Creating contemplative communities
who practice the presence of God
for personal transformation
and compassionate service
with the world
Alison McCrary, Director
William Thiele, Founding Director Emeritus
The 2025 SCL
Board of Directors
Christine Carlomagno, Secretary
Greetings all, I am a lifelong New Orleanian, living uptown near Audubon Park with my welsh terrier. I have two wonderful sons and a precious granddaughter.
In another life, I was an NICU and Ambulatory Care nurse. I have been with the SCL for over twelve years, and I currently participate in the 3pm Sunday book discussion group at Christ Cathedral. Now SCL 2.0 is standing at the threshold of possibilities, let’s see how we can bring those to fruition. Peace and Love, Christine
Yvonne Harrison
Yvonne Harrison, a retired Doctor of Physical Therapy, was born and raised in Southern Illinois. She practiced physical therapy in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area for four decades before retiring to the Mississippi Gulf in 2022.
​
Dr. Harrison currently serves as a consultant to Pathways 2 Possibilities, holds a board position with the East Biloxi Food Co-op, and acts as the Organizing Agent for One Coast United Church of Christ in Biloxi, MS. In addition, she is actively engaged with The Conversation Group, Working Together Mississippi, and the Mississippi Rising Coalition. Dr. Harrison also volunteers at Back Bay Mission, where she supports efforts to address homelessness and food insecurity.
​
Throughout her career in physical therapy, Dr. Harrison provided clinical services to diverse patient populations across various settings. She has served as an adjunct faculty at multipe universities, presented at local, state, and nautional conferences and events, mentored residents, provided clinical instruction to students, performed research and contributed as an advisory member for a geriatric residency program and a cancer work group. Additionally, she owned and managed a rehabilitation service practice, presided over professional organizations, and co-authored two manuals. Dr. Harrison participatd in ongoing clinical education and is a certified yoga instructor.
​
Moreover, she dedicated four years as a board member of her church. Her talents include analysis, problem solving, innovative thinking, communication, curiosity, and the ability to motivate and empower others.
Bob Hopkins
Hello friends, I am a retired pediatric lung/ICU specialist who lives just outside of New Orleans. My wife Nancy and I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a menagerie of pets. I have been associated with the School for more than 10 years, and I work with a group that practices Visio Divina. I'm excited about our future and hope all of us can make the School thrive. Blessings , Bob
Lauren Lemmon
Mal McLetchie
Hello, folks! I’m a retired CPA with a BS in accounting and an MBA. I spent several years in public accounting with two international CPA firms before joining Entergy where I held a variety of accounting and finance positions. After that, I consulted on tax issues for several years. I’ve taught on an adjunct basis at various universities and have served on the boards of a variety of non-profit organizations, including as chair and treasurer. I am currently an elder in the Presbyterian Church. My wife, Sue, passed away in 2023. I now live in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia (Did you know that West Virginia is the only state with two panhandles?) and have three sons, two kids-in-law, and three grandkids, along with two cats. While I am new to the School, I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues and am excited about the activities and opportunities offered by the School.
Ellen Ruffin, Volunteer Administrative Assistant
Ellen Hunter Ruffin is Associate Professor/Curator Emerita at The University of Southern Mississippi’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection. A former Christian educator, Ruffin has been involved in SCL since 2020.
Ani Vidrine, Chair
Hello, fellow contemplatives! I live in Church Point, LA, was married to Aaron Hebert for 24 years until his death in 2022, and have two grown sons. I serve as an interfaith/interspiritual minister, spiritual director, educator, and yoga instructor, as well as on staff for The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. My education includes a master's degree in social work and a doctorate in integral & transpersonal psychology, with a research focus on the Enneagram Personality Typology System. I have led retreats and workshops for the SCL over many years. I look forward to working with our director and dedicated board of directors to facilitate the promotion of contemplative living with an open heart. Big love, Ani
Advisory Board Members
Callie Crawford
Carol “Callie” Winn Crawford, a graduate of Louisiana State University (BA) and Southern Methodist University (M.Div.), is a retired United Methodist Pastor. She has served for more than 40 years in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area, appointed as senior pastor to local churches, most recently the Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church, as well as to the Campus Ministries at the University of New Orleans, Southern University in New Orleans, and Delgado Community College. She has served on several Louisiana United Methodist Conference Boards and Commissions including the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Board of Global Ministries, and the Episcopacy Committee. She has served as a delegate to both the Jurisdictional and General Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Callie currently serves on the Board of Directors for the School for Contemplative Living, the NOLA Wesley Foundation, the Algiers Point Neighborhood Association, and the Crescent City Chamber Music Festival.
Susan Gaumer
The Rev. Susan Salot Gaumer is an Episcopal priest who retired as rector of St. Andrew’s Church and School in New Orleans. She has served in leadership positions in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana including service as Ecumenical Officer and on several boards. She is a spiritual director and is a founding member of the SCL Steering Committee. Susan holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, The Johns Hopkins University and The School of Theology/The University of the South.
Mary Lowry
Mary Lowry is a retired CPA. Prior to her retirement she worked in public accounting for fifteen years. She has served as treasurer for a variety of nonprofit organizations, such as the Symphony Volunteers in New Orleans, the Friends of the Library, Manhasset, NY, and Kodai International Friends. Mary graduated from Oberlin College and has an M.A. in Political Science from Indiana University.
