My Roots
I am originally from Texas and grew up in an Episcopal parish that was deeply committed to liturgy, community, and learning. During my teen years, some members of my parish, including two of our priests, became Catholic. It was a formative journey for me, and I am indebted both to my deep roots and to the Church I now call home.
My Work
I currently serve on the faculty of the New England Catholic Biblical School and am an adjunct professor of New Testament at Sacred Heart University. I also enjoy speaking and directing retreats at parishes, conferences, and retreat centers.
I recently transitioned from serving as the Director of Little Rock Scripture Study at Liturgical Press to a new role as the Director of Mission Advancement for the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a women’s religious community whose charism is to share the love of Christ with all they meet. It is a privilege to join in advancing the sisters’ mission of joy, love, and service.
My published work can be found in a variety of Catholic publications, including Give Us This Day, The Bible Today, and St. Anthony Messenger.
My most recent books are Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus and Come to Me, All of You: Stations of the Cross in the Voice of Christ, a 2024 Association of Catholic Publishers award-winner.
My last name is pronounced AY-kay.
My Family
I met my husband Ono in graduate school at Catholic University where we both studied theology.
We married in 2000 and lived in southern Maryland for eleven years. In 2011, we moved to Milford, Connecticut, where we currently live with our four children:
Reya (23), Siobhan (22), Julian (15), and Eli (13).
My family keeps me busy and happy!