Ali Peters, Minister

Ali Peters is thrilled to be joining Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church as our new minister.  Ali comes to us after serving at Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Appleton, Wisconsin, first as their intern minister and then as assistant minister.  She grew up in New Jersey and is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in New York City where she earned her Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Interreligious Engagement.  She has previously served as a student minister at First Unitarian New Jersey in Fanwood, NJ.  Ali discovered Unitarian Universalism as an adult, finding her home in this living tradition that holds relationship as a spiritual center.  

Prior to seminary, Ali had a career as a middle school math teacher in Newark and Plainfield, NJ.  She also has experience working in the nonprofit sector.  Ali shares her daily life with her husband, Justin, and their sweet Chihuahua mix, Jess.  She enjoys improv comedy, exploring nature, and dog snuggles.

Marina Kerze, Collaborative Pianist 

Carolyn Stevens, Director of Religious Exploration, Office Administrator

Carolyn is the mother of two daughters and comes to us after 10 years of working for the UU Church of Akron.  Carolyn has been involved with our district’s Summer Institute and was the chair for 2022. She is also a previous director of a daycare and has lots of experience planning adventures.

 Ellen Hansen-Ellis, Music Director Emeritus

Ellen served as the Music Director for SWUU from 1990 – June 2017. She has a B.M. in Composition from Baldwin-Wallace College, and plays piano and flute. She has also written original music for piano and voice for performance in our church services.

Share this page on Social Media: