Laura Caperton
Outside Accountant

Laura has been with Shalem since 2015. A CPA, she has many years experience helping companies and individuals with tax preparation, tax planning, and accounting bookkeeping.

Jackson Droney
Director of Operations and Online Learning
jackson@shalem.org

Jackson Droney is Shalem’s Director of Operations and Online Learning, overseeing Shalem’s finances, HR, online courses, and all the nuts and bolts that make Shalem hum. He loves discerning with others how organizations can identify and live more deeply into their purpose, and is excited to be part of organization development work at Shalem. Jackson is a graduate of Shalem’s Personal Spiritual Deepening Program, Young Adult Life and Leadership Initiative, and Soul of Leadership program. Prior to working at Shalem, Jackson spent several years working in federal politics, as a staffer on Capitol Hill and as a lobbyist for not-for-profit electric utilities. He holds a B.A. from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Georgetown University. At Shalem, Jackson also serves on the faculty of the Crossing the Threshold program and leads Shalem pilgrimages to Spain. He is a student at Luther Seminary and is a candidate for pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Anna Franklin (She/Her)
Social Media & Registrar
anna@shalem.org

Anna Franklin (she/her), a Transforming Community (TCP) 2024 alum, works on a variety of special projects and initiatives for Shalem including developing a curriculum inventory, improving systems functionality and expanding Shalem’s social media presence and reach. Anna also serves as registrar for Heart Longings and is excited to co-lead the Camino Pilgrimage this year for the first time. She joins Shalem with a decade of experience in politics, government, and organizing and another decade+ in teaching yoga, meditation, and leading retreats. Anna is currently a seminary student at One Spirit’s Interfaith/Interspiritual Seminary Program and is also a 2019 graduate of the Living School with Fr. Richard Rohr. She graduated from American University with a focus on Peace & Conflict Studies in International Relations and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria. A proud West Virginian & the middle of five siblings with even bigger personalities, Anna splits her time between the U.S. and Portugal, where her partner is from. Anna appreciates finding God in all things whether a cup of coffee, birds, squirrels & trees, or a conversation with a friend; she enjoys walking with folks on their path and including the many steps of El Camino de Santiago!

Kathryn Gaughan
Program Administrator
katy@shalem.org

Katy is a program administrator for Shalem and a drummer and drum circle facilitator who provides drumming for wellness programs for all populations. She is a graduate of Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program. Contact Katy for questions about Nurturing the Call: Spiritual Guidance Program. Katy is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Michelle Geuder
Registrar
michelle@shalem.org

Michelle is the Registrar for the Assisi Pilgrimage. She is an artist and feels most spiritually grounded when immersed in nature. Contact Michelle for questions about the Assisi Pilgrimage. Michelle is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Christine Jeffrey
Registrar
chris@shalem.org

Christine is the registrar for the Camino and Iona Pilgrimages, and was the Co-Leader for three years for the Camino Pilgrimage. Chris works at St. Rose in Gaithersburg, MD, as the Director of Liturgy and Adult Faith Formation and has a B.A. in Theology.  Chris is interested in Celtic Spirituality, loves all things Irish, and spending time with her children and dog Cami (named for the Camino.)

Stacy Rancourt
Bookkeeper
stacy@shalem.org

Stacy has been the Bookkeeper for Shalem since April 2019. She has also handled the bookkeeping duties for Executive Soul since 2015. She has a B.S. in Accountancy from Bentley College, she is a self-published author, and she enjoys reading, writing, hiking and family adventures. Contact Stacy for bookkeeping questions (program coordinators and registrars can be contacted for general questions about program due dates and program payment instructions). Stacy is available Monday – Friday from 10am – 2pm.

Tom Sasinowski
Communication Coordinator

Tom has a Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies from Bridgewater College. While born and raised in Northern Virginia, he began his professional career in Los Angeles working for Cheyenne Enterprises, a film production company founded by actor Bruce Willis. While working in the film industry, Tom received a certificate in film editing from UCLA. After relocating back to the Washington DC area, Tom continued working in the DC film world while also spending the last 8 years working for Apple. Tom married his wife, Ally, in 2021 and they welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Quinn, in January 2023. Tom has a passion for meditation and contemplation so he is excited to merge his worlds of spirituality and creativity at the Shalem Institute.

Erica Van Lunen
Development and Office Manager

Erica brings extensive experience in nonprofit program management, grant writing, and faith-based organizational leadership to her work with the Shalem Institute. Before joining Shalem, Erica served in leadership roles within metropolitan church operations, where she consistently focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering environments of belonging, compassion, and equity. Erica’s passion for justice and inclusion is deeply rooted in her belief that spiritual growth and social transformation go hand in hand. She is honored to contribute to an organization that embodies contemplative leadership and inclusivity, and she looks forward to helping the Shalem Institute continue to nurture both individual and collective renewal.