Minnesota State Officer Bios
State Regent - Monica Capra
In 2019, when I became the Second Vice State Regent, I didn’t really think about what the future would hold, but here I am four years later as your newest State Regent. I am thrilled to be in this position and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us! My name is Monica Capra and I am a member of Court St. Mary-Peter #1864 in Mazeppa-Bellechester. I have been a CDA member since 2010 and have been a local court treasurer and a local Circle of Love chair. Our local court chaplain (and our newest State Chaplain) is Deacon Paul Tschann whom I have been married to for 33 years. We have five children and 8 grandchildren. Life is busy around the Capra/Tschann household as I work as a Special Education teacher and Paul is a Registered Nurse at Mayo Clinic. The children and grandchildren live very close so our house resembles a daycare more than middle-aged couple’s home! There is never a dull moment. Deacon Paul and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and to serving our CDA sisters and this great organization.
Monica Capra
First Vice State Regent - Cathy Nelson
Dear Minnesota CDA Sisters,
It was such a pleasure to meet so many of you at the 2023 MN CDA Convention in Detroit Lakes! I found it to be an inspiring, fruitful and celebratory event! Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me, for your prayers, and for continuing to share your time and talents as I serve my 2023-2025 term as 1st Vice State Regent of the Minnesota Catholic Daughters. Over the years I’ve served in other volunteer roles; as an ESL tutor, 4-H volunteer, Master Gardener, and as a ‘Martha’, funeral committee member, and indoor gardener for my parish. I also enjoy sewing and quilting, creative arts, gardening, golf, travel, playing cards, visiting with friends, and especially, family time with my husband Greg, my parents and siblings, two children and two step-children, their spouses, and five beautiful grandchildren.
As a member of Court St. Anne #1840, Medford I have been blessed to learn from and work, play, and pray with so many wonderful women. Whether serving as Court Vice Regent, Regent, District Deputy, or State Officer I found my time and efforts were rewarded with an abundance of friendships, learning, and spiritual blessings. I pray each of you has had the same experience because each of you, those who were at the convention in person and those who were with us in spirit, is a vital part of our organization!
Blessings to you all!
Cathy Nelson
Minnesota First Vice State Regent
Second Vice State Regent
Hi!
My name is Lisa Ouderkirk, and I am so excited to serve as your 2nd Vice State Regent for the next two years! I have served our local court in each of the five positions (with two stints as regent), along with two stints as District Deputy for Fergus Falls and Moorhead, and one and a half stints as Education Chair for the state. I look forward to seeing all of you at the summer workshops and finding out what I can do to help make your position, whether a court officer or a court member, an enjoyable and successful one. Please ask questions along the way as, if you don’t, it is very easy to get frustrated and will make your job more difficult and less enjoyable. We (the state board) are here to work with you to help grow our state’s membership numbers in an environment of Unity and Charity.
God Bless!
Lisa
State Secretary
I was born in Detroit Lakes, #4 of 14 children and have lived here all my life. I’ve been married 50 years, have four children, eleven grandchildren, and one Great Granddaughter. I’ve been a CDA member for 47 years, did District Deputy for 3 terms, held 4 offices.
I love to attend State and National Conventions. I love to read, quilt, garden, travel, bake, play cards, put together puzzles, and spend time with family and friends.
In the past I was a Catholic School Board Member, Parish Council member, Member of Christian Mothers for 43 years, taught Religious Ed, Leader of a Bible Study Group, and a Leader of a 4-H club. I worked for the State of Minnesota, was the co-owner of a dairy farm, worked at a Motel, K Mart, and Menard’s. Now I am enjoying retirement!
Linda
State Treasurer
Darlene is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish of Osakis since 2014. She serves on several church ministries including Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and the Evangelization Committee.
Darlene is a member of Court St. Cabrini # 1466, Fergus Falls. She presently is serving as the Financial Secretary. She was a previous member of Court St. Mary-Peter #1864, Mazeppa – Bellechester. She served as Regent, Vice Regent and Financial Secretary.
Darlene attended North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, ND and Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN and attained a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She is currently employed as a Payroll Administrator for Douglas County.
Darlene and Craig were married May 3, 1986. Together they have three children, Rachel, Megan and Keith and three grandchildren Brooke, Derek and Lillian. Her interests include, flower (lavender field) and vegetable gardening, wine making, and spending time with family and friends.