ABCORI Staff
Interim Executive Minister
Associate Executive Minister for Elder Care Ministries
Rev. Kathryn Palen works with the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and the Baptist Home Board to develop and implement ministries by and for elders in our region. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. She has served congregations in Rhode Island, Iowa, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, and Connecticut. She also has worked for the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, Alban Institute, and several educational institutions.
phone - (401) 522-9731 E-mail
phone - (401) 522-9731 E-mail
Director of Finance and Office Manager
Nancy Faria, CPA, is our region’s Financial Administrator and Office Manager. Nancy is an active participant in First Baptist Church, Wickford. She comes to us with a wealth of business and accounting experience. She earned her BBA in Accounting at St. Bonaventure University and an MBA in Finance at University of Hartford.
phone: 401.522.9730 E-mail
phone: 401.522.9730 E-mail
Facilities Manager
Matt Black has served the American Baptists in Rhode Island through their ministries at Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in multiple roles over the last 16 years. He has served as Maintenance Assistant, Assistant Director of Camping Ministries and initially began serving in his current role as Facilities Manager in 2010. Matt has also volunteered with the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island in the area of Youth Ministry and has chaired the Camping and Youth Ministry Team. Matt volunteers with the American Camp Association (ACA)-New England as an accreditation Visitor. Matt lives with his wife Kathy, their dog Nellie and cat Maggie.
phone: 401.249.9315 E-mail
phone: 401.249.9315 E-mail
Director of Conferencing
Kathy Black returns to our Region staff as the Director of Conferencing at Canonicus. Kathy previously served as Director of Elder Care Ministries. Kathy has also served as the Executive Director of Rhode Island Power and Light and she continues to serve the broader community as a personal coach and consultant. We are delighted to have Kathy bring her skills, passion, and presence to our ministry at Canonicus.
phone: 401.522.9729 Email
phone: 401.522.9729 Email
Director of Camping
Amanda Ogilvie is our Director of Camping. Amanda brings a deep knowledge of our camping program and a wonderful energy to this vital ministry. Amanda shares her excitement about this new role as she writes: “I have attended Canonicus for 14 years on and off in many different roles, whether it be a camper, counselor, lifeguard or leadership. I have a passion for the outdoors and believe that Canonicus is a place of divine appointment with God. I currently attend and am involved with Community Church of Providence and act as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher as well as a worship leader. My husband, Daniel, and I met at Canonicus my first summer on staff. We were married in Tefft chapel and have a beautiful little boy, Mykah. We look forward to our future here at Canonicus.”
phone:401.522.9732 Email
Food Service Manager
Beth Hollis's culinary skills are well-known by many around our state. Most recently, she has owned and operated the Harmony Kitchen in Harmony, RI, which has been a favorite meeting place for many of our pastors as the Northern Pastor Cluster has regularly met at her restaurant for monthly breakfast and prayer. We are fortunate to have someone with Beth’s background and skills to provide leadership in this vital (and filling) ministry!
Maintainance
Lucien Martin works part time in maintenance at Canonicus. He is married to Linda. Lucien enjoys working with his hands especially doing things mechanical. Lucien is a member of Phenix Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon. He is a goldsmith by trade and also enjoys creating that special piece to delight for years to come.
phone ext. - 107 E-mail
phone ext. - 107 E-mail
Website/Connections
Susan Lepore maintains the ABCORI and Canonicus websites and sends out the weekly newsletter, Connections. Susan is a member of the First Baptist Church in America where she is active in their work with refugees. She is a retired children's librarian, an avid gardener and a beginning beekeeper. Susan lives with her husband, Richard.
