Sr. Loretta Spotila was recently featured in Footnotes, the monthly newsletter for the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc. The article has been shared below, with permission.
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Board Member Spotlight: Sr. Loretta Spotila
Sister Loretta Spotila is a longtime resident of Estill County and a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she has lived and served in Irvine for more than 30 years. A registered nurse by profession and a servant leader at heart, Sister Loretta followed a calling to Appalachia after a successful career in clinical nursing, administration, and hospital quality management in Ohio.
Sister Loretta spent three years working at Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital. Recognizing the region’s limited access to health care, she founded the nonprofit Interfaith Wellness Ministry. Through this organization, she promotes the integration of faith and health, focusing on the well-being of body, mind, and spirit.
She became familiar with Kentucky River Foothills during interagency collaboration and later partnered with the agency through a federal grant opportunity. Drawn to the mission of empowering individuals to improve their lives, Sister Loretta saw a clear connection to her own vision of health and community support. Over time, her involvement grew, and she joined the Foothills Board of Directors to share her experience and give back in a meaningful way.
She has long held a deep concern for the health care needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. While the issue had been acknowledged locally for years, it was Foothills that stepped forward with action. Sister Loretta joined the original planning committee that helped establish the Foothills Health and Wellness Center. Today, the center is a federally funded Health Care for the Homeless program serving multiple counties. She remains actively involved as a member of its Advisory Committee.
Her service is guided by deeply rooted values. She believes in treating health with a holistic lens, recognizing the uniqueness of every individual. She takes pride in connecting people with the right resources and relies on decades of experience to respond to health needs in many settings.
In her free time, Sister Loretta enjoys gardening and reading mystery novels. She began studying piano in the third grade and eventually became a church organist. She also prioritizes physical activity and makes time to exercise regularly to stay strong and flexible.
Her favorite areas within Kentucky River Foothills include the local Community Outreach Office and the Health and Wellness Center. She values the opportunity to connect directly with individuals and witness the impact of services firsthand.
Sister Loretta believes the agency is built on a strong foundation and led by a capable and compassionate team. She hopes Foothills will continue to meet the needs of today while also looking ahead. Affordable housing for older adults is one growing concern she is passionate about. She commends the agency’s efforts to build now and to actively search for future property and opportunities.
Originally published in the August 2025 edition of Footnotes, Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc.