Staff

Chris Somers D. Min, M.S.W
Director for the Office for Mission, Ministry and Service
(570) 674-6314
csomers@misericordia.edu

Christine Somers has been at Misericordia since 2001 where she was the Associate Director of Campus Ministry. In 2008 she became the Director of Campus Ministry. Chris' background is both in social work  and church ministry. She been involved in mission related work in Peru, Guyana, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, El Salvador and Chile both with the Diocese of Scranton and here at Misericordia. She has a bachelor and masters degree in social work from Marywood University and a Doctorate in Ministry from Graduate Theological. She also is an adjunct professor in the religious studies department and the social work department. She is a Mercy Associate and a certified Spiritual Director.

Lindsey Riddell, MS
Assistant Director for Mission, Ministry, & Service
(570)674-8041
lriddell@misericordia.edu

Lindsey Riddell began working in the Mission, Ministry, & Service Office in 2015 and has served as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department since 2012. A campus alumna, Lindsey earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Misericordia University in 2006, with certificates in addiction’s counseling and child welfare services. She also holds a master’s degree in secondary school counseling from the University of Scranton. Lindsey spearheads the Mercy Leaders program, Search retreat, working with non-profits and social service organizations throughout the region, coordinating the Spring/Fall Break & International Trips. She is also a Mercy Associate, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Yoga Instructor. 

 

 

 

 

David Baloga, M.A.
Coordinator of Volunteer Service & Service Learning
(570) 674-6315
dbaloga@misericordia.edu

David came to Misericordia in September 2023 after serving as the Director of Worship for the Diocese of Scranton for nine years.  His work experience includes ministry at several Catholic parishes, and he currently serves as the part-time director of music and liturgy at Immaculate Conception Church in Scranton.  David holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from the University of Scranton, and a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has also been involved as a director, music director, and performer for several community theatre groups as well as KISS Theatre in Wilkes-Barre.  At Misericordia, David oversees community volunteer service, the McAuley Market, and mentors student leaders involved with service through the Mission, Ministry and Service Office.  He also oversees service-learning initiatives with faculty.  David resides with his family in Shavertown, PA.

 
Fr. Joe Pisanenchi
Chaplain
FrJoe@misericordia.edu

Fr Joe is the Pastor at St. Theresa parish in Shavertown, prior to that he spent 12 years as the Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Swoyersville. His first assignment after being ordained in 2001 was as the Director of Religious Formation at Sacred Heart High school where he taught religion in Carbondale and Assistant Pastor at. St Rose of Lima in Carbondale. He entered St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton and went to the University of Scranton where he majored in Philosophy and Communications for 2 years. He studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC for the next 4 years where he obtained his masters of divinity degree in theology.  He was highly influenced by the Jesuits at the University of Scranton and Georgetown. He was an assistant at Our Lady of the Snows in Clarks Summit and then pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Lake Silkworth after 2 years of ordination. Prior to the seminary, he graduated from Seton Catholic High School in Pittston before going to Luzerne County Community College where he studied broadcast communications, then he obtained a degree from  Wilkes University in broadcast communications. He was a former organ player in several churches in Luzerne county. He formerly worked at Rebel Radio 102.3, Magic 93 and is a former DJ for KRZ 98.5 radio. He lives in Shavertown with his dog Sebastian.