Staff

Robbie Amodio

Maintenance Manager

Robbie 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.

Suzanne Budwitz

Kitchen Manager and Head Chef

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

Christine Davenport

Assistant Housekeeper

Christine Davenport joined the staff in spring 2015 after working 16 years as a pediatric medical assistant. She loves the serenity and beauty of Mercy by the Sea and “knew it was right” when she came to interview for her position.

Rose Degen

Kitchen Assistant

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

Dave Diglio

Facilities Manager

In addition to 15 years of experience as a facilities manager, Dave comes to Mercy by the Sea with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) skills and credentials

Eileen Dooling, RSM

Executive Director

Eileen Dooling has in many ways “come home” as she began life as a Sister of Mercy here in 1965 when Mercy by the Sea was Our Lady of Mercy Novitiate and Diocesan Sisters College.

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.

Judy Fortune, RSM

Coordinator of the Catherine McAuley Center for Spiritual Formation

Judy Fortune, an experienced retreat and spiritual director, currently oversees the extended sabbatical program and spiritual direction practicum as well as facilitates the directed retreat program.

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 graduated from Providence College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration then worked in a corporate setting for nine years. She returned to school to change careers and became a 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.

Karin Nobile

Program Associate

As a 2017 graduate of Mercy by the Sea’s School for Second Half of Life, Karin A. Nobile has joined the Program Department and will help develop experiential programming in areas of spirituality, creative expression, ecology, health and wellness and special events.

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.

Anne Simpkinson

Director of Communications

Anne Simpkinson joined Mercy by the Sea in May 2016 after a career in journalism and digital content creation. In addition to communications duties, she co-facilitates Centering Prayer circles and programs on contemplative prayer.

Adam Tomasko

Assistant Cook

Adam Tomasko, who has worked in the kitchens at The Gables and Whitfield on the Green, finds working with food rewarding, especially the appreciative reactions of diners.

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