Meet Our Team
Our Team: The People Behind Our Mission's Success
Haiti Twinning Mission
Time, Treasure, Talent, Prayers
Executive Board Haiti Twinning Mission
Driving Change from Duluth to Hinche
Father Jack Durkin, Pastor
Catholic Church of St. Monica
Executive Board Spiritual Director, since 2006
Father Jack became the Pastor of Saint Monica’s in 2006 and immediately became involved with the team. His passion for the ministry caused him to lead many mission trips to Hinche. On those trips he did not stay within the compound but took his love for Jesus, by his actions, out into the streets. He visited many handicapped and poor families who could not come to the compound and made many visits to the hospital to pray with the sick. Please pray for this wonderful priest.
Gilbert Pierre, Trade Surveillance Specialist, Bank of America
Background in Merchant Processing, US Bank, Wachovia and Regions Bank
Executive board Cultural Liaison, since 2000
As a native born Haitian from Port Au Prince, Haiti, I am very appreciative of the Haiti Twinning Ministry at St. Monica. With well over twenty years of service and advice at the annual gala, I was kindly asked by Father Jack to join the board as the Cultural Liaison to be the bridge between both realities. In addition I am grateful to be part of the Finance Committee at Saint Monica.
Dr. Scott Pugel
Executive board Medical Director, since 2000
I began making mission trips to Hinche in the year 2000. The need in Haiti is so great I felt driven use my medical knowledge to directly help. In the year 2013 I was also asked to join the board as the Medical Director. Since our missions were halted in 2017 due to political instability and violence, I have served as the consulting physician to the physicians in Haiti. We discuss challenging cases and develop the treatment plans. In this way I am still able to contribute with my knowledge to the patients at the Whitney Clinic.
William Eliacin, CPA
Executive Board CPA, since 2020
I joined the Saint Monica Twinning Mission to support my resilient brothers and sisters in Hinche, Haiti. The generous contributions from Saint Monica parishioners allow us to effectively and sustainably provide financial support to Hinche's main clinic and pharmacy, which serve hundreds of patients each month. I am pleased to use my background in accounting to contribute to the board and ensure efficient resource allocation, maximizing our impact and helping to improve the lives of the people of our Sacre Coeur Twinning parish in Haiti.
Mirel Aline Schmidt, NP-C (nurse practitioner)
Clinic Oversight Manager/US Liaison, since 2023
I have always had the desire to go on a medical mission to serve those in greatest need. I am looking forward to the day when St. Monica's medical team is able to return back to Haiti to assist in providing compassionate health care and reuniting with our team in Haiti. At present I communicate closely with the clinic manager at the Whitney Clinic in Hinche in oversight of the staffing needs, continuing education needs, pharmacy and supplies requests and any other challenges they may face.
Zach Germann, Doctor of Pharmacy
Executive Board Pharmacist, since 2011
I help with the Haiti Medical Mission because God has provided me with the gift of my education, and I wish to share that with others. My ultimate desire is to seek humility through service, and what better way to do that than by serving those who are suffering in a country that is less fortunate than ours.
Jo Ann Rademacher, RN, RNC, BSN, CRRN, retired
Retired Executive Board Coordinator Current Coordinator of the Doc-A-Day Program
I joined the team in 2001. The first of many trips to Hinche was in 2002 because I wanted to serve the poor. Over the years it has been wonderful to care for those in such great need and to experience the joy they exhibit in their poverty. Over time I hope to share some of the many stories that have touched my heart. One of my stories is featured on the Home page of this site.
Steve Fultz
Director of Mission Teams
I have been involved in the Haiti effort since 2001. Over the years I participated in 20 mission trips, the last 5 or so as Director of Mission Teams. The challenges we faced just moving teams through the airports to the central plateau of Haiti were many and dangerous. But the rewards are unimaginable.
Karen Joines, Retired Dental Facilitator
Co-Coordinator Executive Board since 2018
Originally I joined the team in 2015 assisting with the annual galas. Then in 2016 I participated in a dental mission to Hinche. That trip changed my heart. Being with the people and experiencing their great need is unforgettable. In 2018 I was honored to be asked to assist JoAnn as she retired from the team and then was trained as Coordinator. In this role I simply keep the moving parts connected and let this beautiful team of incredibly skilled and caring professionals do their work. In 2022 I was blessed to meet and bring on board my new Co-Coordinator Mary Mikos.
Mary Mikos, Retired Executive Assistant, Zurich American Ins. Co.
Co-Coordinator Executive Board, since 2022
For years I have known a family who adopted a Haitian born child who was a refugee from the earthquake of 2012. Having learning so much about the struggles of the Haitian people from my dear friend, I developed an interest in helping the people of Haiti in some way. That came to fruition at Saint Monica’s when I was asked to be a Co-Coordinator of the Haiti Twinning Mission Executive Board. I am thrilled that my technical and organizational skills can be used to help the people in Haiti and contribute to bringing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy to them.
David HIdding
Co-Coordinator Executive Board, since 2014
I first joined the team many years ago to revitalize the original website and have been privileged to be part of this mission ever since. Shortly after I became involved, my wife had the opportunity to visit Hinche on one of the mission trips. Witnessing the profound love and gratitude expressed by the people of Hinche to the parishioners of St. Monica’s solidified my commitment to this cause. Our mission provides essential support, including medical care, education, and clean water, all of which are vital in alleviating suffering and improving living conditions. My involvement is a reflection of my life’s philosophy: Do good, be kind, and think of others.
Haiti Twinning Mission
Time, Treasure, Talent, Prayers
Our Local Leader
The Heart and Soul of Our Operations in Hinche
Monsignor Louis Faublas, Pastor
Paroisse du Sacre Coeur, Hinche, Haiti, since 2018
Monsignor Faublas is a man of faith and vision. He is a frugal steward of the donations he receives through this ministry and has improved the compound and the spiritual life of the parish in many ways. Mostly his Love for Jesus allows him to minister the faith throughout the community. He has led Corpus Christi processions out of the compound and taken parishioners on retreats during times of civil unrest, kidnapping and violence. Please pray for this beautiful priest.
Your Support Makes the Difference
Your involvement is crucial to our success. Together, we can sustain and expand our efforts to transform lives in Hinche. Discover how you can become an integral part of our mission and help make a lasting impact. Whether through time, donations, or sharing your skills, every contribution counts. Explore, connect, and contribute today!