In early May 2022, Joanne Castner visited El Paso, TX and Juarez, MX with a group sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the St. Columban Mission for Justice, Peace and Ecology. This immersion trip allowed her to see firsthand what is happening with immigration at the US-Mexico border and how individuals and community advocacy groups are supporting those in need.

In this program, Joanne will tell about her trip.  She will share what she learned about the root causes of the immigration crisis, why people flee their homelands despite the danger and uncertainty.  This presentation will feature photos, stories and video clips.

Joanne Castner is an associate with the Sisters of Mercy.  She is currently finishing the second year of Cranaleith Retreat Center’s Spiritual Direction Formation program in Philadelphia, PA.

She earned a BA in English/Education from SUNY Albany, an MS, Ed.S. in Counseling and Student Personnel from SUNY Albany and an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Millersville University.  Joanne completed her first clinical year of family therapy studies at Philadelphia Institute of Family Therapy.  She has worked as a family therapist at Catholic Charities and as a school counselor.