(From L to R) Sue Seltenright DeFerrari, Ellen Accurso, Tatiana Jerez, Daniel Sanchez,
Chef Ramzi Kahla and Celia Meyerholz make up the staff of MorningStar.

In addition to the regular staff, MorningStar Renewal Center is made possible by the efforts of numerous volunteers, advisory council members and the members of its board of directors. We are also supported by regular Retreat Hospitality Coordinators, Kitchen Crew Members, Maintenance Team members and Housekeeping Staff.

To learn how you can support the work of MorningStar, click here!

Sue Seltenright DeFerrari, MA, MSW - Director - As the Director of MorningStar, Sue has been working to shape the vision and ministry of MorningStar through it’s program offerings since it’s inception in 2004. Sue’s own commitment to faith in Christ Jesus and her giftedness in preaching and teaching the faith fuel her vision for ministry: to create new opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to experience and make visible the reign of God in our midst. She brings to the ministry of MorningStar a rich background in community organizing, nonprofit administration, and pastoral theology, with 15 years of pastoral experience, serving as both a missionary internationally and a professional lay minister in numerous dioceses throughout the United States. Sue is active in her parish community of St. Louis Catholic as well as other projects in her local community. Her main joy is in sharing an active life with her husband and best friend, Michael, and their three young children.

Ellen Accurso, Operations & Office Manager - Ellen joined the staff of MorningStar in 2005 and brings a wealth of organizational and managerial experience to the administration of a fairly young non-profit ministry. Besides being most people’s first point of contact when calling or coming to MorningStar, Ellen oversees the day to day operations involving MorningStar’s facility and personnel. Her faith in Christ and commitment to share His love underscores her service at MorningStar and beyond. Ellen is actively involved in many ministries in her home church of St. Louis Catholic, interdenominationally, and most recently as a participant in short-term mission trips serving various countries in Africa. Ellen is a mother of four adult children and two adorable grandsons.

Tatiana Jerez, Administrative Assistant - Tatiana joined the staff in 2006 to assist in meeting the needs of the growing ministry of MorningStar. Tatiana brings years of experience in both volunteer ministry in the church and in small business operations which provide a rich background for developing and coordinating her two main areas of service at MorningStar: coordinating the 80+ volunteers who serve at MorningStar and assisting in the management of the housekeeping staff. Tatiana is bilingual and also serves as MorningStar’s sacristan. A woman of faith and prayer, she is an active member of her parish, St. Louis Catholic and numerous other Catholic communities in the Archdiocese. Tatiana is the proud mother of 3 grown sons.

Daniel Sanchez, Groundskeeper - Daniel has been with MorningStar since it’s beginning in 2004 coming to MorningStar directly from working for many years as the groundskeeper of the property for the Dominican Sisters. Daniel is an expert landscaper and is directly responsible for the beautiful upkeep of the 10 acres of property which MorningStar is situated on. Daniel is also a gifted “handyman” who competently wears many hats at MorningStar being our plumber, mechanic, and overall “Mr. Fix-it”. Daniel’s faithful stewardship of the land is enjoyed by everyone who comes to enjoy MorningStar’s peaceful and prayerful grounds. Daniel and his wife worship at St. Ann’s mission in Homestead.

Ramzi Kahla, Chef - Ramzi joined the staff of MorningStar in 2007 as the first-ever full-time Chef in the history of the retreat house. Bringing with him a wonderful culinary background which began in his hometown of Jerusalem where he began his profession in cooking at a retreat house for pilgrims in the Holy Land. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2000, Ramzi honed his culinary skills working in establishments such as Barton G, South Beach and the Sofitel Hotel, Miami among others. As the Chef of MorningStar, Ramzi treats retreatants to good solid home cooking with attention given to presentation and making every meal memorable. Quoting scripture, Ramzi says “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”

Celia Meyerholz, Adminstrative Assistant - Celia is the newest addition to the MorningStar team joining us in 2008 as a part-time administrative assistant. She comes to MorningStar with years of experience of working with non-profit organizations. Her main areas of concentration are bookkeeping, and administrative support to the director. Celia leads an active life with her husband, their grown children and grandchildren. She worships at Christ Fellowship Church.