First Unitarian Church of Worcester
A Unitarian Universalist Congregation Gathered in 1785
Director of Faith Development Ministries
Jessica Gray, PhD
Jessica Gray joined the staff of First Unitarian in August 2011. She has six years of experience working as a Director of Religious Education, implementing a variety of programs for children, youth, adults and families. These programs include Spirit Play, OWL, and Coming of Age for children and youth, a variety of adult programs; and many intergenerational and social justice activities.
Jessica studied theatre in college, receiving her BA from the University of North Carolina in 1999, her MA from Florida State University in 2001, and PhD from Louisiana State University in spring 2011. Her minor at LSU was religious studies, and she has traveled the world seeking spirit, performing dramas in Hungary, Malawi and Venezuela, studying culture in Papua New Guinea, and dancing for peace in India, Nepal and Brazil. She is currently engaged in the UUA Credentialing Program for religious educators.
She lives in Worcester with her husband, Rhye, and young daughter, Ariana.
Faith Development Ministries Assistant
Abigail Hannaford-Ricardi
Abby Hannaford-Ricardi joined the staff of First Unitarian in 2006. Known to many as the creator of the Landers Room bulletin boards, Abby also taught Sunday school for many years, and was a long-time newsletter volunteer in our church office.
Abby brings her organizational and social skills from her careers as a case administrator for the disabled and as a geriatric social worker. A former manager of a craft studio and an Activities Director for 5 years at a psychiatric long-term care facility, Abby has a creative, enthusiastic and welcoming personality. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Graduate Certificate of Gerontology both from Clark University.
Youth Ministries Coordinator
Lesa McWalters
Lesa McWalters joined our staff of First Unitarian in September 2011. She has twelve years experience as Christian Education Director and three years experience as Youth Group Director, both at her home church at First Presbyterian Church of Worcester. She is is founder and was Director of the Vacation Bible School for the past four years, which invites children throughout Worcester County to participate in a week-long ministry.
Lesa graduated from Quinsigamond Community College in May 2011, with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. She is currently a full-time student at Worcester State University, where she is pursuing her BS in Urban Studies. She is also founding member of Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP), a non-profit organization that helps refugees from Burma resettle in Worcester.
Lesa lives in Millbury with her husband, Tom, and four children, Vanessa, Delaney, Erin, and Trevor.
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Copyright 2011