MATTHEW PINTO
President

Matthew is the founder and president of Ascension Press and Luminous Media, a co-founder of CatholicExchange.com and Envoy Magazine, and a best-selling author of a variety of works including Did Adam and Eve have Belly Buttons?, the creator of the Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards, co-editor of the Amazing Grace Series, and co-author of A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions About the Passion of the Christ. He has appeared on numerous television and radio programs explaining and defending the Catholic Faith, and has conducted seminars on a variety of Catholic issues throughout the country. Matt and his wife, Maryanne, live in Pennsylvania, and are the parents of five boys.

PAT BEACH
Accounting

Pat works in Ascension's finance department as an accounting associate. She resides with her husband and two children in Thornton, PA. After graduating from college, Pat spent five years in the investment industry, then found a calling in the entertainment industry for ten years acting as the director of finance for six corporations.

CHRIS COPE
Director of Marketing

Chris joined Ascension in the spring of 2004. He graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA with a B.A. in public relations and a minor in theology. He spent his college days as captain of the men’s golf team, and still enjoys hitting the links whenever possible. A convert to the Catholic faith, Chris brings to Ascension his passion and enthusiasm for the Church. He and his wife Jennifer have a daughter, Susannah, and a son, Nicholas. They live in suburban Philadelphia..

JANENE DIBLASIO
Seminar Coordinator

Janene graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Phildelphia with a degree in politics. Before joining Ascension, her professional career was in sales and event planning. She is actively involved in her parish as an extraordinary minister of communion and as a leader in her church’s youth group. In her spare time, Janene is an avid dancer, and enjoys the outdoors and traveling.

MIKE FLICKINGER
Managing Editor

Prior to joining Ascension in late 2002, Mike taught English as a second language at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. After studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he went on to earn a masters degree in theology, and he is currently completing a masters degree in counseling from Villanova University. Mike enjoys playing jazz piano, writing music, working outdoors, and traveling. Mike and his wife, Eileen, and their daughter, Julia live in suburban Philadelphia.

MIKE FONTECCHIO
Graphics

A native of Wisconsin, "Graphics" Mike earned a digital design diploma at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and received his bachelor’s degree from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, majoring in theology and marketing. When he's not banging away at the computer designing CD covers and promotional materials, Mike enjoys sports and the outdoors. He and his wife, Amy, have a daughter, Serena, and two sons, Anthony, and John Paul. They live in Downingtown, Pa.

BARRY PINE
Chief Operating Officer

Barry brings to Ascension 25 years of experience in various management and executive management positions with two Fortune 500 companies and one multimillion-dollar retailer. He is a CPA with his BSBA in accounting from Michigan Technological University and his MBA from Portland State University in Oregon. He and his wife, Regina, own Salve Regina Catholic Books and Gifts in suburban Philadelphia. He has a love for the Catholic faith and a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Barry, Gina, and their four children live in the Philadelphia area.

TARA CABRAL
Marketing

Tara brings endless enthusiasm to all things Catholic, and is dedicated to spreading God's kingdom through promoting and working in Catholic media. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Tara earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication, and later received a masters degree in human services, and studied theology at St. Meinrad Seminary. She spent college years playing tennis for the university team. Along with her passion for the Catholic faith, she enjoys meeting new people, traveling, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. Tara, and her husband Jay, live in Indiana.