Gerard Duphiney is the Managing Partner at Duphiney Financial Network in Denville, bringing over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Before becoming a financial advisor, Gerard dedicated several years to nonprofit work as the Director of Youth Services on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, overseeing programs that served more than 1,500 young people through camps and educational initiatives.

Gerard holds a B.A. from The Catholic University of America and an M.S. from Columbia University.

Inspired by a transformative trip to Uganda in 2017, Gerard and his son, Ben, co-founded Mission Madera in 2018 to support communities in need. Since its founding, Gerard has served as President of the organization and has participated in four mission trips. His wife, Jennifer, has also been actively involved, joining two mission trips to Uganda. Their children share in this commitment: Catie and Ben serve on the Board of Mission Madera, while Emma contributes to various projects.

From a young age, Br. Benjamin Duphiney, OFM Cap., felt a deep calling to serve the poor in Africa. That dream became a reality in 2017 when he traveled to Uganda with his father. His journey was inspired in part by his friendship with Sr. Cecilia Akol, LSOSF, a Little Sister of St. Francis whom he met while attending Morris Catholic High School.

Br. Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 2022. Following his graduation, he discerned a vocation to religious life and joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order, professing his first vows as a brother in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at The Catholic University of America in preparation for further ministry.

A passionate traveler, Br. Ben has explored many parts of the world, including summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He has a deep appreciation for different cultures and languages, is fluent in French, and has proficiency in Spanish. His favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, St. Augustine, and Jacques Philippe.

Br. Ben hopes that his journey encourages others to trust in God’s plan—no matter where it may lead.

Sr. Cecilia Akol, a native of Uganda, joined the Little Sisters of St. Francis at the age of 21, dedicating her life to education and service. For nearly 10 years, she worked in elementary education, supporting students’ academic and spiritual growth.

Seeking to further her education, Sr. Cecilia received a scholarship to Assumption College for Sisters in Denville, New Jersey, where she earned an Associate Degree in Education in 2018. During her time there, she formed a close friendship with Ben Duphiney, then a sophomore at Morris Catholic High School.

She continued her studies at Siena College in Albany, New York, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Education in 2020, made possible through the generosity of the Franciscan Brothers and the college community. Sr. Cecilia then pursued a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Leadership, Administration, and Management at Villanova University, graduating in 2022.

Sr. Cecilia played a pivotal role in the founding of Mission Madera. When Ben expressed interest in a mission trip to Africa, he reached out to her, asking if her convent in Uganda would welcome him and his father as missionaries. Her community warmly embraced the idea, marking the beginning of Mission Madera’s journey.

Currently, Sr. Cecilia serves as a chaplain at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, continuing her lifelong commitment to service and faith.

Michael St. Pierre, Ed.D., has dedicated his career to education, leadership, and faith-based service. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Allentown, PA, where he provides strategic direction and support for 34 schools, over 600 educators, and 8,600 students.

Michael previously served as President of Morris Catholic High School from 2009 to 2016 and as Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association from 2016 to 2023. He is also an accomplished author, having published several books, including The Five Habits of Prayerful People: A No Excuses Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship with God.

His passion for service led him to Uganda in 2018, deepening his commitment to global outreach. Michael holds Master’s degrees in Education and Theology, as well as a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.).

He and his wife, Cary, have been married for 25 years and are proud parents of four children.

Michael brings his extensive leadership experience and deep faith to Mission Madera, helping to advance its mission of serving and empowering communities in need.

Dr. Jeanne Gradone is a lifelong educator and leader in Catholic education, with more than 40 years of experience serving diocesan schools. She has held key leadership roles, including Dean of Guidance at Morris Catholic High School and Principal of both Bayley-Ellard High School and Morris Catholic High School.

Jeanne holds a B.A. in Mathematics and Education from Montclair State College, an M.A. in Secondary Administration from Seton Hall University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership from Fordham University. She has also shared her expertise as an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University, where she taught courses in Research and Finance.

In 2010, Jeanne was invited to collaborate with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to develop the Global School Initiative, a program designed to help high school students foster solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable populations. Through this work, she traveled to the Holy Land, Jordan, and Malawi, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of faith-driven service.

Jeanne and her husband, Richard, are the proud parents of two sons. As a Board Member of Mission Madera, she brings her deep commitment to education, leadership, and global outreach to support the organization’s mission of service and empowerment.

William “Bill” Schilling is the Director of Technology and Facilities at Morris Catholic High School. Bill is in 46th year as an educator and his eleventh year working as an administrator at MCHS. Prior to MCHS, Bill served as an administrator for the Morris Hills Regional District as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Principal of the Adult High School.  

Bill holds a B.A in Teacher Education from Montclair State College with certifications in Physical Education and Mathematics.  In addition, he has two M.A Degrees - Education Administration from New Jersey City University and General Education from Seton Hall University.

Bill and his wife Roberta have been married for 39 years and have two adult children, Michael and Rachel.  Currently, Bill serves as a Eucharistic Minister at the Good Shepherd RC Church in Andover, NJ.