MEET OUR executive director
rev. muriel shmid, Phd
Born in Switzerland, Muriel studied Protestant theology at the University of Neuchâtel and received her PhD in 1998. Ordained in the Swiss Reformed Church (a sister church of PCUSA), she served as a minister in Switzerland and Paris before teaching at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City for 10 years while developing an interdisciplinary major in Religious Studies. In 2014, Muriel left the university to work with small faith-based organizations dedicated to social justice and peacemaking. Most recently, she was the Administrative Director for Community Peacemaker Teams; prior to that, she worked with JustFaith Ministries as Director of Programs which brought her to Louisville from 2016 to 2020. During this time in Louisville, she met KRCRC and joined its Board.
In 2025, Muriel has returned to Louisville as KRCRC’s inaugural Executive Director, and she is excited to explore new paths with the reproductive justice community. She loves to travel and visit her family back in Switzerland, share meals with friends, see movies, and ride her bike. She lives with her spouse, Christine, and their two cats, Pooky and Pudding.
In 2025, Muriel has returned to Louisville as KRCRC’s inaugural Executive Director, and she is excited to explore new paths with the reproductive justice community. She loves to travel and visit her family back in Switzerland, share meals with friends, see movies, and ride her bike. She lives with her spouse, Christine, and their two cats, Pooky and Pudding.
Meet Our STATE Board officers
KRCRC's state board of directors is all-volunteer and hard-working team. State board members and officers serve
three-year terms; many continue on after their initial term. The state board meets monthly.
three-year terms; many continue on after their initial term. The state board meets monthly.
Patricia FitzgeraldChairperson
Patricia “Patty” Walker FitzGerald has been an advocate for reproductive choice since college. Patty graduated from law school in 1978 and specialized in such areas as family law, prison conditions, discrimination and disability rights. In 1995 Patty was elected to the Jefferson County Family Court, on which she served for twenty years. As an experienced counselor, FitzGerald has seen how people struggle with religious convictions as they consider terminating a pregnancy.
Ann T. AllenSecretary & Newsletter Editor
Ann T. Allen grew up in Maryland, moved to Louisville in 1971, and taught history for forty years at the University of Louisville. She has published many books and articles on the history of women in Europe and the United States. She joined the Board of Directors of KCRC in 2016 and serves as Secretary and editor of the KRCRC newsletter, Voice for Choice.
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Bernie MuddVice-Chairperson
Bernadette “Bernie” Mudd is a longtime KRCRC volunteer and supporter of reproductive choice. As a bonus mom, grandmother, aunt, and friend, she is motivated by her concern for her children’s future if they are stripped of their right to make their own healthcare decisions. 
Laurie KaplinTreasurer
Of Jewish faith, Laurie Kaplin joined the KRCRC board in 2011 and became the treasurer for KRCRC in early 2012. She was previously employed as a SQL Database Manager and Systems Analyst for NTS Development Company but is now retired and enjoying an active life as both a volunteer for various organizations and being a grandmother.
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State Board Members
Rev. Wayne A. Gnatuk (Chairperson Emeritus)
Barbara Berman
Dr. Michelle Elisburg
Elizabeth Gribbins
Heather Levitch
Juhee Mian
Carol Savkovich
Rev. Elwood Sturtevant
Dr. Frances Weinstock
Barbara Berman
Dr. Michelle Elisburg
Elizabeth Gribbins
Heather Levitch
Juhee Mian
Carol Savkovich
Rev. Elwood Sturtevant
Dr. Frances Weinstock
To contact board members, email [email protected].
To contact our Executive Director, email [email protected].
For local groups and community sign-on letters, email [email protected]
To contact our Executive Director, email [email protected].
For local groups and community sign-on letters, email [email protected]