Lori Stanley is the first layperson to become Executive Director of Loyola Institute for Spirituality in 2018.  With a background in public relations, over 30 years of service within the Catholic Church, and 20 years learning about and loving Ignatian spirituality, she brings her experience in pastoral ministry, organizational leadership, marketing, and development to the organization. Lori earned her MA in Pastoral Theology with a concentration in Spiritual Direction from Loyola Marymount University. She leans on the tenets of Ignatian spirituality to answer the call to accompany, educate, and empower others to discover God’s deep love for them on a personal level. Lori is one of seven children born to the late Deacon Joe and Dolores Stripling. She and her husband have been facilitators of Catholic Engaged Encounter for 20 years, have one adult daughter and enjoy listening to live jazz music, pickleball, golf, and socializing with family and friends.

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stanley@loyolainstitute.org

Kristina Simes has been working in the field of Catholic secondary education and ministry since 2012. After graduating from UC Irvine with a major in English and a minor in Spanish, Kristina spent one year in Washington, D.C. serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She went on to study Theology and Ministry at Boston College. After graduating with a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry, Kristina worked as a campus minister at
an all-girls Catholic school outside of Boston, run by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. From 2014 until 2024, Kristina worked at Mater Dei High School, teaching Religious Studies. She especially enjoyed her six years of teaching Catholic Social Teaching to high school seniors. Before becoming a mom to three little people, she loved to travel, read as much as possible, and practice creative writing. These days, you can find her with her husband, their three children, and goldendoodle Teddy, exploring the beauty of Southern California, baking gluten-free treats, treasure-hunting at thrift stores, making art projects, and spending time with their extended family throughout Orange County.

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simes@loyolainstitute.org

María Elena Cardeña-López (Elena) has over 25 years of ministry experience in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Elena served as a Consultant for Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Director of Campus Ministry at the University of La Verne, and Faith Formation Director at Our Lady of the Assumption in Claremont. She has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge, an M.A. in Religious Studies from Mt. St. Mary's College (now University), and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. Elena has a long history of exploring spirituality and mysticism from many sources. Her heroes are Hildegard of Bingen, Rumi, the Sufi poet, and Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. She has the heart of an artist and spends time at home with her husband cooking, painting, and admiring the mountains. 

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cardena@loyolainstitute.org

Laura Boysen-Aragon brings a deep commitment to Ignatian spirituality and faith that seeks justice to her work at the Loyola Institute for Spirituality. She is a proud Jesuit alumna (M.A, Theology - Loyola Marymount University; B.A. - Gonzaga University). Prior to joining LIS, Laura was an attorney, legal recruiter, and policy assistant for the Governor of California. She cherishes time spent with her husband and two wonderful children, especially when they are travelling or at the beach.

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boysenaragon@loyolainstitute.org

Lupe Amézquita Vizcarra has worked in nonprofit management for over 25 years. She developed her love of nonprofits as a founding member of Loyola Institute for Spirituality.  Since then, she continued her professional growth and advancement within the nonprofit sector until returning to Loyola Institute in 2015. A native of Orange County, she is a graduate of Rosary Academy and Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor's degree in Finance and certifications in nonprofit management and human resources. Her devotion is to her family and she enjoys movies, afternoon tea, and road trips.

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vizcarra@loyolainstitute.org

A graduate of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Ryan Pratt holds a B.A. in Religion with a Minor in History from the University of Southern California, as well as a M.A. in Theology from Loyola Marymount University.  He joined LIS in 2013 as an administrative assistant, aiding the staff in various ways, including the maintenance of the LIS database.  In parish life, Ryan enjoys serving as a lector, proclaiming the Word of God.  His intellectual interests include ecclesiology, biblical studies, ecclesiastical history, the intersections of theology and popular culture, and the lives and legacies of both St. Thomas More and St. Ignatius de Loyola.  In his spare time, he can often be found proudly cheering for his beloved USC Trojans.

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pratt@loyolainstitute.org

Jesuit Father Allan Figueroa Deck is a program consultant and part-time spiritual director and instructor for LIS. He teaches Pastoral Theology and Latino Studies at Loyola Marymount University; and serves as Provincial Assistant for Spiritual Ministries for the Jesuits West Province. Father Deck is an author and internationally recognized speaker on pastoral theology, Hispanic ministry, culture, religion and spirituality.