Our Board

Beatrice is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Theatre/English), and NYU Film School (MFA). Along with her spouse/film partner, she created Forever Films in 2004, and has produced and directed myriad commercials and award-winning film documentaries – including a recent short film on two roommates in a nursing home for the formerly incarcerated.

After spending 30 years on the East End of Long Island, Beatrice and her spouse moved to the CT shoreline in 2021. It was then that Beatrice became a certified instructor of Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program – an educational program that combines outside college students with incarcerated students studying alongside each other in a prison setting.

When the Covid visitor ban was lifted within the prison Beatrice was thrilled to join the team of volunteers who facilitate the Storybook Project. Having direct communication with the mothers at York CI has been a very moving and deeply satisfying experience, enabling her to have more insight into the impact on those incarcerated and their families.

Forever Films is currently developing a feature length film on the experience of women in re-entry – a topic not given enough societal attention – and an ongoing unresolved challenge within our prison system.

Beatrice is actively involved in advocacy in the LGBTQIA realm, as well as serving on two other boards – a school for neurodivergent teens and a foundation focused on mentoring at-risk youth. She is honored to join the Board of A Sacred Place.

Elizabeth (Liz) Buhler received an Associates Degree in Computer Science from Thames Valley State Technical College in 1976 and a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2009. She retired in 2022 after working 46 years in the Information Technology field.

After joining Niantic Community Church in 1986, Liz became involved in many programs with their part-time Pastor, the Reverend Laurie Etter, who was also serving as the Chaplin at York Correctional Institute. Liz worked for several years with Laurie on the Host Home Program and the Christmas Toy Project and other events that included the women at York. One of her favorite tasks was making panels from squares made by the women at York to create an Aides Quilt that was part of the NAMES Project displayed on the National Mall. As one of the founders of A Scared Place, Laurie introduced Liz to their many programs. Liz has been a long time supporter of A Scared Place and now has the time to become involved in The Storybook Project.

Liz believes we need to address recidivism and help the women at York change. She is excited to be part of the work A Sacred Place is doing and looks forward to being part of providing Programs of Hope for Incarcerated Women.

Ann comes to a sacred place with a history of serving in prison and parish ministry. Her early years were spent as a Pastoral Associate in Baltimore’s inner city. This position included outreach to the women’s prison in Baltimore as well as to incarcerated men in the Jessup correctional facility.

She also participated in a pilot project run by the Sisters of Mercy called Francis house. It was one of the first halfway houses set up to serve women leaving prison.

After receiving her degree from Andover Newton Theological School, she spent several years as a facilitator for women’s groups as well as an energy therapist.

Since retiring, Ann has been involved in many volunteer activities including Storybook Time at York. Ann is honored and thrilled to be a part of A Sacred Place as it continues to serve as champion to incarcerated women at York CI.

After graduating from the school of nursing at Syracuse University in 1966, Juanita worked in oncology, as a school nurse, instructor in various schools of nursing, public health, childbirth education, and as a nurse manager in labor and delivery. In 1995 she graduated from The University of Rhode Island with a masters degree in nursing education and in 1996 completed a post masters certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner. During the masters programs she taught childbirth education at York Correctional Institute.

After graduating, Juanita went into private practice caring for OBGYN patients in 1966 while also working in OBGYN at York. In 2001, she dedicated her practice solely to the women at York CI. Women needed the same care in both practices, but at that time she was the only female OBGYN provider at York. She said “I have never regretted the decision. I loved my practice there!”

After leaving York in 2016, she sought volunteer opportunities to return to serve the women there and was blessed to meet Barbara when she spoke about A Sacred Place at our church. In January of 2018 she began teaching prepared childbirth and postpartum classes every Wednesday morning. Then, with support and encouragement from YCI administration,  a labor coach program was initiated. 

“My current volunteer service to the women of York is rewarding and treasured.” – Juanita

Recovery Supporter committed to assisting men and women achieve their goals in recovery. Passionate about advocacy and speaking up for others. Driven to create change for the betterment of all. Active spokesperson for rehabilitation and education in the prison system in hopes to bridge the gap. Devoted to helping with social change and human services whenever given the chance.

Shonda is an RSS: Recovery Support Specialist helping men and women recovering from mental health and substance use disorders. Shonda is an advocate for treating both diseases in order to create change in the person’s life. Shonda has training in Harm Reduction and helping people live a safer lifestyle.

While working full-time, Verna began her college studies in 1989 at Mohegan Community College (now Three Rivers Community College) where she received an AS degree. She then furthered her studies and received a BS from the University of Connecticut and MS from Eastern Connecticut State University.

“My passion is to extend a hand wherever there is a need and share my blessings.” Verna is currently a volunteer at the Smilow Cancer Center and the East Lyme Senior Center. She is excited and honored to be a member of ASP Board of Directors.