About Us

Kristin Barrett-Anderson is the director of the Saint Marianne Museum and creator of the Empathy in Action program. She is passionate about her work and always ready to talk about the impact of the Sisters of St. Francis and how practicing respect and dignity for every person can change the world.

Victoria Cummings is the administrative guru and core organizer for our team. She is our go-to, do anything and everything (marketing, graphics, website, newsletter, database and proof-reader) along with a most compassionate voice and view in our mission.

Sister Jean Canora, OSF is our grounding base. Through her life's commitment of service to others, her humble care for those that are alone in their challenges and her constant reminder that we are on the right path, we would follow her anywhere. She brings the joy and laughter to our offices whenever she is here.

Brenda Field is our merchandise coordinator, online order fulfillment master and a CPA that expertly manages our finances and accounting. She is a quiet voice of reason and calm assurance. Our team is complete with her guidance and kindness and humility.

Empathy in Action is a community program of the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum. The museum located at 601 North Townsend Street in Syracuse, NY  opened in 2014. It is a tribute to Marianne Cope, a Sister in the religious community of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

Marianne’s story continues to be relevant today in her care for the sick and suffering; providing compassion and hope. Her innovations in hygiene and hospital care, patient’s rights and whole mind, body, spirit healing offer us a foundation for service in our community. The beauty and dignity that she incorporated into the lives of the patients in the hospitals where she administered and cared for the thousands suffering from leprosy (Hansen’s disease) in Hawaii reflect the faith and courage of her Franciscan values.

Our mission is to take the values of Marianne and her Sisters and apply them to the challenges we are facing in today's society. The Sisters have provided peace to individuals across time and across the nation. This care is provided equally no matter race, religion, economic means, personal choice, belief or nationality. The driving force behind these women of faith is dignity and respect for every person.

Our programs seek to unite people and connect all of us across boundaries created by fear; fear of change, fear developed by misunderstanding and fear of embarrassment.

We strive to teach practices that people can incorporate into their daily lives that can not only help to unite us but also ease stress, improve productivity and assist us maintaining hope through our most difficult phases of life's journey.