Gloria DeGaetano, founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute (PCI), has been awarded a one-month writers' residency from the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania. The residency, which emphasizes themes of justice and compassion, is inspired by Sister Joan Chittister, a prominent advocate for justice, peace, and equality. DeGaetano will participate in March 2026, using the time to work on her forthcoming book about technology and families.
DeGaetano expressed surprise and gratitude upon receiving the news. 'I was thrilled and a little bit in shock,' she said. 'I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sister Joan. She is one of the most influential religious and social leaders of our time. It is truly an honor to be selected.' The residency includes room and board at the Benedictine monastery, providing a secluded environment surrounded by nature. DeGaetano views this as a positive disruption from her daily routine, allowing her to concentrate on writing. She aims to produce 30,000 to 50,000 words during the month, targeting the majority of the first draft of her book.
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie trace their origins to St. Walburg Abbey in Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1035. Sisters first came to St. Mary's, Pennsylvania in 1852 to educate German immigrant children. The order has a long history of supporting the poor and advocating for social justice. The writers' residency is part of their broader ministries, which include the Inner City Neighborhood Art House, providing arts classes for at-risk children; Benetwood Apartments, offering low-income housing for the elderly and disabled; and Monasteries of the Heart, an online community grounded in Benedictine values.
The Parent Coaching Institute, founded by DeGaetano in 2000, is recognized as an innovative leader in parent coach training. It offers a year-long, online Parent Coach Certification® program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University. Applications for the 2026 Spring Term, starting in late February, are now being accepted, with a $500 tuition discount for applications submitted by December 31, 2025. The application deadline is February 1, 2026. For more information, visit www.ThePCI.org.
