Meet the Team
Jerry and Donna Kristian
met during the formation and founding of a post-secondary catholic school of faith and mission in Bruno, Saskatchewan. Married in 2008 they have since become partners in the implementation and facilitation of the triumph program. Together they are the parents of five and the grand parents of eleven. When not working or spoiling their grand-children they enjoy travelling and meeting the people and cultures of the world.
Jerry was born in Prudhomme, SK. After leaving high school Jerry embarked on a two-year trip hitch-hiking around the world. He owned and operated various food operations throughout western Canada, as well as apartment units, a hotel, and heavy equipment business in Saskatoon. One of the founders of St. Therese Institute of Faith and Mission, he held the roles of Board Chair and Executive Director of the Institute. In 1978, he experienced a renewed relationship with God and a call to service in the intercessory prayer and healing ministry. With a profound love of God’s people, he remains faithful to this call.
Donna was born in Loon Lake SK, and raised in several communities across western Canada in a family of seven. Her love of the Church and preparation for ministry led her to study theology. In addition to having served as the Director of Healing and Growth at St. Therese Institute, her thirty years of ministerial experience includes parish and diocesan ministry, as well as, teaching the Introduction course to the Old and New Testament Studies, and Ignatian Discernment at STI. She has a BA in Christianity and Culture from St. Michaels’s College, University of Toronto and a Masters Degree in Ministry and Spirituality from Regis College; Toronto School of Theology; University of Toronto.
Harriet Paul
grew up on a dairy farm in Northern Alberta. After graduating from the University of Calgary with a degree in Social Work in 1980 she continued on to complete a Masters in Clinical Social Work in 1988 while working in both inpatient and outpatient mental health at the Holy Cross Hospital. Her focus was group and individual therapy. As Harriet’s family increased her work hours decreased. In 2004 her family adopted a sibling group of 4 children. Always active in parish life, she has helped coordinate numerous youth programs for and with her children. An active member of St. Peter’s Parish in Calgary, she is currently involved in establishing and facilitating the Journeying Through Grief Program. Harriet & her husband John live in Calgary. They have 8 children and 11 grandchildren.
Fr. Denis Phaneuf
has been a priest for over 50 years in the Diocese of Saskatoon. Although currently retired, he continues to actively serve the diocese by regularly assisting at St. Paul Co-Cathedral in Saskatoon as well as traveling throughout the diocese serving where he is needed. We are happy to say that this includes serving as Chaplain to the Triumph Retreat. He is a member of the Marian Movement of Priests. He served on the International Fraternity of the Catholic Charismatic Communities under the direction of the the Vatican Council of the Laity.
Bergit Pulvermacher
was born and raised on a grain farm near Hythe, Alberta. She completed her university at the U of S, receiving degrees in Science and Veterinary Medicine. As a convert to the Catholic faith, her journey with the Lord began in earnest when she met and married her husband Kevin. They have two boys, both home schooled. Bergit is thankful that the Lord keeps opening new doors of opportunity for her to grow in her faith. She completed the Spiritual Direction Program at Queen’s House, Saskatoon and is a Certified Spiritual Director. Travel and learning to speak a new language are now part of her broadening horizon.
Sr. Gemma Labestre, MST
Currently, she is a Council member of the Missionaries of St. Therese and an Associate Professor at the University of San Agustin, Philippines. She is an active member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines and the Triumph Team.
Her gifts as a retreat facilitator coupled with her academic training and degree make her available to do Retreat giving, give Psychological assessment, do therapeutic counseling that bring her to different places within and outside the Philippines.
She has a Bachelor in Science degree in Psychology, A Master in Education in Guidance and Counseling and a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy specializing in Psychology.
Michael Paul
Born and raised in Calgary, discovered a passion for service and community early in life. After high school, he pursued culinary school and spent a few years working in kitchens. Following this, Michael discerned a call to the priesthood and spent three years in the seminary, deepening his faith and earning a BA in Philosophy, which continues to influence his approach to life and ministry.
Now married and blessed with four wonderful children, Michael finds inspiration in witnessing the Lord's transformative work in the lives of others. Being part of the Triumph Team is both a privilege and a calling. Michael is continually amazed by God's grace and humbled to play a role in this life-changing mission
Travis Schoenfelder
was born in Saskatoon, SK and raised near Devon AB, he has a heart for ministry that has taken him across the world. He dedicated three years to serving with NET Australia, igniting faith in hearts of the youth.
Since Australia, he spent the last 9 years in the construction industry. In 2023, he experienced a powerful transformation through the Triumph retreat. He has almost completed his second year with Encounter Ministries, growing in faith and leadership. This past December, he celebrated a decade of marriage with his amazing wife, Amanda, and together they have three boys- who are absolute champions