Awake Introduces Four New Members of the Survivor Advisory Panel

Awake first established its Survivor Advisory Panel (SAP) back in 2020, as part of our efforts to center the voices of people who have experienced abuse in the Catholic Church. Members begin their service with a one year term from October to the following September, with many choosing to remain on the board beyond that initial term. This diverse group is invested in Awake’s work and offers honest feedback about the organization’s ideas, programs, and goals.

This week we extend our gratitude to Gigi Fontanilla, Deacon Larry Normann, and Lisa Neu, who have completed their service on the Survivor Advisory Panel, as well as Mike Koplinka-Loehr and Natalie Pucillo, who have moved to the Awake Leadership Team, and Kathy Ann Coll who now serves on Awake’s Board of Directors. We’re also honored to introduce Awake’s four newest members, who will join returning panelists Amy Pearce, Deborah Rodriguez, Jennifer Lavoy, John Heffernan, Lisa Cusmano, Lucy Huh, Mike Hoffman, and Wendy Mitch. Thank you to all past and current members for sharing their wisdom and time with our community.

Deborah Schiessl

I am a member of a Catholic parish in the archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis, together with my husband. I'm a mother of five children and grandmother to six. I have worked for the last 25 years as a physical therapist assistant. I was abused as an adult by a priest during a vulnerable time in my life. My experience as a survivor includes reporting my abuse to law enforcement and eventual testimony in court, which resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of my abuser who is now laicized. I desire more stringent laws nationally against clergy abuse and in support of survivors. I wish to ensure that survivors receive validation and empowerment in their healing journey such as the Awake community has provided me.

Gino Wolfe

I live in Washington state with my wonderful wife. We have three boys and two grandchildren. I am a marriage and family therapist after serving 30 years in the Navy on active duty. I am a survivor of priest abuse. Unfortunately, I did not seek help until 30 years later and I suffered for it. I felt alone and used alcohol as a coping mechanism. Luckily, I sought assistance for my abuse and alcoholism eventually and my life has become enjoyable. My story was published recently on this website and it was therapeutic. I hope to bring my experience, lifetime struggle, and survival to the panel.

Maria Silvers

I was born and raised Catholic, a California native now living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My husband and I are parents of three adult children and grandparents of seven, the loves of our lives. I am also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. I did not publicly tell my story until I was in my 50s and, in the years since, still search for ways to heal what I now know are all the ways trauma impacted my life, and the lives of those I love. Having a place to share this healing journey with others has been life changing for me, and I am deeply grateful to the Awake community for being a place of belonging, acceptance, and encouragement for those longing to be heard. I am humbled and honored to contribute in any way I can to the incredible work being done by and through Awake.

Vince Pérez

I am a happily married retired psychiatrist and grandfather living in Pasadena, California. At 14, I entered a Franciscan seminary to become a priest. However, my path changed after four years of abuse by my confessor and mentor. Instead of the priesthood, I chose medicine and earned degrees from UCLA and Stanford. Years later, I sought healing and justice by addressing the abuse through years of therapy and litigation, but I was disappointed by the Catholic Church's response. I ultimately transitioned to the Episcopal Church, drawn to the inclusive community and commitment to social justice. Prayer and the Holy Spirit have been my guiding forces. I am currently in spiritual direction training, planning to help others heal from similar traumas. I am honored to be a member of Awake’s Survivor Advisory Panel.