Ministry Staff

tsegal@dom.edu (708) 524-6685

Tara Segal is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus in Intercultural Studies and Ministry as a Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Scholar at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Catholic Theological Union and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from the Catholic University of America. Tara served as the Director of Campus Ministry at Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, Washington from 2013–2017, and as Director of Campus Ministry and Mission Integration at Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois, a Sinsinawa Dominican institution, from 2008–2013. Growing up in an interfaith home instilled in Tara a passion for interreligious dialogue. Her study and ministry have focused on accompanying others as they delve more deeply into their relationships with God and learning from others through retreats, prayer, service, and the experiences of daily life. She is particularly interested in environmental justice. Tara finds joy in reading and all things animal-related.

amercado3@dom.edu (708) 524-6521

Andrew Mercado is passionate about holistic student formation and mission integration in Catholic Higher Education. Helping students explore the enduring questions of life in the pursuit of living a meaningful and purposeful life through the lens of faith and social justice is at the heart of Andrew’s passion for student formation. As a first-generation student, Andrew is focused on promoting access and equity in Catholic higher education to ensure that every student has the resources and support to thrive during the formative years of their college experience  Andrew holds a Masters of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Catholic higher education, spirituality, faith and formation from Boston College and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Health Care Management from the College of Our Lady of the Elms. Andrew has served in Vocation Ministry, chaplaincy with ALANA and first-generation students, and most recently as an assistant director of campus ministry. Andrew’s cultural roots are Colombian and Puerto Rican. His experience of growing up in a vibrant Catholic Hispanic community nourishes Andrew’s passion to serve and minister within the Church in a way that reflects and integrates the diversity of the people of God. Andrew enjoys spending time in nature and loves listening to music, especially Salsa.

Nora grew up with an American mother who was raised Catholic but converted to Islam before Nora was even born and an Arab Muslim father.  Thus, she has been exposed to an interfaith (Muslim and Christian) extended family from a young age. Additionally, her parents were actively involved in interfaith groups and Nora has memories as a young girl going to different religious places of worship. This inspired her love of religious diversity and her commitment to ensuring that religious and spiritual needs of people are met. 

Nora received a Master's of Divinity (MDiv) from the University of Chicago and holds a BA from the University of Florida in Arabic, Religion and Political Science. Nora brings to this role as the University Chaplain, Interfaith Relationship at Dominican University experience as a college chaplain and program manager for various non-profit organizations. She worked as the Muslim chaplain at Vassar and Bard Colleges. Additionally, she has experience with several non-profit organizations including the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, Rural Women's Health Project and United Voices for America. Nora interned at Dominican University and American Islamic College as a student chaplain while pursuing her Master of Divinity. She has traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and is fluent in Arabic. She is learning Turkish, loves watching foreign films in addition to discovering and tasting global cuisine. Nora is pursuing a second Master's in Islamic Education from Bayan Graduate School housed within Chicago Theological Seminary. Nora is also the founder of MyMuslimChaplain (www.mymuslimchaplain.com), which offers extensive chaplaincy workshops, services and other consultation.

Kayla Jackson-Wolff holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dominican University. She served as the Director of Social Justice Ministries at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago from 2018-2023. As a Dominican University and University Ministry alumna, she is excited to return and work within a community that so positively impacted her own growth and formation. Kayla can’t wait to meet, accompany and serve a new generation of student leaders. 

Kayla is also a music lover! For Kayla, creating and sharing music, and enjoying the community it fosters is a form of self care.