Brenda Whelan, RSM, has been a Sister of Mercy for 40 years. She has been a kindergarten teacher, a chaplain, and Director of Pastoral Care at Women’s and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. At present, Whelan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She holds degrees in Education, Pastoral Ministry, and Mental Health, is a certified Grief and Trauma therapist, a certified EMDR provider, and a certified Death Doula. She recently served as a volunteer chaplain for the City of Tonawanda Fire Department and has just been named to the MESA Board of Directors. In her spare time Brenda enjoys reading and doing photography.