Ken Reed-Bouley, MDiv, MBA

Director

I grew up in Massachusetts, am the son of a nurse and public middle school teacher, and am the youngest of four children with three older sisters. I attended the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate where I first became immersed in experiences of service, faith and justice. After college I volunteered for a year with the Dominican Volunteers. I lived with Dominican priests while teaching at Hales Franciscan, an African American male high school on the South Side of Chicago. After three years at Hales, I joined campus ministry at Loyola University Chicago where I worked for seven years–mainly in service, faith, peace and justice work–while earning my Master of Divinity and Master of Pastoral Studies. I arrived at the SCSJ in August of 1999. I earned my Master of Business Administration while working at Creighton. My wife, Jennifer, is a Professor of Theology at College of St. Mary here in Omaha. We have two daughters: Maya was born in March of 1998, and Rosa was born in December of 1999. They are the joy of our lives. I consider my ministry of service, faith, justice, community, simplicity, sustainability, solidarity, reflection and Ignatian advocacy, in collaboration with our talented and committed SCSJ team, to be a gift and grace. Striving to live out a “faith that does justice” with students, community partners, staff, faculty, and alumni/ae fills my life with meaning.

Kelly Tadeo Orbik

Associate Director

I grew up in Papillion, NE. While I haven’t moved far from home, I have had many opportunities to live with and learn from various communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and on 6 domestic service trips. These experiences have been incredibly educational, inspirational and life changing- it is truly amazing how connected we are as a human family, how much we depend on and impact each other. After college I lived in an intentional community called the Namaste Community. My B.A. is in Justice Society and Spanish (Creighton ’06). My Masters is in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution with an international concentration through Creighton’s Werner Institute. I see my role and that of our office as bridge building. Away from the SCSJ I am an affiliate mediator with the Concord Center, visit immigrant detainees in Douglas County Corrections, help with Adult Education classes through Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim, and serve on the leadership board for Ixim: Spirit of Solidarity, a twinning relationship between Omaha and Huehuetengango, Guatemala. I am also an active member on Omaha Together One Community’s Just Immigration Action Team. I love connecting our students with these and many other great community partners.

Jeff Peak

Assistant Director

I was born and raised in Northern Los Angeles but somehow made my way to Nebraska to attend school at Creighton. I graduated with a BA in Journalism and an MA in Ministry. Along the way I have volunteered with Amate House in Chicago – running an after-school program for at risk youth in McKinley Park – and worked in Campus Ministry at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. I have a keen appreciation for pancakes and smoothies, a passion for San Francisco sports, and a love of accompanying students as they live out the service of their faith in the quest for a more just world.

Wendy Maliszewski

Administrative Assistant – Retired May 2017

Wife, mother, fiber artist are three words I would use to describe who I am. Omaha has been my home since 1969. I am a Central High School alumnus and attended the University of Nebraska graduating with a degree in Textiles, Clothing and Design. I have been married to my wonderful husband Joe, since 1976. We have two amazing daughters. Our oldest, Kelly, lives in Omaha. She is a Dental Hygienist and also works at a Med Spa as an Esthetician. Brianna also lives in Omaha and is a graduate of the Creighton Accelerated Nursing program, working with the tiniest of patients as a NICU nurse. I have worked in the SCSJ for almost 21 years. Through it, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people from all over the world. Our students continually amaze me with their knowledge on the issues, their uncanny ability to make me laugh and their unfailing commitment to justice.

Wendy retired in May 2017 to spend more time traveling and with her art. We’ll miss her dearly.

Kevin Kuehl

Graduate Assistant

My hometown is Memphis, Tennessee—home of the blues and the birthplace of rock’n’roll. I’m proud to tell you that and many other things about my city of origin (Do you know about our world-class barbecue and the pandas at our zoo?). I have 2 older brothers and a younger sister, who are all wonderfully unique. As a graduate of Georgetown University, I am the proud product of a Jesuit education (ruined as I may be because of it), and I am very excited to continue being a part of the Ignatian family at Creighton (although when basketball season starts, I’m a Hoya at heart). At Georgetown I studied Culture and Politics in the School of Foreign Service, and it was there that I became very involved in social justice initiatives and campus ministry activities. I was especially impacted by my study abroad experience with the Casa de la Solidaridad in El Salvador. There I befriended Monseñor Romero, the Jesuit martyrs of the UCA, and the many other Salvadoran witnesses, some of whom still walk among us and others who have passed on. From them I learned of the challenges and joys of building relationships of solidarity and accompanying others despite cultural differences. After graduating I felt called to continue working in Latin America, so I spent over 2 years as a missionary and teacher at a children’s home called the Finca del Niño located on the picturesque northern coast of Honduras. The relationships that grew out of my experiences at the Finca, especially those with the beautiful children whom I had the privilege of serving, have left an indelible mark on me. I hope to continue to build on these experiences, to grow, and to learn as I take on this next chapter of studying for my Masters in Ministry and working at the SCSJ.

Victoria Acosta

Graduate Assistant

Hello friends! My name is Victoria and I am an SCSJ graduate assistant. I am a native of San Diego, California but consider Omaha, Nebraska my home. I graduated from Creighton University with a bachelor’s in Sociology in 2015 and was involved with the SCSJ every year. I have a passion for asset based community development and working to provide programs and services that would challenge and support a diverse community. I am fascinated by all social justice issues: who they affect, how they came about, and ways in which the issue could be addressed. Issues I feel strongest about include: juvenile justice, delinquency prevention, criminal justice reform, and comprehensive immigration reform. All that I have done for and with the SCSJ office has been a humbling experience, it shaped who I am today, and I am excited to be a part of the office that shapes the next generation of advocates. I will begin a Masters with the Werner Institute studying Negotiation and Conflict Resolution starting this August.

Alyssa Beasley

Student Coordinator

Hello! I am a junior studying Anthropology and Justice and Society. Originally from Blair, NE, I didn’t have to travel far to come to Creighton; it’s only about a half hour away. I’m glad that I am close to home, because my family is very important to me. However, I am grateful to have been given opportunities to travel outside Nebraska on multiple service and justice trips through the SCSJ, and most recently to the Dominican Republic through Encuentro Dominicano. These opportunities have allowed me to go outside my comfort zone, build relationships with new people, experience faith in new ways, and learn from different cultures. I also love doing anything to bring communities together.  I’m so grateful to get the opportunity to learn from many different people and work with the many awesome communities in Mission and Ministry on campus in this new role as a Mission and Ministry Community Advisor.

Tom Bredahl

Student Coordinator

Hello! My name is Tom Bredahl I am a senior marketing major from St. Paul, Minnesota. I came to Creighton because of the focus on Service and Justice. I went on my first Service and Justice in the Spring of my freshman year and have been on one every break since. I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing basketball. I hope to have another great semester on Core Team for Service and Justice Trips and to end up working in the nonprofit world.

Lydia Benda

Student Coordinator

Hello!
My name is Lydia Benda and I am from the best part of the world: Dubuque, Iowa. I am a Junior nursing student this year and I love it! My favorite thing to eat is anything sugary, and I love skiing and hiking! Two of my most passionate social justice topics are climate change and immigration/refugees. I work here as a student service coordinator for the YATES site as a part of the Creighton Global Initiative. I love meeting new people, so come say hello!

Bridget Carter

Student Coordinator/Communications Team

Hello!  I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am the third child out of three. I am lucky enough to have two older brothers. I love music, sports, reading, traveling, and the outdoors. I am a Senior Justice and Society major and Sociology & Public Health minors. By working in the SCSJ, it has provided with the opportunity to learn and act in the areas of service, faith, justice, and advocacy. I have learned a lot about social justice and injustice over the last couple of years working in the office and I plan on taking all of that with me in whatever the future holds for me. I have lead weekly service sites, been on multiple service & justice trips, been on the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, and have had many more opportunities through the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice. I am passionate about food insecurity, poverty, and access to education.

Edward Cody

Student Coordinator

Hello! I am a junior from St. Louis, Missouri and plan on majoring in Graphic Design and Computer Science. The things that define me are volleyball, biking, and of course family and friends. I love anything active, but I also enjoy board games, movies, and video games too. Spring Break of 2016, I decided to sign up for one of the SCSJ service trips and I am glad I did. My trip took me just down the street to South Omaha, but it was amazing how it felt a world away. I hope to continue learning and have more memorable experiences during the rest of my time at Creighton. The experience I had on my service trip will be something I always cherish and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the SCSJ!

Katherine Crowley

Student Coordinator

Hello! I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  I love music, laughing, crafting, and cooking.  This is my first year volunteering in the office, but I have loved getting to learn about service and justice with so many amazing people during my first two years here at Creighton.  I am a junior looking into studies with Nursing and Medical Anthropology.  I have always had a passion for service and was part of the Cortina Community my first two years here.  I first became involved with the SCSJ when I decided to go on a on my first Service & Justice trip over Spring Break my freshman year to Axtell, NE.  That trip sparked my passion for the promotion of human dignity, especially for those on the margins with disabilities.  I then decided to continue Service & Justice trips as a coordinator to Clinton, IA last Fall Break and Kansas City, KS this past spring; on both trips we were sharing life with the L’Arche community.  After the profound experience I had on these trips, I decided to go with the SCSJ to Washington D.C. for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice 2015, where I gained some experience in advocacy work by going on my first legislative visit.  The combination of my passion for service and justice, the stories and experiences I have been blessed with, and the amazing people I have been able to know along the way, inspired me to join the SCSJ’s Ignatian Advocacy Team so that I could put my newfound passion to work.  I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store!

Sarah Duffy

Student Coordinator

I am a junior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here at Creighton, I am majoring in secondary education and history, and am the Mission and Ministry Community Advisor for Swanson Hall. I first got involved with the division of Mission and Ministry my freshman year with Campus Ministry by attending Freshman Retreat and participating in a CLC, both of which I was involved in my sophomore year as a leader. I loved the welcoming atmosphere that I encountered within Campus Ministry, and that helped connect me to the greater Creighton community. I also experienced this welcoming atmosphere within the SCSJ, which I first got involved with my sophomore year on a Fall Break Service and Justice Trip to Pilsen, Chicago. I was also involved with the Cortina Community my sophomore year, which was a great way in which to participate in service in the Omaha and to learn more about social justice issues. Additionally, I love reading and spending time with my friends and family. I love the community here at Creighton, and am excited to share that with students in the year ahead!

Jack Flynn

Student Coordinator

Hi squad! I am a senior from Denver, CO, majoring in History with a Business Administration minor. I have one older sister, and I love music, sports (Go Broncos!) and doing anything and everything outside! On a whim, I signed up to go on a Service & Justice Trip two weeks late during the spring semester of my sophomore year. We went to Montgomery, Alabama and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and after we returned, I knew I wanted to continue working with the SCSJ. I have coordinated trips to Memphis and Believeland, and I am so excited to now be on Core Team and work with everyone in the office!!

Maren Haddad

Student Coordinator

I was born and raised in Omaha and decided to stick around for four more years at Creighton. I’m so glad I did! Not only am I still close to my parents and younger brother, but I can continue to follow my own path pursuing my passions of photography, traveling, and social justice, while also discovering new passions as well. This summer, I will be serving the SCSJ as a graphic design intern, which aligns perfectly with my major, journalism. I am so excited and blessed to be a part of this team and I cannot wait to serve the Creighton community and beyond while using my talents for the greater!

Chinyere Ibekwe

Student Coordinator

My name is Chinyere Ibekwe. I am from Coppell, Texas a suburb on the outskirts of Dallas, and no I do not live on a farm or ride horses! I am a Junior at Creighton University majoring in Sociology on the Criminal Justice Policy Track. I am also minoring in Medical Anthropology. With my major and minor, I hope to enter law school to study criminal law. I like to sing, dance, and design clothes on my free time. I also love to run, workout, and sleep.

Adam Kotula

Student Coordinator

My name is Adam Kotula and I am a junior biology and Spanish major from the great city of Omaha, Nebraska. This year, I have had the amazing opportunity to serve as a CORE team member for the SCSJ. Some fun facts about me is I am ambidextrous, I love soccer, I enjoy free styling, I have a younger sister, and I enjoy longs walks not only on the beach but also down the mall of our wonderful campus :)

Mandy Lang

Student Coordinator

Hi! My name is Mandy Lang and I hail from the cornfields of Lincoln, NE! I am a member of Core team for the Service & Justice trip program! My favorite food is frozen corn and I have a serious obsession with Labrador retrievers. I am a senior this year and am majoring in biology, hopefully attending medical school in the next few years. While classroom knowledge important, my involvement in the SCSJ has been the most formative experience of my college career. As a freshman, I went on my first Service & Justice trip to East St. Louis, and have never looked back. It influenced my passion for social justice and advocacy, which led me to go on many more trips and study abroad in the Dominican Republic. I feel so blessed to be able to call the SCSJ home, and can’t wait to see what my senior year has in store!

Connor Lejcher

Student Coordinator

Hello friends! My name is Connor Lejcher and I am from Woodbury, Minnesota.  Things that I enjoy to do are fishing, playing guitar, swing dancing, throwing a baseball, and making bracelets.  I am studying Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences and I plan on pursuing either Pharmacy School or Medical School. My first experience with the SCSJ was on the Fall 2015 Ignation Family Teach In.  On this trip I became much more aware of the injustices that people in our community are experiencing today.  The trip motivated me to learn more about these injustices and to help promote equality for all.  As a new member to the SCSJ I am excited to learn and to grow in a way that will help me advocate for a world that is more fair and just.

Gwen McElhattan

Student Coordinator/Communications Team

Hello Friends! The name is Gwen. I was born and raised in a town called River Grove, about twenty minutes from downtown Chicago! I am a senior double majoring in Social Work and Justice and Society. I have been infatuated with volunteer work since my first Service and Justice trip to restore New Orleans in 2011. This is my third year working at the SCSJ and I have been in love since day one. I have been on Service and Justice Trips to Denver, Milwaukee, and Axtell, NE, and Wheeling, WV with the SCSJ and have been inspired by each one in different ways. I am beyond excited to be apart of the 2016 Core Team for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice as the advocacy coordinator. I am coming back for my senior year after having a truly influential semester with Creighton’s program in the Dominican Republic, Encuentro Dominicano. If you see me always free to come up and say hello! I am an extrovert who loves to talk about the SCSJ, Encuentro, justice, advocacy, books, and more! :)

Henry Mishek

Student Coordinator

Henry Mishek\\Biology Major\\Senior, Omaha, NE\\\\I have been involved with Service & Justice Trips since my Freshman year at Creighton and it is largely why I decided to come to Creighton in the first place. I have had some of the most meaningful experiences in my life through these trips and I decided to apply and work as a Core Team member for the Service & Justice Trips program last year. It has been a wonderful experience and I have instilled the values of the program into my everyday life. Whether it be sustainable practices like short showers and walking when possible, to daily reflection and prayer, the SCSJ has been a large part of my formation here at Creighton.

Shannon Mulcahey

Student Coordinator

Hi, friends! I’m Shannon Mulcahey and I am a Junior nursing student from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I love traveling, sports, reading, and learning about social issues. Traveling and experiencing new cultures is a huge part of my life because I was born in Ecuador and lived there for six years, then I moved to Nicaragua for a year before moving to Iowa. I first became involved with the SCSJ my freshman year when I went on my first Service & Justice trip to El Paso, Texas. Since then, my passion for social justice and advocacy has significantly increased. My passion for social justice led to my decision to study abroad in the Dominican Republic fall semester of my sophomore year. I have coordinated a Service & Justice trip to Minneapolis and have volunteered my time on the Ignatian Advocacy Team and the Communications Team. I’m incredibly excited to learn new things as a part of the SCSJ team this year!

Ayet Nguyen

Student Coordinator

Hello! I’m Ayet from Lincoln, Nebraska. I am a Junior on the Pre-Vet track aiming for a Biology major and a Studio Art minor. I want to be a Vet because I want to use my social justice passion to help advocate for animal/human rights and for a sustainable earth. I love all things related to service, photography, national parks, and my dog! I think that service is something that everyone should be involved in and SCSJ allows you gain new experiences with people and places that you never would have expected. I can’t wait to see what the year as in store!

Ed Nuñez

Student Coordinator

Hi friends! My name is Ed and I am a junior, double major in Justice & Society and Theology from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I graduated from a Jesuit high school so I was exposed to the Jesuit principles of service and a “faith that does justice” before I came to Creighton. I first became involved with the SCSJ from being a member in the Cortina Community, as many of the people I met had already been involved with many of the programs that the SCSJ offers. But when I went on the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in November 2014, that was when my passion and desire to be more involved with the SCSJ was solidified. The event had three things I love so much: the Jesuits, networking with other Jesuit and Catholic institutions, and legislative advocacy work. I have led two service and justice trips – one to Minneapolis, MN and one to East St. Louis, IL and I have been on the Ignatian Advocacy Team during my sophomore year. I am on the Communications Team currently and will be helping out with social media engagement of the SCSJ. I can’t wait to see how I develop during my next few years in the SCSJ!

Femi Oladokun

Student Coordinator

I am a bio major from Nigeria currently in the pre-med program. I have volunteered at various service sites back in Nigeria and right here in Omaha. Social justice and the idea of fighting chances for the less privileged motivate me. I am excited to be working with SCSJ and to be a proponent of faith that does justice. I value art and music above many things and I express myself through drawing, painting, and playing the guitar.

Jack Pitsor

Student Coordinator

Hello there! I was born in Kansas City but call the bustling metropolis of Des Moines, Iowa my home. Some of my favorite things include coffee, the lake, summer camp, the Dominican Republic, and of course Creighton. I am currently studying Health Administration and Policy with a double minor in Spanish and Medical Anthropology. I first got involved with the SCSJ through a service and justice trip to Minnesota and then IFTJ soon after that. I am so excited to be part of the SCSJ team this coming year!

Brittni Porath

Student Coordinator

Hey all! I am from good ol’e Sioux City, Iowa. In the fall of 2016, I will be a junior at Creighton. I have declared a major in Justice and Society with a Biology minor. In addition, I am on the Pre-Med track. I come from a fairly large family, so the relationships I make with those around me are very important to me. This has led me to want to get more involved in the community to form strong friendships with those I barely know. Further, this drive has resulted in my passion for service. By better understanding those in my community, I gain a more knowledgeable grasp on solidarity and feel as if I can bond with these people on a deeper level. I first became involved with the SCSJ through weekly service at the Boys and Girls Club and a spring Service and Justice Trip to Milwaukee. Both were truly amazing experiences and I encourage everyone to take part in both weekly service and/or a Service and Justice Trip. I am so excited to see where my future with the SCSJ continues to take me!

Adrienne Pyle

Student Coordinator

I have been corn-fed and corn-bred in Des Moines, Iowa for my entire life before coming to Creighton University. Here, I have had incredible opportunities to expand my horizons and meet innovative leaders in the thick of social justice initiatives–many of whom are centered in the SCSJ itself. I was infatuated with Creighton within my first week on campus, but it was on my first SCSJ Service & Justice Trip that I fell in love with Creighton’s emphasis on being Men and Women For and With Others. As a Pre-Med student majoring in Medical Anthropology and Spanish, I hope to continue these pursuits in providing culturally appropriate healthcare to individuals in which access to healthcare is low. I’m very excited to continue my involvement on Core Team and work with the rest of the SCSJ staff!

Claire Roehri

Student Coordinator

Hello! My name is Claire Roehri, and I am from Fox River Grove, Illinois (a northwestern suburb of Chicago). I am a sophomore in the Heider College of Business with a passion for social entrepreneurship, non-profits, and all businesses working to better the world. I chose to attend Creighton for many reasons, but especially because of the university’s values and commitment to working for and with others. With this in mind, I was determined to get involved with the SCSJ right away. My freshman year, I participated in a fall break service and justice trip to East St. Louis, Illinois and a spring break service and justice trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sophomore year, I attended the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) and coordinated a service and justice trip to El Paso, Texas. All of these experiences had a huge impact on how I see the world. Because I had very little experience with communities suffering from homelessness, poverty, lack of immigration rights, and countless other social justice issues, these opportunities have been some of the greatest learning experiences I’ve ever had. I will always remember and love the people I had the opportunity to meet in on all of my service and justice trips and IFTJ. Working in the SCSJ is an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow, encourage CU students to have service and justice experiences, and work with the greater Omaha community. I could not be more excited to be a member of the SCSJ team!

Katie Ruane

Student Coordinator

Hey there! I was born and raised in Orland Park, Illinois – a southwestern suburb of Chicago, about 30 minutes from the city. I am currently studying Business, with a desire to attend Law School afterwards. I have one younger sibling, a dog who doubles as my best friend, and two of the greatest parents in the world. I don’t think I could have made it where I am today without them! Through participating in the Ignatian Family Teach-In in the fall semester of my freshman year, I discovered how truly passionate I am about social justice. I cannot wait to continue my journey of learning about social justice and discovering what I can do to make the world a better place through working with the SCSJ next year!

Vincent Salazar

Student Coordinator

I am from Sacramento, California. I am on the premed track, and plan to major in neuroscience with a focus in behavior and minoring in medical anthropology. I fell in love with the SCSJ when I went on IFTJ last November. One of the major reasons I attended Creighton was for the service and advocacy orientation of the university. Learning about not only the service, but also the advocacy that the SCSJ does is what I love and something that is very special. I plan to become a doctor and taking what I learn through the SCSJ, to serve people and to help those less fortunate, will help me to be a doctor for the betterment of my patients and worry about their needs.

Jaxson Schneider

Student Coordinator

Hello there! I call the forests of Tacoma, Washington all the way out in the PNW home. I’m a sophomore who’s planning on majoring in English. Apart from books, I love a good coffee, and especially enjoy the quality conversation that a cup of joe often brings. During my Freshman year, while building relationships at Sienna Francis, I knew that the SCSJ was a community I wanted to be a part of. Now, as a sophomore, I’m working in the office for the first time, and I’m incredibly excited for all that it has in store!

Rachael Schwartz

Student Coordinator/Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Core Team

Hello all!  I am a senior nursing student from Aurora, Ohio and I absolutely love the SCSJ.  This will be my third year working here full of amazing experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.  I especially love being involved on the Advocacy Team and helping lead the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice group.  Working at the SCSJ has motivated me to become and informed and involved citizen for the rest of my life.  I am so looking forward to this year and to meeting new people in and outside of the office!

Margo Scott

Student Coordinator

Hello! I am from Minneapolis, MN and am the oldest of three in my family. I am currently working towards a major in Psychology and a minor in Hispanic Studies in hopes of someday becoming a developmental psychologist. In my free time, I love spending time traveling, biking, swimming, hiking or doing really any outdoor activity! I first got involved with the SCSJ through my first service and justice trip to El Paso, TX in the fall of 2015. The experience was so wonderful and amazing; it led me to want to become more involved with such a cool community. This is my first year working with the SCSJ and I am excited for everything there is to come!

Bridget Sebby

Student Coordinator

Hi friends! Home for me is Glenview, IL, which is a northern suburb right outside of Chicago. I am the middle of three adopted children, with an older brother and a younger sister. I am studying Secondary Education and Theology with the long-term goal of becoming a high school guidance counselor. Some of my favorite things to do include listening to music, porch sittin’, and “urban hiking” around Omaha.  I first got involved with the SCSJ by going on a Fall Break Service & Justice trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, my sophomore year. This trip sparked my love for not only service, but also justice. Desiring to continue my journey with the SCSJ, I have coordinated a few more trips (Morton and Wheeling) and am now a member of the Service & Justice Trips Core Team. I am super excited to spend my senior year working at the SCSJ with some of the most amazing humans Creighton has to offer!

Kim Sorensen

Student Coordinator

I am studying sociology with a minor in Spanish and a focus in Latin American cultural studies. I went to high school in West Des Moines, Iowa, which is where my parents and baby bro currently live. I became involved with the SCSJ through this weird kid named Matt Wenz, who encouraged me to join after a service learning experience in Peru. I have since eaten many dinners with guests at Siena/Francis House and was wrangled into spending 40+ hours in a bus to do Ignation Advocacy. In my spare time, I enjoy nice evening walks and breaking the fetters of capitalism, nonviolently of course.

Emily Stoll

Student Coordinator

A bit about me: I’m a sophomore from Indianola Iowa, studying Medical Anthropology and Spanish (the dream is to one day work with non-profits in Spanish Speaking communities). My faith and my family are extremely important to me, and below those things, I love to paint, drink tea, climb trees, listen to oldies, and bake muffins. :) I got started with the SCSJ through a Service&Justice trip to El Paso — it completely rocked my world — and I was fortunate enough to be able to go on a second trip to the Kansas City L’Arche Community this spring break. I’m super excited to be helping out with the Service and Justice Trips Support Team; hopefully I’ll get to learn the “behind the scenes” of these kinds of projects — how to run them in a way that honors and respects the communities we enter into, as well as ways in which to make them sustainable and foster lasting positive impacts on both our participants and our host sites!

Marika Svolos

Student Coordinator

Hello!  I am a senior majoring in Sociology and Theology.  I grew up here in Omaha in the Dundee-Memorial Park neighborhood, with my parents and two younger brothers.  When I came to Creighton, my advisor suggested that I go on the IFTJ and the rest is history.  Becoming involved with the SCSJ has changed my life, as I experienced the power of “a faith that does justice.”  I have had the opportunity to go on service trips to North Omaha, Kansas City, and Winnebago, as well as becoming involved in Ignatian advocacy.  Last summer I went on a service-learning course to West Virginia, where I discovered my passion for sustainability.  I can’t wait to see what this year has in store!

Ellen Townley

Student Coordinator

I am a junior from Omaha and the middle child of five. I study biology and renewable energy on the pre-med track and spent last semester abroad in Ireland. I love anything outdoors and that’s largely why I am passionate about sustainability. I joined the environmental justice advocacy team in the fall of my freshman year. Since then the SCSJ has introduced me to countless opportunities to explore other passions, particularly migration and human rights, through service trips, IFTJ, weekly service, and my work on the Ignatian Advocacy Team.

Missy Ulrich

Student Coordinator

Hello! I’m a junior studying sociology and Spanish from Omaha. In my free time, I enjoy knitting and hanging out with my cat. I first got involved with service and justice at Creighton through joining Cortina my freshman year. I later went on a service trip to North Omaha which inspired me to become more involved with the SCSJ and eventually go on the IFTJ trip my junior year. Even though I have been involved in service for many years, IFTJ was one of my first experiences with advocacy where I was able to see how change can be made on a larger scale. I’m excited to continue working with the SCSJ through the IFTJ and Ignatian Advocacy Team this year!

Kristin Watt

Student Coordinator

I am from St. Louis, Missouri where I have lived my whole life with my wonderful siblings and parents! I am a Justice and Society and Spanish major. I first got involved with the SCSJ when I was a new transfer student looking for a way to get involved. I had no idea that this office would be filled with so many wonderful people that shared my passions for service and justice! Through the SCSJ, I was able to go on a spring break service and justice trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico and absolutely loved it. This community has been so welcoming to me and I am excited for the future opportunities to continue learning about how to incorporate service and justice in my everyday life!

Cassie Weck

Student Coordinator

Hello there!  I am a senior majoring in Justice and Society and in Spanish.  I was raised in Marengo, Illinois, a small farm town with friendly people and two stoplights.  On a whim during my freshman year at Creighton, I signed up for a Spring Break Service & Justice Trip, half because I was hoping to go somewhere warm for Spring Break (I was sent to a blizzard in Cleveland) and half because I just wanted more involvement with an office that smelled like cookies and felt homey and inviting.  Little did I know at the time, that because of this first trip, I soon would study abroad in the Dominican Republic through Encuentro Dominicano, become a member of Core Team for the Service & Justice Trips program, go to IFTJ for the first time, change my major along the way, as well as become the president of the Peace and Justice Cooperative. (Ask me for more info on fair trade!) I plan on doing some post grad volunteering for a couple years and then I’m truly open to wherever my adventures in life take me.  Many thanks to the SCSJ for shaping my time at Creighton into something beautiful and transformational.

Matthew Wenz

Student Coordinator

I am a senior this year at Creighton and will be graduating with a degree in Accounting.  This will be my third year working in the office and the SCSJ has been an integral part of my Creighton experience.  I have been on 3 service trips through the office and spent my first two summers of college studying in Peru.

Mary Korch

Student Coordinator

Hello! I am a sophomore from Cedar Rapids, Iowa studying Economics and theology on a pre-law track. I am also involved as a Freshman Leadership Program mentor and the Executive Direct of Service, Faith, and Justice for Inter Residence Hall Government. My first involvement with the SCSJ was being an advocacy group leader on the IFTJ trip to Washington DC my freshman year and I have fallen in love with the mission and dedication of the office. Participating in service allows me to live out my faith, connect with real people, learn about the world, and make a difference all at the same time! Service has always been a huge part of my life and I am thankful the SCSJ has opportunities for everyone!

Jessica Valdez

Student Coordinator

Hello! I am from Council Bluffs, Iowa. I am an Exercise Science and Pre- Health Professions major and a Cognitive and Behavioral Neuropsychology minor. Besides being apart of the core team I am recruitment chair for Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, participate in my youth ministry, and am a paraprofessional at CRCC. Through participating in SCSJ service trips, Migrant Journey, the Ignatian Family Teach-In, and personal experience I became very passionate about social justice issues. I am excited to work with individuals in the SCSJ office to continue to fight for the voices that cannot be heard.

Joey Wichep

Student Coordinator

Hi! My name is Joey Wichep and I’m from the island state of Pohnpei of the Federated States of Micronesia. I am majoring in Health Administration and Policy with a minor in Business Administration. I first became involved with the SCSJ my freshman year when I went on the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice trip to Washington DC, where I attended a conference in collaboration with other Jesuit institutions to learn and advocate for issues like environmental justice and immigration policies and reforms. I have been on the trip twice and am currently on the Advocacy Team/IFTJ Coordinating Team. In the spring of 2016, I went on a service and justice trip to El Paso, Texas, where I met amazing people from Latin America and learned about the immigration process. It is because of these great experiences that I want to continue my involvement with the SCSJ. Looking forward to a great year of service and meeting great people.

Lucy Chung

Student Coordinator