My journey to ministry began when I attended the Unitarian Cooperative Preschool at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego. My family became very active in the affiliated theater group Looking Glass Theatre, doing productions every two years or so for 20 years. This group was our personal connection to the larger community, and kept us active for all those years. It also sparked my lifelong love for theater, dance, and music.
In January 2013, I married the love of my life. We met at First Church, San Diego in one of Looking Glass Theater’s plays. We grew up together, and Shawn’s mother, Liz Jones, was the Director of Religious Education, so we were often at church together. Before getting married, we had been together for seven years. We are currently living in Madison, WI. Shawn studied musical theater, and has worked primarily as a stagehand while in New York and Madison. We have a lot of fun together, and have lots in common including a love for musical theater and movies.
With the expectation of our daughter in late 2014, we were excited to start our family. Unfortunately our daughter Caroline didn’t live past her first day of life. (Learn more here.)
We now have a delightful, intelligent and spunky son, Jamie, born June 2016. And a bright, funny and adventurous daughter, Emily born in January 2020. They are amazing little people, and they bring such joy and love into our lives. Shawn, Jamie and Emily will always be the best reason to have a good work/life balance.
My call to ministry has always been to serve a congregation as a collaborative minister. My heart calls me to spiritual development, including adult education, pastoral care and community building. My skills lead me to preaching and worship, supporting and creating youth and young adult programming, and social justice support. I am I looking forward to meeting the right opportunity when it comes.
“She is bright, quick on her feet, articulate, and funny. She can connect with a whole congregation in worship, as well as with people and in small groups. Her authenticity and beauty of spirit come through, no matter the size of the gathering, no matter her role.” – Rev. Catharine Clarenbach
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