Adeolu Ademoyo is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Syracuse, NY. He serves the Church as a permanent deacon in the following parishes: St Patrick’s Church, St Thomas Aquinas Church, St Cyril’s and Methodius Church, Holy Trinity Church, Binghamton, NY. He is known in his native city, Binghamton as Deacon Ade. His marriage to his wife, Bola, and his family are part of his charism and core components of who he is as a servant of the Church in Syracuse. Deacon Ade is an Oblate of the Transfiguration Monastery Windsor, NY. He is an assitant director, assisting Sr. Donald Corcoran (OSB), the director of the Transfiguration Monastery’s Oblate Formation. He is a Diocesan Hospital Chaplain at Wilson Memorial Hospital Johnson City, NY and Binghamton General Hospital, Binghamton, NY. He is a Jail Chaplain at the Broome County Jail at the Broome County Sheriff’s Corrections Division, Binghamton, NY. An academically trained philosopher, Deacon Ade is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Liturgical Catechesis at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC. In his Doctor of Ministry project, Deacon Ade wants to find out whether a digital pastoral strategy that meets the young adults where they are can address the concern of increasing disaffiliation of youths and take faith formation of young adults to a different level.
Tom Andino currently serves as the Director of Music at The Church of St. Michael/St. Peter in Syracuse, NY; a position he has held since 1998. Following a parish linkage in 2021, Tom also began serving as the Director of Music at the Church of Our Lady of Hope in Syracuse, NY. Most recently, in August of 2024, Tom was appointed by Bishop Douglas Lucia, as the Director of Deacon Formation for the Diocese of Syracuse.
For the past 27 years, Tom has served as the musician and liturgist for the Diocese of Syracuse’s Annual Clergy Convocation. He has also been an instructor in both the diocesan Formation for Ministry and Deacon Formation Programs.
From 2003-2023, Tom worked at Le Moyne College as Director of Liturgy and Music and, during his last seven years, was appointed Director of Campus Ministry while retaining his duties with Liturgy and Music. Tom received the Honorary Alumni Award in 2021 and participated in the Ignatian Leadership Program under the direction of Fr. David McCallum, S.J. and Karin Botto. His favorite projects while working at Le Moyne were, “The 50th Anniversary of Vatican II Concert/Lecture,” “The Music and Message of Fred Rogers” and the annual ceremony, “Lessons and Carols.”
Tom is a nationally published composer. Works include “Hands of Christ” (GIA), “Deo Gloria, Alleluia!” (GIA), and “Christ’s Lullaby,” (MorningStar Music).
Tom holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. He also has a Master’s Degree in Theology and Liturgy from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, NY. He lives in Syracuse with, Lisa, his wife of 22 years, and daughters Carolyn (16) and Rosemarie (13).
Rev. Jana Biesanz, CT holds an MFA in writing from Lesley University and is an ordained Interfaith minister through One Spirit Interfaith Alliance. She has studied for many years with teachers in the Chagdud Gonpa Tibetan Buddhist lineage, and is also a student under Rev. Bill Redfield in the Christian Wisdom School tradition. An Association for Death Education & Counseling (ADEC) certified thanatologist, Jana has also trained in Clinical Pastoral Education through SUNY Upstate’s Department of Spiritual Care. Currently, Jana is the Director of Mission Outreach and Education for Francis House, a social-model home for people with terminal illnesses. Previously, she served as the Program Director for Authentic Presence, an end-of-life educational program, and as an Interfaith chaplain for Hospice of Central New York, visiting patients and families all across the Syracuse community. She brings 17 years of contemplative training and practice to the spiritual care, grief support and end-of-life education she offers. Happily married to Dr. Darryl Caterine, a professor in Religious Studies at Le Moyne, Jana also has 2 adult children, one dear small grandson and two furry cats.
Bonnie Chapman Beers came to Syracuse University in 1999 and walked onto the SU Women’s Rowing team. As a relatively small rower from a small team in Gainesville, FL Bonnie relied on her deep faith to carry her through to the varsity boat and the NCAA championships. Bonnie served with Athletes in Action at Princeton University for one year to support female athletes with the encouragement she wished she could have had.
Bonnie continued her education with a Master’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Albany and her Associate’s in Nursing from Onondaga Community College.
Bonnie has worked Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) as their Director of Evaluation since 2015. She oversees a team that both evaluates the work of the IVMF’s programs and consults to evaluate programs run by other veterans serving non-profits. Prior to her work at the IVMF, Bonnie served as the Director of Quality at the SUNY Upstate Cancer Center for 5 years.
Through the years Bonnie has had a heart to serve others in ministry. For the last 10+ years Bonnie has enjoyed supporting international students at Syracuse University through English Conversation groups, hosting activities with students, and providing general help as needed. Otherwise much of her time outside of work is spent with her husband and 8 year old daughter.
M. Eric Galvez is a corporate attorney by trade (Senior Intellectual Property Counsel at a multi-billion dollar corporation) and serves as Co-Vice President of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, NY. Raised Catholic, he joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as he embraced his sexual orientation and together with his partner (since 2002) is raising two children ages 8 and 13. One of his first pastors had been Rev. Schmeling in Atlanta, who was defrocked for being in a same-sex relationship but later re-instated in the ELCA. He has been active with his church’s council – including in conducting various adult forum, helping in the hiring of a new Pastor, and currently helping in discussions of how to make his church more formally affirming and welcoming to all families. He has been active in his community – having been an AmeriCorps volunteer, having done pro bono work for the Human Rights Campaign, having served on the Board of Directors of the local county bar, having helped lead diversity efforts at law firms, and currently serving in inaugural diversity councils/committees for the global corporation where he works and his kids’ school district. He has a Bachelor’s in Biology from The College of William and Mary, a Master’s in Public Health from UMDNJ/Rutgers, and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University School of Law.
Jason Galvez is thrilled to be a part of the fellowship this year. Jason serves as a Betrayal Trauma Practitioner and Intrapersonal Relationship Coach to individuals, couples, and families. He holds a master’s degree in education, is a certified special-education teacher, ministry credentialed, and an inspirational public speaker. He is the author of a children’s book, “I Am Loved Right Where I Am”, and a betrayal trauma healing journal, “From Tears To Transformation.” He is a proud veteran of the United Stated military, and even more proud adoptive parent.
Jason began his career in teaching as a substitute kindergarten teacher. He rose the ranks, ultimately teaching and getting certified in elementary, middle, and high school, specializing in teaching students with various special needs. After a decade of teaching, and another decade as a full-time stay-at-home dad, Jason was called into the mental health field and now works as a Betrayal Trauma Practitioner.
To serve his clients, Jason helps and supports each individual and/or couple move through the stages from betrayal to breakthrough. Having been raised deep in his faith, Jason often brings the teachings of the word into his sessions. Jason helps his clients recognize that, “with hard work, determination, and willingness, you can still have your happily EVEN after.”
During his downtime, Jason enjoys roller-skating, listening to music, officiating weddings, singing at local charities/events, public speaking, and watching an occasional guilty pleasure crime show. Jason is a family man and enjoys showing his children the beauty of life in Upstate New York and the importance of pursuing one’s own spiritual journey and faith walk. With all his collective life experiences, Jason lives by the motto, “We are all beautifully broken, but even broken crayons can create beautiful masterpieces.”
Rev. Grace Kelley-Neal has a rich history in the life of the church. Her background in Christian Ministry, Fashion, and Law Enforcement, has served her well down through the years. Grace is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City, earning a degree in Buying & Merchandising. She is also a graduate of The Rochester Center for Biblical & Theological Studies; now known as The Bible Centre of Rochester/Syracuse, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry.
Grace is very active in church leadership at Bethany Baptist Church, in Syracuse, NY, where she serves with her husband of 38 yrs. Roy Neal, who serves as a Deacon on the Diaconate Board. They share four adult children together (one is deceased). Grace was licensed in 2008, and ordained in 2018, where she now serves as Assistant Pastor of Community Outreach.
She has worked as a Model, Fashion Buyer, Police Officer, and currently, an Assistant Pastor. She has also been featured in Helena Rubinstein’s “Working Woman’s Beauty Book” while living and working in New York City; published in 1979. Grace currently sits on the Board of American Baptist Women’s Ministries of New York State, where she also served as its President from 2019-2022. She also serves on the National Board of Directors for ABWM. She is currently the National Eastern Geo-Coordinator for ABWM.
After a 26-year career with the Syracuse Police Department as a police officer, Grace retired and founded GKN Ministries in 2011, focusing on helping individuals find their purpose. Her purpose in life is to help others find their purpose in life through the preaching, teaching, living, & propagating of God’s living word, as she works and strives for Social Justice reforms.
Grace and her husband Roy enjoy spending time with family, cooking, walking, working out, attending sporting events, attending live musical concerts, traveling, and attending church together.
Mary Ann Knapp is a retired elementary school teacher of 37 years. She graduated from the College of St. Rose with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education/English and received a Master’s degree in Reading, K-12, from SUNY Cortland.
Mary Ann is currently a Eucharistic Minister, a Catechist, and a Catechetical Leader at St. Patrick/St. Anthony’s parish in Chadwicks, NY. Her years of teaching elementary school classes was excellent experience for working in Faith Formation and she greatly enjoys teaching children about Jesus’ love for us.
Over the past four years as a Catechetical Leader, Mary Ann has prepared students to receive Confirmation and First Communion. She has helped with Retreats for Confirmation, and assisted in starting a 2nd Mile Club for high school students who wanted to learn more about Jesus and the Scriptures. She has helped with collaboration classes for high school students among the three churches in her PCA. She has also hosted a presentation for Catechists and Catechetical Leaders, and has hosted several Faith Family Events for the children & families at St. Patrick/St. Anthony’s Church.
Mary Ann and her husband have resided in Sauquoit for 35 years. They have three adult sons, a dog and a cat. They enjoy traveling, especially to Cape Cod and Boston.
She is a dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Community Leader and Board Member of Rebuilding the Village and also the Central New York Street Team whose mission is to make our streets safer. Her joy is her God, Family, Community and Daycare.
Jamina Lilley served in ministry at St Mary’s C.O.G.I.C for 20 years under the leadership of Pastor David Butler wherever she was needed. She was a children’s Sunday School Teacher, Alter Worker and Choir Member. She also was a member of the Outreach Ministry and Prison Ministry.
In 1999 Jamina along with her oldest sister Carrie formed an outreach ministry called S.I.S.T.E.R.S and Company that served battered and abused women. Through the ministry of S.I.S.T.E.R.S and Company Jamina met and married her present husband, Elder James W. Lilley, Sr. In 2006 By the word of the Lord who spoke to her, she and her and children relocated to Utica, New York to be with her new husband. In April of 2010 State Elder Kathy Hughes and Western New York Diocese Bishop McKinley Pompey ordained Jamina and appointed her as Youth Pastor of First Youth Church of the Living God in Which she served for 7 years. In addition to pastoring, she continues to minister to the women of Deliverance First Ministries. She has served as an overseer of the Women’s Ministry, Praise Dance Ministry. Pastor Jamina is used mightily by God; she is anointed as a Prophetess, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher. In 2021 she was appointed Sate Elder of the Central New York Diocese of the Church of the Living God under the leadership of Bishop Kathy Hughes. She is currently the Co-Pastor alongside her husband Pastor James W. Lilley of the Tabernacle of Deliverance in Christ, of Utica, NY.
Kasha Mitchell Godleski is the senior director of alumni and parent engagement and major events at Le Moyne College. She began her career as an admissions counselor for Le Moyne. Kasha then worked at the College of the Holy Cross and UNC, Chapel Hill. When she returned to Syracuse, she was hired as the director of alumni relations at Manlius Pebble Hill School where she developed a passion for engagement, volunteer management, and fundraising.
Kasha then went to Syracuse University where she served as director of regional programs in the Alumni Office. She returned to Le Moyne as the associate director for athletic advancement. From there, Kasha transitioned to the director of annual giving and alumni and parent engagement. She focused her efforts on engagement and created a volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention plan. She works closely with the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Multicultural Committee. Kasha is passionate about her work with this committee and being an ally to underrepresented groups. She enjoys learning and discussing ideas around equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Currently, Kasha is responsible for the leadership and management of the alumni and parent engagement programs, as well as the volunteer efforts associated with advancement, enrollment, and career advising. She oversees all major events including Founder’s Day and Le Moyne in New York.
Kasha has a BA degree in communications from Marist College. She completed Le Moyne’s Ignatian Leadership Program where she developed an interest and commitment to Ignatian spirituality. Kasha served as a confirmation teacher and currently serves as eucharistic minister at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville.
Kevin S. Reimer (BA, University of California, Davis; MDiv, Regent College; PhD, Fuller Seminary) completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of British Columbia (psychology) and Oxford (religion). A developmental psychologist, Reimer manages a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. The grant supports a collaboration known as the Child Health and Wellness Partnership, pairing the Catholic Schools Office with Diocesan Catholic Charities. The Child Health and Wellness Partnership addresses deficits in social determinants of health for underserved children in Diocesan schools.
Prior to Syracuse, Reimer served as a tenured professor of psychology, academic program director, and academic dean for private religious universities and the University of California (Irvine and Merced). During his academic career, Reimer received research grants to study compassionate love and altruism in L’Arche communities for the developmentally disabled. This work culminated in a book entitled Living L’Arche: Stories of Compassion, Love, and Disability (London, Bloomsbury, 2009). Reimer is working on a new book showcasing the life stories of nominated faith exemplars, entitled Second-Hand Saints: Illustrated Stories of Christian Experience (Wipf and Stock, 2025).
Reimer is married to Lynn, a sacred gift that has endured for 34 years. An accomplished educator, Lynn leads the International Baccalaureate program at Bishop Ludden Jr/Sr High School.
Rebecca Truland is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She graduated from the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 2009 with a B.A. in English and from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with her M.Div. in 2017. Her work experience includes secular jobs (the Center for Learning and Development of Albany Medical Center Hospital), and pastoring congregations in New Jersey, Michigan, and New York. She also spent a year serving as a youth retreat leader in London as part of the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. During her seminary education, Rebecca spent her full-time internship serving two congregations in rural Nebraska. She has served as a solo pastor and as an associate pastor in a team ministry setting. The variety of settings she has experienced give her a broad perspective on how to serve diverse communities: rural, urban, and suburban; progressive and conservative; scholastic and blue collar; cradle Lutherans and seekers. She has been the pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, NY since 2023. In her personal time, Rebecca enjoys musical theater (observing not performing), hiking (casually but enthusiastically), and fiber arts (especially quilting). She is the co-founder and co-host of a podcast called Mind the Gap: Lectionary Commentary, which focuses on the verses that get left out of readings in the Revised Common Lectionary.
Mabel Welch came to Ithaca, NY at the age of 10. She is a native of Coatesville Pa. Her exposure to faith in God was instilled by her maternal grandmother. Upon arriving in Ithaca, she attended St. James AME Zion church participating in the Children’s choir. Accepting Christ as Lord and Savior convinced her that He is soon to come and claim His Church. Over many years her faith journey has only deepened through many life experiences. Acknowledging her call into ministry came in the early 80’s. She studied under the late Rev. Reginald McClain Sr. and completed modules through the University of Biblical Studies in 1984.
She has served in Christian Education, created a module to instruct new converts and new members the tenets of faith, and life application. She also started a youth fellowship and a grief ministry. She was ordained a Deacon in October 2023, under the pastorate of the Reverend Terrance King, at St. James AME Zion Church in Ithaca, NY, with Presiding Prelate Dennis V. Proctor administering the ordination. She participates in Music Ministry, teaches Sunday School, is a member of the Missionary Ministry, and leads a Women’s devotion and intercessory prayer group. Professionally she studied and practiced nursing and human services. Her experience working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, methadone programs, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse in both the state of NY and California, provided a plethora of opportunities to minister to the needs of those she encountered. Although professionally retired, she expresses a sense of urgency to reach souls for Christ, and to add to Gods church.
She is very active in her local community as an advocate/activist for education, housing and social justice. Outside of her service in her church, her love and dedication to her family and friends is most important to her.