BRANCHES
Center
Our Board
Donna Wieand, Founder and President
Mrs. Donna Wieand is founder and President of Branches Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc.
From the inspiration of a Stewardship Prayer and her frequent times of solitude prayer during her kayak paddles on Seneca Lake, Donna felt driven to share these gifts with others for the purpose of experiencing a deeper awareness of Jesus’ love for us.
After four years of contemplation, the desire to establish a retreat/solitude center deepened in her heart. After discussing this calling with her pastor, Fr. Ulrich directed Donna to three individuals for guidance: Sr. Donna Marie Paolini, founder and President of Center of Solitude; Fr. Dan Riley, founder and President of Mount Irenaeus; and Ms. Susan Fowler founder of Our Lady of Grace Guest House. Their mentorship is greatly appreciated.
Now, with the power of the Holy Spirit, Branches Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc. is a reality and growing. Branches Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Please visit the About Branches tab to learn of our goals, join us for a retreat (topic and dates under our Upcoming Retreats tab) and we welcome your friendship and stewardship (learn more under our Stewardship tab). We encourage you to frequently visit our Prayer tab, because there is power in prayer. Amen.
Sister Kathleen Murphy, Vice President
Sister Kathleen Murphy, OSF serves as Vice President of Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc.
We are blessed to have Sister Kathleen join the Board of Directors . Sister provides a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience.
Sister Kathleen Murphy, OSF is a Certified Spiritual Director through the Haden Institute, Flat Rock, NC
Member of Spiritual Directors International
Retreat Facilitator
Educator
Former Director of St. Columban Center, a diocesan retreat house in Derby, NY
Former Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY
Timothy Hoag EA, Treasurer
With a strong background in economics and financial administration, Timothy Hoag is an asset to Branches Rest and Renewal Centers, Inc. as the organization’s treasurer. Mr. Hoag is a partner, financial planner and tax preparer at Buffalo Financial Group, located in Cheektowaga, NY.
After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, Tim was recruited to work as Fiscal Management Bureau Chief for the Ohio Department of Youth Services. While living in Ohio he held advanced posts in other state government departments, first Chief Financial Officer of the Ohio Department of Commerce, and later as Director of Revenue Management for the Ohio Treasurer. Tim is a registered Investment Advisor, Enrolled Agent of the IRS, an Independent Certified Agent for the Medicare Advantage & Supplemental for United Health Care, actively involved with the Dave Ramsey nationally broadcast television and radio programs and is an Endorsed Local Provider (ELP) for Tax Services in Western New York.
Besides his work at Buffalo Financial Group, Tim is faculty member in the Business Administration Department of Erie Community College. In that capacity, Mr. Hoag teaches courses in Accounting, Corporate Finance and Federal Income Tax. As a professor, Tim has educated numerous individuals and company owners in personal and corporate tax, while keeping students up to date in with recent and significant changes in the tax code.
In addition to completing his degree from St. Bonaventure University, Tim completed an Economic Intensive at Oxford University, and is working on his Master’s in Business Administration from Ohio State University.