Staff Spotlight: Amy Eckhouse

In the second installment of this series,  we'd like to introduce Amy Eckhouse for our 

"Staff Spotlight"! 

1. Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Alton, IL-- a town just south of St.Louis, MO. 

2. Where did you go to school-high school, college, grad school?

I attended Marquette High School in Alton, IL, a Catholic High School now called Marquette Catholic High School where I was taught by the Ursuline Sisters.   After high school, I went on to study Special Education at Eastern Illinois University and received a B.S. in Education.  Years later, I attended Loyola University and I obtained a M.A. in Spirituality.

3. Did you know you've always wanted to work in the field you’re in now? What was your epiphanous moment that lead to the idea for the Maria Kaupas Center?

When I was in high school, I had a very wise mentor/Ursuline Sister in Theology and knew from these experiences in spirituality that I wanted to contribute in the same way that I witnessed in High school.  I taught for 28 years - most of these years, freshmen/junior/senior Theology and for fourteen of these years, directed Kairos retreats, coached girls' basketball and softball.  These years working with young people were unbelievably rewarding and even though I recently moved my career in a different direction, I will never forget the hundreds of students who crossed my path.

 

Months prior to Maria High school closing, the Sisters of St. Casimir and the Christian Brothers had a vision for the former convent which is now the Maria Kaupas Center.  They believed that this space would be perfect for a Catholic center.  They put together a think tank and ultimately decided to carry this vision out.  Last year, as Maria High School was coming to a close and getting ready for the Charter Public School to enter,  the Sisters of St. Casimir and the Christian Brothers graciously asked me to visualize what the former convent could be, I jumped at the chance to give some insights.

In January of 2013, I was hired to put the collective vision in place. What an immense honor.  The Maria Kaupas Center has so much potential.  We are at the very beginning stages of development.  Stay tuned!

4. What is your favorite thing about the Center? 

My favorite component of the center is that it is a place where young people from the public school can come to learn about God, community, leadership and service.  It is a pioneering model...

I love it that the first thing we do before any programming is go to the chapel for 15 minutes to unwind from the day and have a short conversation about God's love,  the benefits of paying it forward, or being committed to the decisions one makes, etc. I love it that this center is a fun, safe place to play pool, ping pong, board games, foosball, bags and so many other possibilities.  Currently, the students who come to our center get dismissed from school at 4:00.  They need a place like the Maria Kaupas Center to unwind, have some popcorn, do homework, or simply talk to their friends.  

5.What is your favorite food?

Chicken Alfredo

6. What is your favorite book? Why?

There is no way I can pick a favorite book, but the one I am enjoying right now is Michael Singer's "The Untethered Soul". 

I enjoy books that delve into the development of consciousness.  Michael helps the reader appreciate the present moment.

A special thanks to Amy for taking the time to answer these questions!!!