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Meet Our Other Speakers
Andrew Jacoby
Andrew Jacoby is an entrepreneur and a recent convert to the Catholic faith. Life issues were one of the main catalysts for his conversion and he is a passionate advocate for the protection of human life from conception to natural death. He is the Co-Founder of First Fishermen Media and the MenForLife Podcast
Melanie Winter
Melanie Winter is a wife, mother of five, and Catholic convert. She is a women’s health nurse practitioner at Amnion Pregnancy Care Medical Center in Drexel Hill and Norristown locations. She came to Amnion as God was calling her deeper into her faith and unleashing a passion for women, the unborn and their families, in her heart.
Melanie’s own journey of faith has been challenged and deepened while working with women and men who are struggling with decisions of life and death. Her passion and desire are to educate women and men on the front lines, while extending to them, the love of Jesus.
Marlene Downing
Marlene Downing is is a mother of two, author, public speaker, former director of HOPE Pregnancy Center, Deputy State Director at Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America and a board member of Philadelphia Pro Life Union.
Marlene is a dedicated community leader who brings awareness to tough issues facing society. Her desire is to create opportunity for organic conversations, wholeness and healing. Her wisdom in these areas is based on her own personal experience
Melissa Aguilera
Founder of Magnolia Women's Center, Melissa Aguilera, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies from LaSalle University. Melissa has worked in the field of Social Work and Counseling with females suffering from eating disorders, mothers/fathers placing their babies for adoption, teenagers with mental disabilities and/or behavioral issues, and teen pregnancy.
As a young woman facing two unexpected pregnancies with little to no support or knowledge on the subject, she felt that abortion was her only choice, but soon came to regret her decision when confronted with the truth about abortion. Her goal and desire at Magnolia Women’s Center is to offer women faced with an unexpected pregnancy, the tools, which are, truth, support, and confidentiality so they can make an informed decision.
John Kinuthia
John and his wife Katie will lead a mission trip to Kenya with Mission Love and Life, continuing their shared passion for spreading the Gospel. As a Catholic speaker, youth minister, teacher, and podcaster, John conveys a powerful message of awakening the saint within, cultivating a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, and trusting in His divine plan. He is the founder of Awaken the Saint Within Ministries, a Catholic speaking ministry dedicated to inspiring and challenging individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the greatness for which they were created. With 12 years of experience speaking at parish missions, conferences, youth events, and retreats, John engages diverse audiences with wisdom drawn from his home country of Kenya and the teachings of his mother and grandfather. At the heart of his message is a call to holiness and confidence in God's greatness, echoing Pope Benedict’s words: “Man was created for greatness—for God himself.” John continues to deepen his personal relationship with Jesus through gratitude, prayer, the sacraments, family life, and the guidance of Mama Mary and the Saints. At home, he cherishes time with his wife and their five children, enjoying the outdoors, campfires, reading the lives of the saints, and marveling at God’s creation.
Rebecca Castagno
Miss Rebecca Castagno is currently a 1st/2nd grade teacher at Regina Luminis Academy, a Catholic classical school. She grew up attending a Catholic classical school where she attributes learning many of the Catholic morals and values that have formed her as a young Catholic woman. She graduated from Immaculata University with a degree in Early Elementary and Special Education. During her time at Immaculata, she was involved in many clubs and activities. One of the most noteworthy clubs was “Macs Respect Life” where she served on the leadership board and brought awareness to students on campus about the dignity of all human life.
When she is not teaching, Miss Castagno has taken a particular interest in St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” She has been fortunate enough to attend a few courses with Christopher West.
As an Advisory Board member for Mission Love and Life, she seeks to use St. John Paul II’s integrated vision of the entire human person to help younger generations understand the truth, beauty, and goodness of formative topics, such as living out a chaste and moral life.
Dr. Monique Ruberu
Dr. Monique Ruberu is a daughter of The King, a wife to an amazing husband and a mother to five adorable kiddos (2 in heaven).
Dr. Ruberu is a convinced Catholic and a Napro Technology trained Pro Life Ob/Gyn who owns and operates “Natural Women’s Health”- a private gynecology practice (naturalwomenshealth.com). She provides international online health and fertility coaching through her practice.
Dr. Ruberu speaks internationally and accepts speaking engagements through drruberu4life.com. She loves speaking about her conversion story, pro life issues, chastity, and the importance of faith.
Dr. Ruberu is the author of “Rising with Roses.” A book about her faith journey which brought her from a broken marriage to an amazing and precious relationship God.
Dr. Ruberu co-leads two 40 days for life – 365 campaigns in downtown Philadelphia. She serves on the national 40 days for life board. In addition she is a pro life advocate and trained sidewalk counsellor. She loves to salsa dance, spend time with her Lord in mass and adoration, scuba dive, travel and love on her family.
Dr. Joe Zalot
Dr. Joe Zalot joined the National Catholic Bioethics Center as a Staff Ethicist in July 2017. Among his other duties, he produces and hosts the NCBC’s Bioethics on Air podcast, compiles its bi-monthly Bioethics Public Policy Report, and responds to approximately 400 ethics consultations per year. He also lectures for the NCBC and has authored multiple statements, guides, and book chapters for NCBC publications.
Prior to coming to the NCBC, Joe served from 2015-2017 as the Regional Director of Ethics and Spiritual Care for Mercy Health-Cincinnati. In this role he chaired the regional ethics committee, reviewed and drafted ethics and spiritual care policies, and initiated a nurse ethics education program. During this time, he also served as a Lecturer at the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary where he taught courses in Medical Ethics and Morality and Justice in Catholic Life. From 2004-2009, he was an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Ethics at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, and from 2009-2015 an Associate Professor with tenure. At Mount St. Joseph, he taught courses in Health Care Ethics, Business Ethics, Sexual Ethics, and Christian Marriage. He also taught student travel courses to Rome that integrated the Catholic faith with history and art. Joe earned a Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002, an M.Ed. from Boston College in 1997, an M.Ed. from Springfield College in 1991, and a BA from St. Anselm College in 1989. He has authored two books along with numerous articles, and he has presented at academic conferences both domestically and internationally.
Joe is the founder and President of Dr. Z Travel, LLC, a faith-based travel company that offers educational and parish pilgrimage trips to Europe. He is married to his wife Susan (1994) and they have a daughter, Maria.
Marie DiCecco
Marie has been a high school Health educator for 32 years. She is also a natural family planning instructor teaching the Creighton Model Fertility Care System. In addition to teaching, Marie is also a sidewalk counselor offering encouragement, guidance and resources for women who are contemplating abortion and who feel hopeless and scared. Using her experience as a high school health educator, Marie speaks at women’s retreats and is passionate about educating young females on the beauty of their femininity and their natural ability to bring life into the world. She believes that the foundation of the feminine genius lies in her capacity to know that she is endowed with specific feminine gifts that encourage her to the woman she is called to be. Knowing this truth helps avoid the common pitfalls of following our culture’s lies about what you should be or how you should behave. Marie is very excited to be a member of the speakers for Mission Love and Life.
Dr. Joe Downey
Dr. Joseph B. Downey is an educator, achieving the nation’s most prestigious awards for excellence in Music. He was previously Teacher of the Year for Burlington County, New Jersey. He’s a former Mayor, and a Counselor for A Baby’s Breath.
Joe is a member of St. Marks Knights of Columbus Bristol Council 906, and a Pro-Life Activist.
Kevin Meehan
Kevin Meehan is a loving husband and active father to two biological children and one stepdaughter. Born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs, he attended Catholic School Kindergarten through 12th grade. After highschool, Kevin strayed from his belief in Jesus and despite almost 20 years of struggle with drugs and alcohol, he found his way back to Christ. As an active member of a 12-Step program, Kevin could not deny the impact his relationship with Christ has made on his sobriety. This experience has compelled Kevin to share his strength and hope with others living with the pain and hopelessness of addiction. He is excited and honored to speak for Mission Love and Life and share the message that with Jesus Christ there is ALWAYS hope and any circumstance can be turned around.
Nicky Verna
Nicky holds a Masters in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary School of Theological Studies where she attended with her husband, Tom, who is a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. They have been married since 1994, and have four children. Nicky works as Director of the New Evangelization at St. Andrew the Apostle Church. She serves the Church as a certified leader and Regional Ambassador for SoulCore; facilitator for women’s retreats; leader and prayer intercessor for the Unbound prayer ministry; board member for AbbeyFest Ministries; and facilitator/volunteer for Hope’s Garden, a ministry which accompanies women as they come to know themselves as beloved brides through teachings, prayer, support and connection to Christ the Bridegroom. Nicky is captivated by the lives of the saints, has a deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother and is genuinely in love with Jesus.
Mike & Lisann Castagno
Michael Castagno has been married to his wife, Lisann, for over 30 years, and they have three daughters. Together, he and Lisann have been presenters for marriage preparation for about 28 years and are certified natural family planning teachers. In addition to his dedication to strengthening Catholic marriages, Michael supports Lisann in her role as a mathematics educator, a career she has pursued for over 33 years at both the secondary and college levels. She is currently teaching at St. Joseph Preparatory High School, where she also moderates the Respect Life Club, reflecting their shared commitment to the pro-life cause.
Litia Gans, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C
Litia Gans is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) with a specialty in women’s health. She is board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). With a deep passion for holistic and integrative care, Litia is committed to empowering women through personalized, root-cause-focused healthcare solutions.
Her journey in nursing began at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she earned her license as a Registered Nurse. Determined to advance her knowledge and skills, she went on to obtain both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. During her studies, Litia’s academic excellence and commitment to the profession earned her recognition as a member of the International Honor Society of Nursing.
Litia’s dedication to women’s health is deeply personal. Her own experiences with women’s health challenges ignited her passion for providing compassionate, comprehensive care that extends beyond traditional medicine. She believes in addressing the root causes of health issues through a holistic approach, incorporating alternative medicine, faith-based principles, and lifestyle interventions to promote overall well-being. She views healthcare as a calling and sees her work as a way to serve and uplift others, guided by her strong faith in God.
As a trusted healthcare provider, Litia is committed to creating a supportive and informative environment where women feel heard, valued, and empowered to take control of their health. She takes pride in guiding her patients toward optimal wellness, blending evidence-based practice with a personalized, faith-centered approach.
Beyond her professional life, Litia is a devoted mother of two who cherishes spending time with her family. Her faith is the foundation of her life, and she strives to integrate her spiritual values into both her personal and professional endeavors. In her free time, she enjoys exploring wellness practices, engaging in community health initiatives, and deepening her knowledge to better serve her patients.
Litia Gans is more than a provider—she is an advocate, educator, and partner in every woman’s health journey, dedicated to healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Kaitlin McCann, PA
Kaitlin is a Physician Assistant who is trained as a NaProTECHNOLOGY medical consultant and a Fertility Care Practitioner with Creighton Model FertilityCare System.
She completed her undergraduate degree and Physician Assistant program at Drexel University.
Kaitlin pursued her PA education with a passion for nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine. She founded the Drexel University Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group for Drexel faculty and students and hosted various speakers on topics including whole-food plant-based nutrition, movement, sleep, social relationships, and stress management. Kaitlin practices with these key lifestyle factors in mind for each patient as they relate to their fertility and overall health.
As a wife, mother, and physician assistant Kaitlin strives to serve God, her family, and her patients with kindness and humility. She believes that every life is a gift from God and sacred from conception until natural death.