CO-FOUNDERS
KAREN DUFFY
Karen Duffy, Co-Founder, has been in the business arena for more than 25 years. She has owned two businesses and spent a large part of her career doing consulting on the national level in marketing. Currently, Karen works for Healthy Achievers, a national, corporate Wellness group.
Karen funded the original excursion to Zimbabwe in March 2007 with Dr. Nicki Verploegen and Sr. Patty Startup. In her conversations with various leadership in Zimbabwe, she was convinced that caring for caregivers was something that should continue beyond the initial visit.
DR. NICKI VERPLOEGAN
CO-FOUNDER & RETREAT DIRECTOR
Dr. Nicki Verploegen, Co-Founder of TATENDA International, served as Director of Spiritual and Ministerial Development and Visiting Professor at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts for 8 years.
Presently she teaches courses in spirituality in graduate schools around the US, including the Archdiocese of Boston’s Diaconate Program. Her academic degrees include: Ph.D. and M.A. Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, M.. A. and an M.A. from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington.
Originally from Montana, Dr. Verploegen has traveled throughout the US, Asia and Africa, offering support for caregivers, as well as serving as a lay missioner in Liberia for two years. She has been conducting retreats and giving spiritual direction for over 30 years and is the author of four books, including From Monks to Missionaries; Planning and Implementing Retreats: A Parish Handbook; Organic Spirituality: A Sixfold Path for Contemplative Living; and Meditations With Merton. Her books can be obtained by contacting Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR at 541-344-1528 or via email at orders@wipfandstock.com.