Sister Gena was born in Queens, N.Y. where she attended parochial school before moving with her family to Our Holy Redeemer Parish in Freeport.  Following her graduation from St. Agnes Academic H. S., Sister entered the Dominican Order.  

After completing her postulancy and novitiate at the Motherhouse in Amityville, Sister Gena went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree from Fordham University, an M. S. in Curriculum Planning from Hunter College and a Master of Divinity Degree from the Graduate School of Theology at Seton Hall University (Darlington).  She taught on the elementary and junior high levels in the Brooklyn Diocese and in the Archdiocese of New York and them became principal of St. Joseph's School in Astoria.  In 1972, she left this position to minister in the area of Religious Education at St. Anthony's in Oceanside.  In 1975 Sister Gena was appointed by her Superiors as Director of the Post-Novitiate Program and as Director of Admissions for the Amityville Dominicans.  In 1981 she became Pastoral Associate at St. Anthony's where she remained until joining the staff of St. Agnes in 1998. 

 As a Pastoral Associate she shares responsibility for broad pastoral care in the parish.  Her emphasis in ministry is with the bereaved and in developing those elements of Social Ministry which help parishioners to recognize the need not only to care for those in need of direct service (Outreach) but also to change the conditions and structures in society that give rise to oppression (Public Policy Education Network, Pathway to the Holy Retreats, Campaign for Human Development, Operation Rice Bowl).

Sister Gena is energized by the spirit of generosity and deep faith of the people of St. Agnes.  She enjoys quiet time with family and friends, reading, arranging fresh flowers and listening to music.