance of Casa San Salvador and hospitality for the guests and missioners who stay there. From 2004 through 2006, Katie served as an FMS missioner in Zambia working with grassroots organizations addressing the needs of communities deeply affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In addition to their work at FMS, Katie is the Membership and Recruitment Coordinator for the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service and Kelvin works with the National Minority AIDS Council as a Recruitment and Retention Coordinator.
 Donna Berger
House Manager
Donna, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, has 15 years of Marketing, Sales, and Event Planning experience. Donna welcomes this volunteering opportunity to learn more about Franciscan Mission Service and the world of lay mission. She is enjoying living and sharing in a faith-based community and is open to any path God has for her. She is thrilled to be part of the team!
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