Mary-Carel Verden, Communications Director, came to St. Johns in April 2026. Mary-Carel grew up in Madison and met her husband, Henry, in high school there. They moved to Stevens Point for college and to Minneapolis to start her career in Communications & Marketing with Encyclopaedia Britannica. Mary-Carel’s job took them from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., and to Chicago. After the birth of their son, Frederick, they returned to Wisconsin, settling in Stoughton to be closer to family. Mary-Carel remains deeply involved in her community, managing marketing for the Stoughton Opera House and serving on its two boards. She and Henry spent nearly 30 years teaching drama and directing/producing/designing for theatrical productions for various theater groups. In 2023, Mary-Carel experienced the loss of her beloved soulmate, Henry. She continues to live in the 1891 Victorian home they shared in Stoughton, along with her three cats. Mary-Carel is excited to be part of the St. John’s community and looks forward to supporting its mission and ministries.
Mary-Carel Verden, Communications Director