Awake’s Board Welcomes New Directors, Thanks Outgoing Members

It’s an exciting week for Awake as we welcome three newly elected members to our Board of Directors, as well as a new treasurer. We appreciate the willingness of these volunteers to share their talents and wisdom with our organization. Below we give them an opportunity to introduce themselves to our community.

But first, we offer our deep gratitude to the three directors concluding their terms on the board: Amanda Conlin, who also served as treasurer, Kristin Hansen, also board secretary, and outgoing president Elizabeth Zimmer, who has faithfully served on Awake’s board since it was established in August 2020.

“We greatly appreciate the skills and talents these three women brought to our board,” says executive director Sara Larson. “I would like to extend special thanks to Elizabeth, who has led our board for almost four years and has worked tirelessly for Awake as our organization has grown. We would not be where we are today without her commitment and leadership.”

Zimmer will remain on the board as an ex officio, non-voting member, supporting new board president Patty Ingrilli. Current board member Elaine Steele will step into the role of secretary.

New to the Board of Directors

Andrew Bartell
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois

Andrew Bartell

“I am a lifelong Catholic who grew up in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. I went to college in the Chicago area and worked as an attorney in Illinois as well. After years of practicing law, I obtained a license in canon law, the law of the Catholic Church. I have since worked for dioceses, Catholic ministries, and currently for a religious order, Our Lady of Hope Province of the Felician Sisters.

I live in northern Illinois with my wife and son. I was in college when the sexual abuse crisis became public and the archbishop of my archdiocese resigned. I was shocked at how the institutional Church had treated so many people. I have encountered many survivors and am committed to helping inside the Church any way I can. I joined Awake because as people of God we are called to action in bringing Christ's redemptive healing to the Church.

The Catholic Church has been deeply hurt by many of those in leadership. We are all called to participate in the healing power of Christ through whatever means we can. I am impressed by Awake's call to move from a place of sadness for what happened to a place of action to bring about healing and justice to the children of God.

I love to cook new things, travel, learn about different cultures, and just be adventurous. When I’m home, I like to tinker in my woodshop.”

Timothy Strait
Madison, Wisconsin

Timothy Strait

“I am a licensed mental health clinician and professor of clinical mental health counseling. My doctoral work focused on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and work difficulties, and I have humbly assisted hundreds of survivors find their path forward as they negotiate their love of the Catholic Church and the reality of abuse. I have served as a trustee, a member of the parish council and finance council, and as a lector and eucharistic minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Monona, Wisconsin. I am also vice-chair of the State of Wisconsin’s Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board.

I wanted to become involved with Awake because it fulfills a needed dialogue. More importantly, it is a safe and supportive space where people can come together and walk shoulder to shoulder with others who are also on a journey of healing.

In my spare time, I am drum major for the Madison Pipes and Drums and compete in Scottish Highland games throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. My daughter and I also raise honeybees!”

Barbara Thorp
Norwood, Massachusetts

Barbara Thorp

“I am a mother, grandmother, and social worker. I worked for the Archdiocese of Boston for thirty-five years followed by five years with One Fund Boston, coordinating supportive services for those injured at the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.

In 2002, when the clergy sexual abuse scandal exploded, it was a privilege to be charged with developing a program of pastoral care and clinical services as an outreach to survivors, families, and parishes for the Archdiocese of Boston. Survivors continue to courageously point the way with prophetic voices longing for justice, healing, and renewed trust and friendship as sisters and brothers in Christ. I am humbled to be invited to join Awake as an ally in its zeal and passion to continue the journey.

The first of The Boston Globe Spotlight stories was published on Epiphany Sunday, January 6, 2002. This blessed Epiphany was a great manifestation of God's mercy that revealed a terrible truth. It was indeed a great awakening that called all the Church, all the people of God, to repentance, atonement, and conversion. The stories of the abuses endured by children and vulnerable adults cannot be unheard. They have a claim on each one of us united in love with those who have been so profoundly betrayed, as brothers and sisters in Christ. The mission of Awake is marked by deep compassion and a commitment in love and faith to stay the course of justice and healing with confidence in the Holy Spirit to light the way.

I enjoy playing tennis with my granddaughters and visiting my son and his family in the Pacific Northwest.”

Awake’s New Treasurer

Carol Quinn
Holland, Michigan

Carol Quinn

“I live in Michigan and am a wife to a wonderful husband and mother of two beautiful young adults. I grew up in a large Catholic family in Indiana and attended Catholic grade school and high school. After college, I worked as an environmental engineer for 30 years in the consulting industry.

I enjoy walks in nature and spending time with my family.

Currently I serve as an active volunteer for several local Catholic organizations. Service to others has always been an important part of my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Awake’s important mission to be informed, encourage change, and help those who are hurting from abuse.

I have a family member who experienced clergy abuse and want to serve others as Jesus would.”