NATIONAL BOARD

Michael Boucher, Chair, Rochester, NY
Mike Boucher lives in Rochester, NY, with his wife, Lynne, and 17 year old twins, and has been part of Word and World since its beginnings in 2001.  He has been a board member since 2006 and currently serves as chair.  He works as a social worker and counselor at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center  exploring the intersections of poverty, racism, oppression, resistance and resiliency in the lives of the people who consult him.  He also works on the pastoral team of Spiritus Christi Church.

Kate Foran, East Hartford, CT
Kate Foran was formed by the Catholic Worker movement and attended the Word and World Philadelphia School in 2003, after which she spent two years working and studying through W&W’s internship program.  She has served on the Board since 2009.  Kate currently works as a freelance writer in East Hartford, CT where she lives with her husband and co-conspirator Steve and their daughter Sylvie.

Kara Bender, Chicago, IL
Kara Bender is a transplant to Chicago and a native of the south. She calls Reba Place Church and Fellowship her community. Her days are spent working alongside older adults fighting for housing rights, training women to pass state level legislation, and organizing a racial justice agenda at the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. In the Spring and Summer, she gets her hands dirty, planting and preserving food. Kara believes in the power of art to help us reclaim the prophetic teachings and examples of resistance from our Biblical fore-mothers and fathers.  She first participated with Word & World through the W&W track at the Social Forum in Detroit and then again in 2011 – 2012 as apart of the W&W Mentor-ship Program.

Lydia Wylie Kellerman, Detroit, MI
Lydia Wylie-Kellermann lives in Detroit, MI with her partner Erinn and baby Isaac. She is part of the Jeanie Wylie Community focused on urban agriculture, immigrant justice, and nonviolence. Lydia was raised and schooled in Word and World since she was fifteen. She currently works as the Program Coordinator. A contributor for Bury the Dead: Stories of Death and Dying, Resistance and Discipleship.

Elizabeth Nicolas, Philadelphia, PA
Elizabeth Nicolas (Liz) is a Haitian-American, native New Yorker who has lived in Philadelphia for the past 13 years.  She has supported and worked with several Philly non-profits focused on issues such as homeless advocacy, education, community development and urban renewal.  In 2012, Liz resigned from her position as a litigation attorney representing large corporate clients to fully pursue her passion and commitment to advocate for individuals on the margins. She is currently seeking full time employment in the human rights sector. She participated in the W & W Mentoring Program from 2011-2012 and is a contributor for Bury the Dead: Stories of Death and Dying, Resistance and Discipleship.

Chris Grataski, Lynchburg, VA
Chris Grataski is a Permaculture Instructor & Design Professional working across the continent and rooted in the diverse landscapes between Appalachia and the Chesapeake Bay.  With a background in pastoral ministry, he now works as an herbalist, grassroots educator and design activist committed to social and ecological justice.  He is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Applied Ecology.