Chapel Leadership

Fr. Ryan was appointed the 8th Chaplain of Saint Thomas More in 2019 and became the Pastor-in-Solidum of Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in 2021. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree from Trinity College, followed by a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and a Master of Divinity from the Catholic University of America. Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 2014, Fr. Ryan has served in various roles, including Parochial Vicar, Secretary to the Archbishop, and Chancellor of the Archdiocese. A native of Manchester, Connecticut, and a lifelong runner, Fr. Ryan is also the author of STM’s blog, Running on Faith. Contact ryan.lerner@yale.edu

Allan is a native of the Philippines. He earned his M.A. in Religious Education from Fordham University and a BA in Philosophy from Saint Francis Major Seminary, Philippines. While in the Philippines, he was a lecturer, retreat facilitator, and campus minister. At STM, he leads the graduate ministry, STM Soup Kitchen, multicultural ministries (Asian, AfAm, LGBTQ+), Yale's Catholic Relief Services Chapter, Solidarity in the City, refugee resettlement, and ESTEEM. Allan lives in Milford with wife Donna and their two children. When not at STM, he enjoys playing guitar, beach outings, hiking, and table tennis. Allan is always eager to connect with students. Reach him at allan.esteron@yale.edu.

David, a California Bay Area native, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and International Peace Studies. Following graduation, he dedicated two and a half years to volunteering at the Farm of the Child in Honduras. Upon relocating to New Haven, he worked at St. Martin de Porres Academy while concurrently earning his M.A.R. at Yale Divinity School. As Assistant Chaplain, David works with undergraduates, leads social justice, Latino ministries and the OCIA program, and accompanies students on ASB trips. David lives in New Haven with his wife, Rosabelle, and their three children. Beyond STM, David enjoys time with his family, running with his dog, playing board games, and spending time at the beach. Contact David at d.rivera@yale.edu

Pauline was born in the Philippines and grew up in the West Coast. She has worked in campus ministry at DePaul, Loyola Chicago and Fordham. Most recently she spent five years as a clinical chaplain at Yale Hospital. She earned a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton and is a board-certified chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. At STM, Pauline leads the graduate ministry, reading groups, Confirmation, Solidarity in the City, and accompanies students on ASB trips. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Brent, reading at coffeeshops, visiting family in Chicago, traveling, hiking, and listening to podcasts. Contact pauline.little@yale.edu.

Sister Mary Rose hails from the great state of Nebraska in the Heartland of the U.S. There she earned a B.A. in social work at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and first encountered consecrated religious life. She moved to Connecticut in 2018 to begin formation with the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. After receiving the habit, Sister Mary Rose was missioned to Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish in Cheshire, CT to serve as Pastoral Associate. Now at STM, she serves as Assistant Chaplain to the undergraduates. Outside of the office, Sister Mary Rose enjoys time with her Sisters, working the machines on the land, studying, and sewing. Contact srmaryrose.irvine@yale.edu