Staff

Sr. Karen Freund, the youngest of five children, grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where St. Thomas Parish School was staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. Their joyful presence — and her extended network of family and friends — helped her discern God’s call to become a Dominican herself.

She earned a Bachelors in English and Secondary Education at DePaul University, a Masters in English at the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters in Pastoral Studies at Catholic Theological Union. She is also certified in Formative Spirituality, Biblical Spirituality, and Spiritual Direction.

Sr. Karen has been a teacher, novice director, parish director, Congregational leader, and spiritual director. While missioned in Warrensburg in 2010, she was invited to Newman when a Retreat Director suddenly canceled. An offer to provide a few days of spiritual direction each month followed. Finally in July of 2012, she accepted her present position as Pastoral Associate/Spiritual Director. She marvels how all her previous ministry experiences dovetail with this present one.

Favorite thing about Newman: Above all, she values the warmth and openness of our parish family, with its layers of ages and needs, its generous ways of compassion and love. “People really try to live what they believe. I guess that’s what supporting one another in a parish is all about.”

Deacon Frank is married to Laura and has one married son and one tremendous grandson here in Columbia. He is from SE New York (don’t look for an accent) and attended Catholic schools K-12. He graduated from Cornell (BS/Horticulture), Penn State (BS/Meteorology), and Central MO State University (MS/Safety Management). He spent 28+ years in the U.S. Air Force and retired to Columbia in 1996, when they joined the parish. He’s worked in a bagel shop, for the City of Columbia (Recycling), and the Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Bureau.) After a military career based on service, the diaconate was a logical next step in his life. Frank was ordained in May 2007 and was assigned to the Newman Center where he does baptismal and marriage prep, and, when that fails, he also does annulments. Additionally, Frank does weekly communion services at two senior care facilities in town.

Favorite thing about Newman: The people who make up the Newman Community! “They inspire me — that’s why I serve; it’s certainly not for the pay! As Dorothy stated in the Wizard of Oz: ‘There’s no place like home.’ Newman is my home!”

Deacon Gene is a native Chicagoan who came to Columbia in 1992 with his wife, Ginger, after a successful career as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. He received a Diploma in Nursing from Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, a BSN from De Paul University, Chicago, and a MA from Webster University, St. Louis. He worked at Boone Hospital for eight years before retiring again.

He was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Jefferson City by Bishop John Gaydos in 1999. Shortly afterward, he undertook a course of study to become a Clinically Trained Hospital Chaplain and is a member of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. In addition to his parish Diaconal duties, he is the Diocesan Coordinator of the Columbia Catholic Hospital Ministry. Over the years, he and his wife Ginger have been involved in various parish ministries at Newman. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.

Favorite thing about Newman: It has always been the dynamic Liturgy.

Angelle joined the staff at Newman as the Director of Campus Ministry in June 2007. Angelle hails from New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a B.A. in mathematics (minor in education) and later a Masters in Religious Education. Angelle taught at St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans before moving to Missouri. She also served on the New Orleans TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) Core Group and as a mentor on the archdiocesan teen leadership team. Angelle is a past president of the Association of Campus Religious Advisors at Mizzou (2011-2014) and served as director of the national Campus Ministry Leadership Institute (2011-2014). Angelle became a certified campus minister (recognized by the USCCB) in 2013 and currently serves as co-chair of the Certification Committee of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association. She is passionate about walking with others as they grow into who the Lord is calling them to be.

Angelle enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her husband and son.

Favorite thing about Newman: There are many inspiring students, alumni, resident parishioners, and staff boldly living and proclaiming God’s love here! It is a privilege to be a part of this family!

Yvonne began her time at Newman as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry in the fall of 2016. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, but grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Yvonne graduated from Stephens College with a B.F.A in Fashion Design and Product development (minor in business). After graduating, she spent several years working in the field of fashion before returning to her alma mater. She worked in student development at Stephens until 2014. Yvonne graduated from Walden University in 2016, with an M.S. in Higher Education College Teaching and began pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education and Adult Learning the same year. Yvonne is an active member of Sacred Heart Parish where she began volunteering at Room at the Inn, Emergency Winter Shelter in 2011. From 2014-2016, Yvonne served as the coordinator for Room at the Inn. She is elated to have returned to work among the student population.

Aside from her duties at Newman, Yvonne is still an active member of the Room at the Inn planning committee. She volunteers through her parish and in the community, and supports Access Arts and the Alzheimer’s Association. Yvonne is also a chartering member for the Central Missouri (MO) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. In her spare time, Yvonne enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Favorite thing about Newman: Growing in my relationship with Christ with students and peers who are so passionate, welcoming, and supportive.

JoAnn began working at the Newman Center in July 2008 as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry. She grew up in St. Louis and attended college at Truman State University. After graduating, JoAnn worked for a year in their Admissions Office and then came to work for the Newman Center as the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry. In 2012, JoAnn completed her Masters in Theological Studies through Quincy University and also obtained certification in campus ministry. In 2016, JoAnn began working in the development office. She is involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry Association as well as the University of Missouri’s Association of Campus Religious Advisers.

JoAnn enjoys spending her free time her husband and two boys, Luke and Isaac. She loves cooking and enjoys spending time at the Farmer’s Market with the family on Saturdays. She also enjoys scrapbooking and traveling. At Newman, JoAnn enjoys spending time with the student community and meeting parents and alumni.

Favorite thing about Newman: The integration of the many generations in worship and service!

Kevin joined the staff at Newman as the Director/Campus Minister of Liturgy and Music in June 2020. Kevin is from Harrisburg, PA and following 12 years of Catholic Education is a graduate from Messiah College in Grantham, PA with a BA in Music and a Minor in Church Music, Towson University in Towson, MD with a MM in Jazz Performance, and The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, FL with a DWS (Doctor of Worship Studies) degree. Before moving to Columbia, Kevin served as a Music and Liturgical Minister for 10 years at multiple parishes in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Colorado as well as 2 years as a PreK-8th grade Catholic School Music Teacher. Kevin’s ministry goal is to bring people closer to God through divine worship and meeting them where they are along their journey. Kevin is also a professional performing and recording Jazz trombonist, pianist, and vocalist and looks forward to getting involved in the music scene across Missouri.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife Kristen and their dogs, hiking, and watching sporting events (especially the St. Louis Cardinals).

Favorite thing about Newman: The ability to collaborate with such passionate ministers and students.

Joe Kouba, our liturgist/music director since August 1982, grew up in suburban Chicago. He became involved with music ministry through the Newman Club at the University of North Texas. Joe has a Bachelors Degree in Music Composition from the University of North Texas, and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies with emphasis in liturgy, from Loyola University, New Orleans. He also studied at St. Meinrad School of Theology for a short time. While at North Texas, he was also a member of the gymnastics team. He and his wife, Melissa, have three children and four grandchildren. Hobbies and interests include biking, hiking, and anything related to railroads.

Favorite thing about Newman: Joe loves the energy of a campus ministry parish with the vitality of the students and the stability of the residents.

Emily Shull started as the Director of Religious Education in July 2013, but she also held the position of Campus Minister from 2006-2008. She was also the Campus Ministry Intern for the 2005-2006 academic year. She received a MAPS in Theology and Ministry from the Dominicans at the Aquinas Institute in 2010 and was able to meet many young Dominicans who will hopefully have the opportunity to serve our parish in the future.

Emily is a very proud graduate and a huge fan of Mizzou. Her and her husband Kevin were both in Marching Mizzou and love to play with the band at the Homecoming football game. The Newman Center is where her love of teaching really solidified when she taught first and fourth grade CEP as a student. Between her experiences in Campus Ministry, she served as Youth Minister at All Saints Parish in St. Peters, Missouri. Her husband Kevin is a graduate of the MU Vet School and they have two kids, Cecilia and David, who are sadly still too young for CEP, but are excited to start soon and often come to our family fun nights.

Favorite thing about Newman: Newman is a community that values and invests in education for everyone from kids to adults. We’re a community of seekers where good questions are as important as good answers.

Renee grew up in the south St. Louis suburbs before heading to Columbia for college. She spent her time at Mizzou majoring in Journalism, minoring in Theatre and spending plenty of time (not) studying at the Newman Center. After graduation, Renee went back home and accepted a position working in communications at a parish in the West County area.

Youth ministry had been on Renee’s heart for a few years when she heard about the opening at the Newman Center and Sacred Heart. She moved back to Columbia after just one year away and began her job as Director of Youth Ministry in June 2018.

Renee is thrilled to be back in Columbia. The city completely stole her heart when she was here for college and has always felt like a second home. Her favorite hangout spots are the Big Tree, Capen Park, the Understudy, and Newman’s reservation chapel. She enjoys ice cream, life chats, cats, longform journalism and dancing.

Favorite thing about Newman: The integration and collaboration of people from all different age groups and backgrounds working together for the greater good – to spread the love of Christ to everyone they meet.

Lisa Rose is a Mizzou alum and was active at the Newman Center as a student. Over the years, she’s volunteered in a variety of ministries in the parish. Since 2001, she has been on staff in the position of RCIA Coordinator. She finds working in initiation ministry rewarding and particularly enjoys the people with whom she interacts. She also serves on the RCIA Subcommittee of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.

Favorite thing about Newman: Newman has been my spiritual home since my days at Mizzou. I appreciate my diverse Newman family as well as the fertile ground this community has provided for faith formation for myself and my family.

Angie started working in the business office at St. Thomas More Newman Center in September 2013, but she and her family have been parishioners here since 1996. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri and worked in the advertising/marketing field for 10 years. She was blessed to be able to work from home while she and her husband, John, raised their four children, and when it was time to go back to working outside the home, she was thrilled that the opportunity arose to be a part of the St. Thomas More Newman Center Staff.

Favorite thing about the Newman Center: “I love the family atmosphere and the multigenerational community here. I love that my children have grown up seeing the youth of this community being so active in their church – what a great example!”