Who We Are

Connecting to Christ and His Creation

The Catholic Ecology Center is a ministry of Laudato Si' Project, a tax-deductible, 501(c)3 non-profit.

Laudato Si' Project began in 2016, responding to Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home. The mission of the Catholic Ecology Center is to deepen faith and foster a stewardship ethic through hands-on encounters with the natural world. This is done through educational programming, stewardship projects, retreats, recreational outings and partnerships with schools and parishes.

Meet our staff

Jackie Lesperance: Program Coordinator/Educator

Jackie grew up in Franklin, WI, and has always had a deep love for nature. She has a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an emphasis in ecology and philosophy. In college, Jackie discovered and dove deep into her Catholic faith. After graduating, she taught high school science and worked in parish youth ministry and religious education until staying home to focus on raising a family. She and her husband live in Greendale and have four children. Jackie is excited to serve the mission of the Catholic Ecology Center, which brings together two of her great loves: the wonders of the natural world and the God behind it all.

Kim Kreimann: Educator & Volunteer Coordinator

Kim began her time at the CEC as a tireless volunteer, and together with her husband, spend countless hours ensuring the CEC property and mission is well taken care of.

Kim has a deep passion for God's creation and enjoys sharing this knowledge and drawing people deeper into a love for God.

She is an avid outdoor photographer, birder and lover of animals and ecology. We are thrilled she can share her gifts with the visitors and programming at the Catholic Ecology Center.

Regina Lawlis: Lead Educator

Regina grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin where much of her childhood was spent with her family outdoors. Her love for nature led her to study Life Science Education at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota where she was able to enjoy the rivers and bluffs with lots of canoeing and cross-country skiing! After graduating, she moved out to the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana where she has spent the last five years teaching science at a Catholic middle school in addition to spending as much time in the mountains as possible! No matter whether in the rivers of Minnesota or the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park, Regina has always found that wild spaces bring her peace, joy, and an easy connection with God. She is so grateful and excited to help others discover the beauty here at the Catholic Ecology Center!

Dominic Carstens: Educator

Raised in the driftless region of Wisconsin, Dominic’s curiosity for all things nature was sparked from a young age. Between farm chores and outdoor recreation, he learned to see God’s glory in every aspect of His creation. Dominic graduated from Wyoming Catholic College where he obtained a degree in the Liberal arts. During college Dominic worked for COR Expeditions guiding people on outdoor adventures and leading them to Christ through His creation. With over 200 days spent in the backcountry, Dominic is well equipped for all types of adventures.

Now an educator for the Catholic Ecology Center, Dominic is excited to share his love of God’s creation with every outdoor enthusiast!

Joe Meyer: Executive Director

Joe Meyer has always had a passion for his Catholic faith and a love for ecology. As a result of these passions and his desire to teach, he graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor's degree in biology/environmental science education and later a Masters in Education from UW-La Crosse. He taught in National Parks and environmental education centers across the country and strives to connect people with Christ and His Creation.

As a result of his deep Catholic faith, he founded the non-profit Laudato Si' Project is 2016 and most recently the Catholic Ecology Center in 2021. He is also a science teacher at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee.

Father John LoCoco: Chaplain

We are so very blessed to have Father John LoCoco serving as our Chaplain. He brings his deep faith, holiness and gregarious personality to our programs and events. Father LoCoco currently serves as the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Erich Lang: Grounds Keeper/ Maintenance

Erich Lang worked for several decades at the girl scout camp that became the Catholic Ecology Center. He now helps the property and buildings look their best at the CEC and Camp SIM.

Board of Directors

Nathan Lasnoski: Chairman
Andy Schoofs: Treasurer
Ryan Grusenski: Secretary
Keith Everson
Matt Vogel
Tom Mlada
Dave Fulcher