OUR TEAM | CarmeliteDevelopment

the Team

Meet the people whose creative thoughts and prayers are behind your monthly newsletter, mass cards, holiday wishes and many more.

leadership

Meet our two visionary leaders, whose guidance is indispensable to our mission.

Fr. Mark Zittle, O.Carm

Development editor

markzittle@gmail.com

Father Mark is a Carmelite of the North American Province of St Elias. Before his ordination on May 19, 2012, he worked in sales and management, particularly in international relief and development. His diverse roles have included parish ministry, development, campus ministry, and provincial administration. Fr. Mark believes that experiencing God's love is deeply connected to how we care for one another, fostering an openness to God's presence in both ordinary and extraordinary moments of life through contemplation in action. This is the gifts of contemplation.

A native of Pittsburgh, he is an impassioned Steelers fan.

At the Development Center, Fr. Mark works to consistently expresses gratitude through thoughts and prayers, acknowledging the invaluable support of our donors in Carmelite missions both at home and abroad.

Fr. Mario Esposito, O.Carm

Director

priorprovincial@carmelites.com

Father Mario is a dedicated Carmelite Friar of the Province of Saint Elias with decades of leadership and pastoral experience. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he holds degrees from the Catholic University of America and the Washington Theological Union and was ordained a priest in 1977. Father Mario has served the Carmelite Order in numerous roles, including Prior Provincial, Regional Superior, and Formation Director, with ministries ranging from parishes and education to guiding young Carmelites and the Order’s mission in Vietnam. He has also played a pivotal role in advancing the Causes for Canonization of several Carmelite figures, including Mother Mary Angeline Teresa, O.Carm., and Blessed (now Saint) Titus Brandsma, O.Carm.

At the Development Center, Father Mario envisions his passion for Carmelite spirituality through a deep engagement with the Order’s mission and legacy.

supporting staff

Meet our talented team of five extraordinary women, each bringing their creativity and passion.

Martha O’Brien

Assistant Director and Office Manager

mobrien@carmelites.com

Martha has been a member of the Team since 2008. Martha manages our entire Direct Mail Program which includes all donor mailings, print media design and concept design. Martha also handles the department’s bill processing, financial and staff operations. She is a proud mother of 4 children and married to a New York City Fire Captain.

Stephanie Wiesbeck

Mailroom Manager/Data Processing

swiesbeck@carmelites.com

Stephanie has been working for the Carmelites for the past 21 years. She is responsible for processing donations and manages our mailing and order fulfillment department. Stephanie enjoys reading and she’s our resident history and trivia expert.

Lorraine Witkowski

Data Processing/Fulfillment

lwitkowski@carmelites.com

Lorraine has worked for the Carmelites for 30 years. She handles data processing, fulfilling mail or phone requests, answering phone calls and whatever else is needed. Lorraine has a degree in music therapy and spent 27 years as music director in the church. Also, she participated in Kairos Prison Ministry. Lorraine is a mother of 4, Nana of 10 and great Nana of 4 and enjoys jigsaw puzzles and games.

Suzanne Jones

Administrative Assistant

sjones@carmelites.com

Suzanne joined the team in June 2024. Her role involves donor outreach, processing contributions, preparing monthly appreciation letters, and overseeing the Carmelite Annual Appeal. Suzanne holds an English degree with a focus in Writing and Literature. Being a dedicated mother to four daughters and one son, she finds joy in watching them excel at cross-country and track events. Suzanne enjoys hiking, Pilates, walking, and a good book. She also serves as a catechist of her home parish and Treasurer of the local Columbiettes.

Kathleen Hoffman

Social Media and Events Coordinator

khoffman@carmelites.com

Kathleen is a new hire for the Carmelite Development Center. She handles all aspects of social media outreach, website, special events and assists in mailings. She is a Mother of 2 young active children. Kathleen has a degree in Environmental Physics with a Minor in Meteorology. She is a member of the Planning Board for a nearby town, a Catechist for Holy Cross Catholic Parish and starting a non-profit to benefit families of Orange County, NY. Kathleen has a passion for Community Service, event planning and weather.