Sister Miriam Maclean, RSM, PhD, LCSW

[email protected]

DIRECTOR 

Sister Miriam Maclean, RSM, PhD, LCSW is our loving and faith filled director. She is a member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan. In 2013, she obtained her master's degree in social work through The Catholic University of America and then, in 2019, received her doctorate in social work from Michigan State University. Her love for the poor and this community are reflected in her continuous efforts to serve in as many ways as we can and reaching as many people as we can. She is a forward thinker and a beacon of light for the employees and the population we serve. Her humble heart and openness to growth and change make her an amazing leader. 

Gloria Hypolite

OFFICE MANAGER

Gloria brings over thirty years of schooling children and caring for them to our office. After she retired, she decided to continue working towards ensuring every child, daughter, or son is fed and sheltered. In addition to her beautiful smile, she has a gracious and loving spirit that comforts our clients in a way that you have to see to believe.

Jessica Watson

FINANCE AND GRANTS DIRECTOR

Having been a part of our team for 8 years, she has been a part of many operations here. Describing her role at CCSWLA as her "dream job", she states, "every day it's an honor and privilege to work here". With a degree in finance and the bonus of being from the area, she is able to use her gifts to give back to this wonderful community. She feels "lucky to be working for a Catholic organization" and her ability to go above and beyond for others shows. 

Jessica Sias 

CALCASIEU PRISON RE-ENTRY PROGRAM LEAD CASE MANAGER 

Ms. Jessica has a unique position here at CCSWLA. She helps formerly incarcerated citizens successfully return to society through assisting with job placement, housing, transportation and locating additional resources to help improve their lives. With a master's degree in Social Work, Jessica is able to assess the needs of the individual from a holostic approach. She loves her role and loves witnessing the change in people's lives for the better. She loves "when they feel successful".

Cynthia Julian 

DISASTER CASE MANAGER 

After 26 years of working in security as a site manager, Ms. Cynthia decided to pour her heart into helping others through Disaster Case Management here at Catholic Charities SWLA. In her 4 years of service, she has helped many throughout the community to repair and rebuild their residences and obtain furniture and other goods to complete their feeling of "home". Her warm and caring spirit is infectious!

Caroline Matt

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

For two years, Ms. Caroline has been the face you first see when you visit and probably the first voice you hear when you call. In all, she has worked for the Diocese for 30 years, with 15 of those years working with Youth Ministry.  There is never a dull moment in the front office and she is compassionate and dedicated to helping others. Her favorite part about working here is "when I KNOW I have helped someone". She makes being busy look easy!

Sister Otilia

CASE MANAGER

Sister Otilia is originally from Guatemala, but has been living in the United States for 6 years now. She is a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  In addition to living religious life for the past 29 years, she also obtained a master's degree in psychology/mental health. Being bilingual, Spanish and English, she helps to bridge the language barriers sometimes faced. Her gentleness and calm demeanor are an asset to our work here. She expresses her passion for her job through the words, " I love working with the poor. I love them. I am praying for them every day".  She helps with rent assistance, SNAP benefit assistance, and utilities assistance. 

Carolyn Washington

CASE MANAGEMENT

Mrs. Carolyn has been with Catholic Charities SWLA for 4 years. Her first two years, she held the position of the front desk receptionist. Now she is in case management and handles a multitude of services for several parishes. Prior to CCSWLA, Mrs. Carolyn was a Physical Therapy Tech for 12 years and then worked in mental health for 6 years. She manages a phone line for CCSWLA that is specific to those in Allen and Jefferson Davis parishes. That phone number is (337) 438-6350. She loves the face-to-face interactions with people and being able to help them. She understands their struggles and can relate to their pain which makes her the ideal person for her role. Her dedication to helping those in need is evident in her hard work.

Chris Sarver

WAREHOUSE MANAGER/FOOD BANK COORDINATOR

A Lake Charles native, Chris was a Subway franchise owner for 13 years before deciding to join CCSWLA. Through life and business experience, he is able to run the warehouse/food bank in an efficient and generous manner. His calm and friendly demeanor, enlivened by Christian charity, make our warehouse/food bank a place where a welcomed heart meets a giving hand. 

Alisa Stevens

HOMELESS OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Alisa joined CCSWLA with many years of various types of experience under her belt. With a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, concentrated in Family and Child Studies from McNeese State University, she has proven herself to be a natural at community education, service learning, and connecting people to resources. The Homeless Outreach Coordinator identifies unsheltered individuals through street outreach and other avenues and builds relationships with the individuals by providing advocacy and connecting them to resources/social services that may lead to permanent housing. She is a wonderful asset to our team and the community and helps to bridge the gap between resources and our homeless population.