Meet the Staff
Our staff consists of a Director, an Associate Director, and a Case Manager. Together they coordinate around 100 volunteers and partners to provide all KWC services.
Director
After joining the Benedictine Sisters in 1986, S. Bridget taught English and Theology for almost 25 years in area high schools. She served as principal for six years at Maur Hill-Mount Academy. She has a Master Degree in Theology, School Administration, and is a certified Spiritual Director.
In the summer of 2010, she found a new calling as Associate Director of the Keeler Women’s Center. As such, Sister Bridget provided classes, retreats, and services to women at Keeler and visited women in the Wyandotte County jail.
In 2016, Sister Bridget became the director of the Keeler Women’s Center. Now, she is serving as the public face for the center and works with volunteers and partners to offer a wide variety of classes and services.
S. Bridget is currently serving as a member of the Monastic Council for the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica.
Associate Director
Brenda comes from a diverse background in local, national, and global nonprofits. As a fully bilingual person, Brenda works directly with the Hispanic population.
Brenda holds certifications in Computer Applications, Trauma Informed Care, and Home Counseling.
Her other professional certifications include Parent Project education, adult learning, and facilitator trainer for community conversations.
Brenda is responsible for writing and managing Keeler’s print publications, social media, and website.
Brenda is one of our certified bilingual spiritual directors. She recently completed her oblation with the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica monastery.
Case Manager
Sister Maria Nyugen is originally from Vietnam. In 1979, Sister Maria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Benedictine College and joined the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica in 1981.
In 1990, Sister Maria earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from St. Louis University, becoming the first Catholic nun to work at Barnes and Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1994, she returned to Kansas City and worked for thirty years at Research Medical Center. Sister Maria completed the Souljourners Spiritual Direction program in 2016.
In 2024, Sister Maria joined Keeler Women’s Center as a case manager and spiritual director. Sister Maria still serves as a consultant to many religious communities nationally and internationally. Very active in the Vietnamese Catholic Church community, she continues to work with youth groups.