Sara has served as the Director of Religious Education at OUUC since 2008. She has a Masters in Teaching from The Evergreen State College and earned her Master Level Credential as a religious educator from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2014. Sara has just completed three years as Vice-President and President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Liberal Religious Educators Association and is Chair-Elect of the Religious Education Credentialing Committee of the UUA. She has co-authored two Renaissance Modules for the UUA, Ministry with Youth and UU Theology, and has taught several modules in the Renaissance Program.

Amanda received her BA with honors from the University of Washington in 2010, graduating with a double degree in Comparative Religion and Dance. Amanda brings her lifelong journey with Unitarian Universalism to our congregation, understanding how religious education happens firsthand. She believes in our faith’s ability to heal those who need it most. Amanda is passionate about connecting people to community and providing support to interfaith families whose spirituality and connections can grow at East Shore. Amanda has experience with movement, meditation, anti-oppressive education, and sustainable agriculture, which are woven into our curriculum and programs for children, youth, and families.

Originally from Scotland, Arran moved to Victoria from Toronto in 2016, to be near the ocean and the trees. His work has focused on building community in youth, intergenerational and multi-cultural settings. He has been involved in training and facilitation on issues related to healthy relationships, sexuality, conflict resolution, and restorative justice/practices. He is currently doing a Masters of Divinity, focusing on earth-based spiritualities, at Cherry Hill Seminary.

Aria found her passion for faith development and family ministry at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship as an Our Whole Lives facilitator and as a preschool teacher for the Bellingham Cooperative School. Aria received her BA in German Studies from Western Washington University, and before coming to UUC she served as the Director of Children and Family Ministry at the UU Church of Spokane. She enjoys baking, contra and square dancing, and embroidery. Aria earned Credentialed Status as a religious educator from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2020.

Rev. Deanna Vandiver (she/her/they) is a Minister of Love and Liberation affiliated with the Church of the Larger Fellowship Unitarian Universalist and is serving as Support Sabbatical Minister for the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation through July 2021. She serves on the Un/Learning for Liberation Beloved Conversations: Virtual design team and has recently completed a certification in Spiritual Leadership Coaching. Deanna believes in the incarnational love of snailmail and collaboration and is spiraling with (hopefully) more grace and (definitely) less certainty through the emergent mystery of life on this magical planet. If it involves collaging or co-creating, Deanna is generally for it.

Anissa Bentlemsani was born and raised at Olympia UU Congregation. In 2020 she began working as the Religious Education Assistant. She has a Bachelor of Science from The Evergreen State College. In 2007 she began working with the children and youth of OUUC as a nursery care provider. Through this work, she developed an interest in child development. In 2015, she became The Religious Education Staff Teacher, aiding in the children and youth programs. Anissa enjoys being outdoors, working with power tools, and cooking.

Amy Brock is the Director of Religious Exploration at the UU Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend, Oregon. Amy's journey to becoming an educator and religious professional began as a teenager in a protestant church nursery. They hold undergraduate degrees in psychology and education along with a graduate degree in teaching that includes endorsements in reading and inclusive instruction. Amy has experience teaching all ages and stages of students as a yoga instructor and as a former general education teacher in private, parochial, and public schools. They are passionate about helping people of all ages explore spirituality through a trauma informed and inclusive lens. Professionally, Amy serves as the chapter secretary of PNW LREDA, module facilitator for the UUA Renaissance Program, and is currently enrolled in the UUA credentialing program. As a Unitarian Universalist, Amy connects deeply to the many sources and voices that cultivate this diverse faith. They believe that faith is a journey, not a destination! This philosophy often takes them rock climbing, paddleboarding, and backpacking.

Melinda has served as the Director of Family Ministries since 2007 and is a leader in LREDA, the professional organization for religious educators. She is a life-long Unitarian Universalist and trained Montessori teacher. Melinda guides children, youth, and families in their spiritual exploration, faith development, and understanding of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist

Zackrie Vinczen currently serves as the Minister at Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church. Prior to moving to Kitsap County, Zackrie spent five years living in California with his husband Elliott Smith. While in California Zackrie earned his Masters of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry and worked in the Family Ministry program at the UU Church of Berkeley. Prior to moving to California, Zackrie and Elliott both lived in Bellingham, Wa (where they both earned degrees from Western Washington University).

Outside of work, Zackrie enjoys reading, hiking, working in the yard, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.