Marianne Gaynor, IHM has been the part time administrative assistant for the Institute of Communal Contemplation since Spring 2009. Marianne's “day job” is as a member of the staff of the agency, Compassionate Companions, Inc. in the metro-Detroit area. Initiated in 2007 by the Monroe IHM's Compassionate Companions was formed in response to the growing need for caring, professional and ethical persons to serve as court-appointed Guardians and/or Conservators as well as assisting with pre-guardian tasks. Compassionate Companions is committed to act and speak on behalf of adults who cannot speak for themselves or whose ability to speak and act independently has been compromised because of mental or physical diminishment. Marianne has ministered in a variety of settings - as an educator in MI, IL and MO, an associate pastor at a Detroit parish, a massage therapist in retreat and clinical settings, and a data base manager for the IHM Development Office. Currently she manages the data base for the Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit and serves on the IHM's Mission Integration Committee. Marianne did her undergraduate work at Marygrove College, Detroit, MI majoring in Theology and Early Childhood Education. Her graduate degree is from Oakland University, Rochester, MI in Early Childhood Education. She attended the Rocky Mountain Healing Arts Center in Boulder, CO for certification as a massage therapist. Marianne loves trying out new recipes on company, waking up with the daily poetry from Panhala, exploring new places, tending to her two raised veggie gardens and being by the water! Marianne can be reached at mgaynor@ihmsisters.org. Return to the Top Back to Who We Are