Residential Community
Leslie Carranza
Leslie is a singer, handyperson, and lifelong resident of Chicagoland. As a stagehand with IATSE Local 2, she works behind-the-scenes for pop stars, plays, and even NASCAR. Through the Local's apprenticeship program, she has gained certifications as a supported/suspended scaffold user, laser safety officer, and aerial/fork lift operator. Leslie is passionate about protecting the Earth, empowering marginalized populations, and accessible mental healthcare. She enjoys live entertainment and repurposing materials for craft projects.
Sister Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF
Sister Sharon is a respected leader, teacher, and administrator. An experienced master special educator and Franciscan spiritual director, she ministers full-time as a Special Education Instructional Teacher in Berwyn, IL. Sister Sharon is an avid reader who is passionate about the integration of theology and Franciscan spirituality. She loves to write and be outdoors.
Cassidy Klein
Cassidy is a writer and journalist who grew up in Denver and studied journalism and philosophy at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. After a year-long fellowship with Sojourners magazine in DC, she moved to Chicago, where she now works as an editorial assistant at U.S. Catholic magazine. She plays the Celtic harp and mandolin and loves to swim, hike, run, and play in the snow. See her work at cassidyrklein.weebly.com.
Abby Rampone
Abby is from a small town in Vermont, has lived at Catholic Worker houses in New York and Chicago, and spent three years living in the Women’s Interfaith Residency Program at Union Theological Seminary. She writes, makes zines, rescues cats, cross-stitches, and supports movements for church reform and social change. She holds a BA in Comparative Literature from Williams College and an MDiv in Interreligious Engagement from Union. Abby coordinates the Service Immersion Program at DePaul University.
Maura Rocks
Maura is a lifelong Chicagoan - she grew up on the north side, lived and worked on the west side, and is now a graduate student on the south side! She is a former teacher, a spiritual director, and an avid gardener. Maura is passionate about eating and cooking good food, spending time outside, building community, and working for justice in our city and in the church. Maura is currently pursuing her MDiv at Catholic Theological Union.
Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA
Sister Julia entered the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 2006, then professed her first vows in 2009 and final vows in 2015. She has a MA in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union and is a certified spiritual director. As a creative writer, activist, retreat presenter, and speaker, she is passionate about exploring the intersection of creativity, spirituality, activism, and community life. A regularly-published spiritual writer, Sister Julia’s work can be found in publications such as America and Living Faith Catholic Devotional. She blogs and podcasts at MessyJesusBusiness.com
Extended Community
Non-residents who support the Fireplace’s mission and participate in the rhythms of our life are members of our extended community. They may attend dinners or events, volunteer to assist with hospitality and outreach, or contribute financially, artistically, or spiritually. We wouldn’t be the Fireplace without them!
