Staff

Pamela Coster
Executive Director

Pam has worked in ministry for over fifteen years. Before coming to Charis she was president of Avanza Partners, a consulting firm specializing in adult faith formation and leadership development. Pam was previously Director of Faith Formation at Ss. Faith, Hope & Charity parish in Winnetka, IL.  Prior to her work for the Church, she was in the banking field.  Ms. Coster is a member of the boards of Catholics on Call and Lawrence Hall Youth Services.  She holds a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University Chicago and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Becky Eldredge
Product Development and Training Coordinator

Becky is originally from Baton Rouge, LA where she worked in youth, young adult, and adult faith formation in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for ten years before moving to Athens, GA.  Becky formed partnerships with Charis while working for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and at the University of Georgia Catholic Center in Athens, GA and currently resides in Dallas, TX.   Her background is in retreat ministry, spiritual direction, and adult faith formation.  Becky holds a Certificate of Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill University and a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans.  She is a contributing author at Loyola Press’ dotmagis blog, and she writes frequently for her own blog.

Lauren Gaffey
Director-Programs and Administration

Lauren originally hails from Southern California and got her first taste of ministry while at the University of Notre Dame. After receiving her B.A. in Political Science and Theology, she attended the Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago and completed her M.A. in Pastoral Studies. She spent four years as a college campus minister before joining Charis Ministries in 2007.  She has served as the Vice-Chair for Administration for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA) connecting with those who minister to and with young adults.  

Sarah Jarzembowski
Partner Program Coordinator

Sarah has worked in youth and young adult ministry for more than 11 years and has been a presenter at parishes, conferences, retreats, and training workshops around the country. She has been part of the Charis young adult board as well as a regional representative on the Leadership Council of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA). Sarah is a certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Academy and currently acts as an advocate for and coordinator of a national network of young adults working in professional ministry in the Catholic Church.

Megan Kennedy-Farrell
Advancement Coordinator

After doing some consulting work with Charis Ministries, Megan is happy to “officially” join the staff as the Development Coordinator. Megan received her Masters degree in Religious Education from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University. She brings 15 years of valuable experience in youth and young adult ministry and administration. Her past roles have included volunteering at Nazareth Farm in West Virginia, campus ministry at Loyola University Chicago, and serving as Director of the Peacebuilders Initiative at Catholic Theological Union. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Witness for Peace. She is excited by the opportunity to support Charis’ vibrant ministry to young adults.

Norm Matson
Business Manager

Norm comes to Charis Ministries from a career in financial consultingand more recently as a consultant and interim CFO at several Chicago area not-for-profits. During his part-time hours at Charis Ministries, he handles human resources and looks after the finances and financial reporting. After a career that took him from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio to Dallas, Texas to London, he is back in Chicago where he and his wife enjoy theater, music, and their grandchildren.

Michael Noser
Military Partner Coordinator

Michael holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an M.A. in Social Justice from Loyola University Chicago.  Michael served as an active duty Naval officer for nearly seven years, including assignments in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf.  Michael has also been actively engaged in the Ignatian Spirituality Project, offering retreats to those struggling with homelessness and addiction.  Michael is a member and former chair of the board of the Br. David Darst Center for Justice and Peace, Spirituality and Education, and also serves as a Trustee to the State Employees’ Retirement System of Illinois.

Susan Paweski, SP
Director-Advancement & Communications

Sue joined the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods in 1998.  She spent 10 years working for the Congregation in development and alumni relations.  Her  work experience includes teaching in elementary schools and working in administration at Mundelein College and admissions at Loyola University Chicago.  Sue received her BA from Mundelein College.  She holds a master’s in education from National Louis University, a master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in Earth Literacy (Ecological issues) from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. 

Lisa Sroka
Assistant Program Coordinator

Currently, Lisa is a senior at Loyola University studying Music and Business Administration.  After joining Charis three years ago as a student worker, Lisa is thrilled to take on a greater role within Charis' mission and programming.  In addition to Charis, Lisa is a local Chicago vocalist and choral conductor, showcasing her talents at masses, weddings, funerals, fundraising events, religious services, and more.  It is through her work at Charis that she has found a home within her young adult faith-life outside of Sunday mass and has been able to live out her call as a Catholic through Ignatian Spirituality.