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The LC Team

We strive to function in the way we desire to see the world - collaborative and interdependent. Through our varied backgrounds, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help foster programs relevant for the transformational leadership needed today and into the future.

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We are passionate about helping you access your leadership capacity through personal growth, understanding and growing in consciousness about the systems in which we live, and dreaming for what is possible and boldly moving into an emergent, yet unknown future of religious life.

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Read more about us and let us know how we can assist you continue to develop your leadership capacity.

Scroll down to learn more about the team

Elia Cardenas, D.Min

Associate Director

Elia is the Associate Director with the major areas of responsibility being CLDP (Collaborative Leadership Development Program) and outreach to Latin America. Elia has a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry, a Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies, a Certification in Hispanic Ministry, and an ICF-accredited Ministerial/Life coaching certification from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. As a deacon's wife, she completed the diaconate formation program in the Diocese of El Paso, TX. Because she firmly believes that we are God's instruments to bring about inclusion, solidarity, and peace to the marginalized, she does ministry for migrants in a border shelter and leads preventive efforts in the highlands of Chiapas, supporting the indigenous people's formation and promoting community development, so that they can exercise their right to stay at their lands. Elia is a Dominican associate of the Santa Catalina de Siena province. 

Linda Buck, CSJ

Executive Director

Linda is a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange  (California). She is the Executive Director of the Leadership Collaborative, which focuses on leadership formation and fostering emergent systems. Linda is a licensed psychotherapist and spiritual director and has an academic background in clinical psychology, theological studies, and transformative leadership. She has a D.Min in Leadership and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Transformative Social Change. She works with congregations and groups to foster change within their hearts and systems. Linda is passionate about the ability of individuals and systems to grow toward their fullest potential and uses her background to foster culture change within current and emergent systems.

Pat Murray, CSJ

Operations Manager

Pat Murray, CSJ is originally from Chicago, IL. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Dominican University in Business Administration. She spent 15 years in the computer industry. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart in 1998. During this time, she ministered as a Pastoral Associate, Campus Minister, and Director of Religious Education. In 2016 she entered the Congregation of St. Joseph where she has ministered as the Executive Director of ABLE Families, a social services agency in Mingo County WV; Director of Ministry of the Arts; and a Business Consultant. She currently lives in Charleston, WV with two other Sisters of St. Joseph.

Rita Parent, RSM

Assistant, CLDP

Romina Sapinoso, SC

Associate Director

I have been an educator for many years before and after becoming a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. I am passionate about education as a tool to effect change in our world. This new position at The Leadership Collaborative is an evolution of this passion and ministry. My hope is to be of service and hold space for what is unfolding in religious life and in the life of charism carriers who work closely with us. It is an honor and privilege to be part of this team and to continue to nourish my heart for learning with and from others.

 

I have taught in K-12 settings in public and Catholic schools, higher education and adult education in different countries and different states, most recently on the US-Mexico border of El Paso and Juarez and in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have a propensity to seek truth and spirituality, and I am drawn towards issues of diversity, race, and justice. My background in international and multicultural education keeps me seeking connections that cross boundaries and cultures to find what is a common desire in people to live the Gospel message of solidarity and love with one another, especially with those on the margins.

Tammy
Townsend Denny

Associate Director

Tammy is joining The Leadership Collaborative staff after serving as the executive director of Theresians International, a Catholic-founded organization whose mission is to foster communities of spiritual growth for women. Prior to her ministry with Theresians, she worked with the U.S. province of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth as their national communications director. She also has served on the board of directors for Communicators for Women Religious, an international organization committed to advancing the mission of Catholic sisters. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in liberal studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Loyola University in Chicago.

In her evolving work in Catholic organizations, she continues to develop her ministry of listening to and connecting with Spirit, self, and others in ways that build relationships and cultivate communities. She believes that transformation is possible when we listen to one another with open hearts and open minds. Tammy is a life-long seeker who is always exploring new ways to better understand God’s call in her life. She is passionate about the care of creation and living lovingly in our world. Tammy and her husband live in suburban Chicago and have a blended family of four adult children and one ever-demanding cat.

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