Our Ministers & Staff
Ministers
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Rev. Alison Miller
Senior Minister
(she/her) A lifelong UU, Rev. Alison grew up in a large congregation and served internships, summer ministries, and assistant ministries in large churches in NYC and Tulsa. She graduated from … Continue reading Rev. Alison Miller
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Rev. Thomas Disrud
Associate Minister
(he/him) Rev. Thomas Disrud was called to serve as Associate Minister of Portland’s First Unitarian Church in 1995. His responsibilities include serving on the Executive Team, which oversees the church’s … Continue reading Rev. Thomas Disrud
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Danielle Garrett
Assistant Minister
(she/her) Danielle Garrett is a candidate for the Unitarian Universalist ministry and was the ministerial intern for the 2023-2024 church year. She is now on contract for the 2024-2025 church … Continue reading Danielle Garrett
Program Ministry
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Jen Thomas
Member Engagement Coordinator
(she/her) As a true native Oregonian at heart, Jen has had the privilege of living in various corners of the United States and the world. Still, her journey always led … Continue reading Jen Thomas
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Rev. Leah Ongiri
Acting Director of Lifespan Faith Formation & Family Ministries
(she/her) Rev. Leah Ongiri came on staff in 2023 but her relationship with First Unitarian began when she started attending as a toddler with her family. She directs programs and … Continue reading Rev. Leah Ongiri
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Dana Buhl
Director of Social Justice
(she/her) Dana joined staff as the Social Justice Director in the Summer of 2017. She’s attended First Unitarian Church since 2003 and was drawn to Unitarian Universalism as a young … Continue reading Dana Buhl
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Garrett Bond
Interim Director of Music Ministries
(he/him) After an in-depth search by the Music Ministry Transition Team, Garrett Bond was selected as the Interim Director of Music Ministries and began the position in October 2024. An … Continue reading Garrett Bond
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Joseph O’Donnell
Organist
(he/him) Joe has been organist of First Unitarian Church of Portland since August 1996. He holds the degrees of Bachelor of Music in Organ and Master of Liturgical Music from … Continue reading Joseph O’Donnell
Administration & Communications
Kathryn Estey
Church Administrator
(she/her)
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Erin Tafuri
Accounting & Stewardship Manager; HR Clerk
(she/her) Erin joined First Unitarian in 2012 as the Stewardship Assistant. In 2018, she became Stewardship Manager and later added Accounting and HR Clerk to her responsibilities.
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Isabella Utrecht
Accounting & Stewardship Assistant
Isabella became part of the First Unitarian team in June 2024 and has been a Portland resident since 2005. Outside of work, Isabella loves crafting, traveling, and spending time with … Continue reading Isabella Utrecht
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John Rosette
Executive Team Assistant / Receptionist
John joined staff as the Executive Assistant/Receptionist in March 2015. He was drawn to Unitarian Universalism because of its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, and social and racial justice. He is … Continue reading John Rosette
Facilities & Operations
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Jason Chapman
Facilities Manager
(he/him) Jason joined First Unitarian in 2009 as a sexton. He proved himself to be an integral part of the team and worked his way up to Facilities Manager. He … Continue reading Jason Chapman
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Kamal Sunuwar
Lead Sexton
(he/him) Kamal has been a valued member of the First Unitarian team since 2011, earning his promotion to Lead Sexton in 2014. Originally from Nepal, Kamal left home at the … Continue reading Kamal Sunuwar
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Joey Mohler
Operations & Events Coordinator
(he/him) Joey’s journey with First Unitarian began in 2016 as a committed member of the Sexton team. His dedication led to a natural transition in 2021 when he stepped into … Continue reading Joey Mohler
Galen Allan-Cole
Sexton
(he/him)
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Garrett Moon-Chapman
Sexton
(he/him)
Jhonnattan Claxton-Garcia
Sexton
(he/him)
Mathias Reeves
Sexton
(he/him)
Raven Schmidt
Sexton
(she/her)