National Team

L’Arche USA carries out our mission of service through the vital work and dedication of our staff members. L’Arche benefits from the diverse professional skills and personal experiences staff members bring to their work. Whatever their role, our staff demonstrates a passionate commitment to furthering the mission and vision of L’Arche. We invite you to get to know them.

Laura Giddings, National Leader & Executive Director

lg@la.org

Andrew Callahan, Finance & Administration

I’m proud to be a native Oregonian, and have been settled in Portland, Oregon for almost 20 years. I love the outdoors and am an avid fisherman so spend a good deal of time in the surrounding rivers. I also enjoy my favorite sports teams and am passionate about good wine and food.

an@la***.org

Andy Noethe, Programs & Membership

Having been a local community leader for many years, I am excited to now support our collective national work, advancing the health, growth, and reach of all L’Arche communities, established and emerging. I appreciate the many challenges and gifts of building inclusive community.

an@la*****.org

Thomas Marquis, Evaluation & Impact

Growing up most of my life in Virginia, the Midwest has been my home since 2002. My husband and I recently relocated to outside Minneapolis, after living nearly 20 years in Kansas City, MO. I originally joined L’Arche in 2005 and have held various roles since. I love to travel, host friends and family, and pass time by playing card games—my favorite being Canasta!

tm@la*.org

Brian Ballard, Development

I have fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit and Church sector, serving communities domestically and abroad. At L’Arche USA, I’m focused on inviting supporters into this good work and helping equip local L’Arche communities to do the same. My family and I reside just outside Philadelphia.

bb@la*.org

Danelle Harris, Finance

I have been involved with L’Arche since 2007, and recently moved from Tacoma, WA to Portland, OR to be closer to my daughter. I enjoy painting, reading and game nights with family and friends. And I love to take walks with my dog Gunner who likes to bark at the wind!

dh*@la***.org

Sharon Ryan, Learning & Culture

I am native to and recently resettled in the Boston area, close to my large and social family. In between, I spent 30 years in other east coast cities – Philadelphia, Baltimore and DC – with a 2-year jaunt to Belfast, NI with L’Arche. I try to keep my mind sharp with crossword puzzles, my hands and creative spirit busy making things out of fiber (spinning, felting, weaving) and my heart open with new voices in poetry and podcasts.

sh@la***.org

Stasya Erickson, Resources & Relationships

I’m an immigrant from Russia who grew up in Pennsylvania and settled in Syracuse, NY after college. When I’m not working, I love to hike, draw, take photographs, travel and feast on delicious food. My life is made rich by my two sons and husband.

se@la.org

Tom Murphy, Inclusion & Advocacy

I have been part of L’Arche since 2002, and am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Theology and Education focusing on the dialogue between the spirituality and practice of L’Arche, disability studies, and considerations for accessible and inclusive religious education. I interweave my L’Arche and academic work with my family life, which includes a very active and curious toddler-aged son who loves exploring the great outdoors with his mom and dad.

tm*@la***.org

Kyla Ponciano, Engagement Specialist

Soy latina and very proud of it! My hobbies include writing and reading poetry, hanging out with family and friends, listening to music, dancing and being out in nature. I also enjoy being of service, which includes L’Arche. I am very grateful to be able to be a part of this team, working to make a positive impact on people of all different abilities and the world.

ky@la*****.org

Parker Davis, Communications & Creative

As a member of L’Arche since 2016, I have witnessed the stories and creativity of our people at every level, both domestically and internationally. It is a privilege now working to capture those experiences, elevating the voices of people with intellectual disabilities and expanding L’Arche’s impact in society.

pd@la***.org

National Board of Directors

L’Arche USA is grateful to have passionate board members who donate their unique skills and expertise to help further our mission. The board of L’Arche USA provides leadership in areas of policy formulation, fundraising, communications and development, government relations, oversight, and other support of regions and communities of L’Arche USA.

Interested in becoming a board member? Click here.