Staff

Robert Amodio

Facilities Supervisor

Robert Amodio joined Mercy by the Sea in 2012. An avid fisherman, he likes to make people comfortable, tend to their needs and see them smile.

Bernadette Bimonte-Hackett

Front Desk Coordinator

Bernadette is a retired Pediatric Social Worker, having worked at Yale New Haven Hospital for 10 years.

Suzanne Budwitz

Kitchen Manager and Head Chef

Suzanne Budwitz believes in simple, healthy meals prepared to feed body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Cathy Collins

Executive Director

Cathy Collins has more than 20 years of experience leading mission-driven nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission for the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Eleanor Roosevelt Center in Hyde Park, New York.

Rose Degen

Kitchen Assistant

Her very first job after graduating from college was right here in Madison at Savvy Tea Gourmet

Patricia Dowling

Development Director

Patty’s personal commitment to mission and values-based work that enhances the lives of others is what guides her every day. Prior to joining the Mercy by the Sea staff in 2017, Patty was Executive Director at The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries, Inc. from 2003 to 2017.

Lori Goldsmith

Housekeeper

Lori Goldsmith joined the staff Mercy by the Sea in March, 2019.

George Goulet

Security Manager

George came to Mercy by the Sea in 2012 bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the security field.

Rosemary Jones

Guest Services Assistant

Rosemary Jones handles reservations for private retreats and program registrations and is also a graphic designer who uses her expertise to create our brochures and flyers.

Diane Kopin

Guest Services Manager

Diane manages Guest Services, including Hosting Groups and events. She brings experience from many years in a corporate setting as well as registered nurse.

Joan Linley

Program Director

Joan Linley is a spiritual director and supervisor, retreat director and labyrinth facilitator. She has recently launched the School for the Second Half of Life and Women’s Emerging Leadership.

Ann McGovern, RSM

Director of Mission Integration and Hospitality

Ann McGovern is responsible for promoting and integrating the mission, values and vision of Mercy by the Sea. With the assistance of staff and front desk volunteers, she promotes the value and spirit of hospitality, which is central to the charism of the Sisters of Mercy.

Linda Michalczyk

Finance Associate

Prior to coming to Mercy by the Sea in 2014, Linda Michalczyk was in retail, owning a children’s clothing and toy store in Madison, Connecticut, for 15 years and managing a flower shop in Old Saybrook for five years.

Karin Nobile

Associate Program Director

Karin is a 2017 graduate of Mercy by the Sea's School for the Second Half of Life. As Associate Program Director, she helps develop onsite and virtual programs that carefully blend experiential and contemplative practices to embody the Mercy Sisters' key Critical Concerns: Earth, Immigration, Nonviolence, Racism and Women.

Amanda Patrick

Director of Communications and Marketing

Amanda is the Director of Communications and Marketing for Mercy by the Sea.

Karen Rossignol

Guest Services Associate

Karen is a Guest Services Associate who manages reservations for private retreats as well as program registrations at Mercy by the Sea.

Gail Wyman

Housekeeping Manager

In her 10 years at Mercy by the Sea, Gail Wyman has handled numerous tasks including painting and making repairs as well as running the kitchen for a time before moving on to managing housekeeping