Meet Our Current Catholic Workers

  • Gary Waldron

    There are many ways that Gary supports this community. He has a way of being a bridge of connection to this place. Some of which includes immigrant advocacy, procuring tangible needs like appliances, furniture, food, & resources to support the every day needs of people here. He is also involved in working with the Mankind Project. Gary is a lover of hockey, cigars, and good humor.

  • Peter Roderick

    Peter moved all the way from New York City to Tacoma over twenty years ago. He enjoys spending his time leading yoga and exercise classes, running around the neighborhood, going on peace walks, and befriending folks on the streets. He works alongside Michael, Dotti & the team of Operation Keep Em Warm & Fed. He enjoys being of a support to the guests in Guadalupe House and being a stable presence here.

  • Nora Leider

    Nora has been a part of the Catholic Worker since 2004. Most days, you will find Nora in the garden or maintaining and fixing a variety of things in any of the houses. She enjoys connecting people to the vision & work of our community and finds ways to share the resources it brings. Some of her hobbies and interests include woodworking & building, and sharing meals with the community.

  • Melissa Yager

    Melissa has been with us since 2014. In the everyday, you will find Melissa weeding in the garden, taking guests to appointments, organizing our every day needs & communicating to our community members. She is very interested in supporting our guests here and strengthens the vision of this community with her hopeful spirit. Some of her interests include rock climbing, hiking and being outdoors.

  • Michael Sterbick

    Michael, or "Sandwich Mike" as many know him, is a born in Tacoma and has been a Catholic Worker for over 20 years. He has been serving on the streets for over 18 years every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning through Operation Keep 'Em Warm and Fed. He loves spending time with his wife, Dotti. He is our Elder and a guide to the work of the community.

  • Elizabeth Sparks

    Elizabeth (Liz) has lived in Tacoma with her husband Paul since 2001. They have enjoyed putting their energies towards learning and knowing their neighbors in the downtown and hilltop neighborhoods for many years. Liz loves to make meals, share food, work in the garden and grow veggies. Through the years living in this community, she has learned to maintain & mediate projects we choose. She enjoys being a support to our community and wants to continue to find ways to live in a thriving place.