The Conference announces the addition of two new staff members, Nadiya Levchenko and Steven Torres, and the leave-taking of current program manager, Brian Michalski. Please see the information below regarding these changes.
Director of Programs and Initiatives: Nadiya Levchenko
Nadiya Levchenko brings more than 20 years of international experience in missionary service, having lived and served in seven countries, including work with children and families in Siberia, street children and women in the Philippines, and immigrant families in the United States.
She is an educator, formator, and nonprofit leader who has served in key institutions of theological and pastoral formation. At Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago, she served as Director of Continuing Education, coordinating nationally recognized programs such as the Hesburgh Renewal Program, the Institute for Religious Formation, and the Summer Institute, supporting the ongoing education and formation of religious, clergy, and lay ministers.
Nadiya is also adjunct faculty at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, where she designs and teaches courses in pastoral theology, catechesis, evangelization, and ministry formation. Previously, she served as a formator at USML, directing the Tolton Teaching Parish Program, CPE, Field Education, and Mission Trips. She was also director of lifelong formation at Holy Archangels Parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Passionate about formation, leadership, and intercultural ministry, Nadiya is currently pursuing her doctor of ministry degree at The Catholic University of America, with a research focus on evangelization.
You may contact Nadiya by email at nlevchenko@relforcon.org.
Administrative Assistant and Special Projects: Steven Torres, EdD
His work experience in Catholic education and nonprofit leadership includes teaching, human resources, and organizational development. Currently, Steven serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Lewis University and in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
This past spring, Steven completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lewis University. His dissertation, "Empowering Communities at the Margins: The Significant Role of Catholic Sisters in Educational Equity," examined the vital contributions of women religious in educating and advocating for marginalized populations in the United States. His research highlighted how Catholic sisters have historically united faith, education, and social justice to transform communities—a legacy that continues to inspire him in his professional and ministerial work.
You may contact Steven by email at storres@relforcon.org.
Farewell to Brian Michalski, Program Manager
Brian Michalski will be moving on to pursue other opportunities. His last day with the Conference is September 15. Brian reflects on his experience with RFC:
"It has been a pleasure to work at the Religious Formation Conference. I started in June 2021 as the world was still in the midst of the pandemic, wearing a mask to the office and 'Zoom' being the new buzz word. I am grateful for the many religious I have met over the last four years. I learned a lot about religious life, the good and the important challenges. But one thing that resonates is the love of God, the love of the Church and the love of people and commitment to the consecrated life."
We are grateful to Brian for his many contributions to RFC's mission, and wish him well as he begins a new journey!