Lantern Staff

Chris Lewis
Executive Director

Coming from an international background, Chris has nearly a decade’s worth of project and team management experience in both non-profit and private organizations in a variety of settings. His work has taken him from New York City to Kenya to South Sudan, from leading research projects, to overseeing operations for a social enterprise, to coordinating emergency relief efforts in refugee camps. At The Lantern, Chris is helping drive changes to ensure the organization’s sustainability into the future. 

Chris holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of Delaware. He moved to St. John’s in 2018 and is living with his wife Heather and their two cats in The Battery.

Patricia Kelly
Finance & Operations Manager

Patricia was born and raised in Mount Pearl and now resides in the east end of St. John’s with her husband Pat. Patricia brings with her over 36 years of work experience, 20 of which were executive administration and bookkeeping. As a graduate of Keyin College and with the completion of MUN post-secondary courses in Psychology and Sociology, Patricia is well trained to meet the demands and challenges of her job as Finance & Operations Manager at The Lantern.

Her ‘handyman’ skills and her ‘try anything once’ attitude have become invaluable during day to day operations. On her off time, Patricia enjoys biking, hiking, painting & sewing.

Janet Kelly
Events Coordinator

Janet was born and raised in beautiful Stephenville, the fifth of eight siblings. She has a passion for the events industry that she believes stemmed from the time she was young – after all, she did grow up in a large family that placed a strong emphasis on creating your own fun and entertaining friends and neighbors in the community. From planning, performing, selling tickets, stage set-up to curtain calls, she was there from start to finish.

As Events Coordinator at The Lantern, Janet is driven to help clients have a memorable experience, and seeks to build and maintain good relationships with each client every step of the way. In her spare time Janet is an avid reader, loves hiking the great outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mabel Whelan
Receptionist

Mabel was born and raised in St. Mary’s, St. Mary’s Bay. After completion of high school, she entered the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM) religious community. As a member of this community she worked in Food Services for nearly 50 years. Still a member of PBVM, Mabel volunteers her services as a Receptionist at The Lantern which she undertakes as part of her ministry.

Mabel’s hobbies include playing cards with her Sisters, going to movies with her friends, listening to music and colouring. At The Lantern she enjoys opportunities to interact with all the people who come through the doors, as well as learn new computer skills. 

Mike Sears
Custodian

Mike was born and raised in St. John’s and went to Brother Rice High. Mike works at The Lantern on a part-time basis, doing event set-up and tear downs, facility maintenance and cleaning.

Two of his favorite pastimes are garage sales and half-hour home improvement shows. He now lives on Oxen Pond Road with his wife Trish and their dog Roxy.