Board of Consultants

Dr. Kharah Ross has a PhD in Psychology from Northwestern University and is an Associate Professor in Psychology and the current Chair of the Centre for Social Studies at Athabasca University. She is a published researcher, whose work has a strong focus on how relationships and community affect health and well-being. Since returning to Calgary in 2018, Kharah has been active in the Calgary Catholic Diocese, including coordinating an Alpha Program and Alpha Prayer Course, organizing community activities like an Art and Architecture Event, enjoying courses through the FCJ Centre, and serving on a Parish Council. She has also worked on several initiatives and for several non-profits in Calgary, including Elizabeth House, Feed the Hungry, the St. Joseph Parish Community Survey, and the Calgary Catholic Diocese and Edmonton Catholic Archdiocese Synod.

Kharah was inspired by the welcoming and spiritual atmosphere cultivated at St. Monica’s Parish in Santa Monica, CA, through which she had the opportunity to volunteer with the homeless, participate in faith formation programs, and worship as part of a diverse community. That same spirit is reflected in the FCJ Centre’s Mission and Vision, and Kharah looks forward to serving this vision in her role on the Board of Consultants.

Valerie worked in Calgary beginning in the banking industry in various positions as well as in public service in some administrative positions. Lastly Val worked the last 26 years in the oil industry, mostly in accountant positions. New to the Board of Consultants, Val expects to learn and grow in knowledge while serving together with the other members of the Board to increase the value of services at the FCJ Centre and the number of participants in the many programs offered. The Board of Consultants wants to see the FCJ Centre be a success and continue into the future. Val has also volunteered in various churches and professional organizations.

Whitney is an experienced administrative professional in the field of higher education as well as a licensed professional teacher. Originally from the Philippines, she came to Canada in 2019. Whitney holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. After graduation she joined Jesuit Volunteers and served for a year in an under-resourced and remote school. She was involved in fundraising, initiating social outreach programs and facilitating retreats and leadership training camps.


For 8 years, she worked for her alma mater as Student Ethics Head, Faculty Program Officer, and Assistant to the Vice President of Mission and Ministry. She has been involved with numerous committees, facilitated students’ Ignatian retreats, drafted policy papers, organized needs-based programming for student leaders as well as employees, organized university events, led outreach programs and moderated and mentored students.


Whitney is attuned to the needs of others and loves to work with people of various cultural backgrounds. She is the current coordinator of communities for the BC and Rockies region of the Christian Life Community Canada. Christian Life Community is a worldwide association of small groups of lay people (6 – 10 people) who are striving for a deeper spirituality in the Ignatian tradition that helps them seek and find God in all things.

Rev. Julian Studden is the Associated Pastor of the St. Mary's Cathedral in Calgary. He is also the Vicar for Permanent Diaconate at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.

Sr. Mary Rose Rawlinson, fcJ has a Ph.D. (Theoretical Chemistry, National University of Ireland), a B. Ed (University of Calgary) and an M.A. (Religious Education, Loyola University, Chicago). A lifetime of experience of the value of ‘retreat’ and ‘reflection’ and many years of leadership within the FCJ community has given Mary Rose a deep appreciation for each person’s unique journey through life. As the Provincial’s liaison to the Board, Sister Mary Rose brings analytical power combined with a long association with the FCJ Christian Life Centre. She is delighted to work with the Board in supporting the ministry and development of the Centre.

The Rev. Bob Mutlow served as a United Church of Canada Minister on the prairies after being ordained in 1971. In 1979 Bob accepted a call to Silver Heights United in Winnipeg and in 1988, two weeks before the Olympics came to Calgary for an interview beginning July 1, 1988 at Woodcliff United where he served for twenty-one years. Following early retirement, Bob completed a four-year posting at Red Deer Lake United and then moved to do Pastoral Care part time at McDougall United, where he currently is the volunteer Honorary Associate, serving on the Leadership Council, chairing the Outreach Ministry, and leading occasional worship services. Bob has been involved in several Calgary Interfaith events and was pleased to join the FCJ Board of Consultants. It has been interesting to serve as an Interfaith Representative on the FCJ Board; it is a great way to meet a whole new group of people and to enjoy the hospitality and spirituality of the FCJ Centre.

Michael retired from the Calgary Catholic School District after more than four decades of service as a teacher and administrator. During his tenure he worked at the local, provincial and national levels as a member of various educational organizations and associations. After his retirement from the school district Michael served as a Director of Leadership Learning with the College of Alberta School Superintendents, as a member of the University of Calgary Senate, and, most recently, as a board member of YouthLink Calgary – Police Interpretive Centre.
A long-time advocate of community service, Michael is passionate about the value of volunteerism and the important role we have in ensuring that the people we care about – be they family, friends, neighbours or community members are made to feel valued and respected.
His involvement with the FCJ Centre since 2014 has allowed him to incorporate his work experience with his enthusiasm for keeping the FCJ mission, values and vision vibrant, service centred and focused on the community served.

Sr. Ger Curran, is a member of the Society of Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ). She is from Ireland. She joined the FCJ Centre resource team in the fall of 2015. Ger has worked as a counsellor for the past 27 years in various settings. Before that, she served as a school administrator and teacher in a high school in Ireland. She is a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Before qualifying as an accredited Counsellor, Ger completed a master’s degree in Family Counselling from the University of Iona, New York. Since coming to Canada, Ger is working in the areas of counselling, interfaith matters, and helping refugee families. She is a member of the Calgary Interfaith Council and the Calgary Council of Christian and Jews.