First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

  605 Morewood Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999
  412-621-8008

PROGRAM and OPERATIONAL STAFF

PROGRAM STAFF

Jennifer Halperin, Director of Ministries with Children and Youth

Jennifer Halperin has served as Director of Ministries with Children and Youth since 2000. Prior to her position here at First Unitarian Church, she served for ten years as Director of Religious Education with the East Suburban Unitarian Universalist Church in Murrysville, PA. Jennifer received her undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, and she received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Jennifer is a credentialed Religious Educator.

William Larson, Director of Instrumental Music

William Larson has performed many times as soloist in recital, with major orchestras and as a collaborative pianist with renowned performers. He hails from the Pittsburgh area, and his teachers have included Harry Franklin and Natasha Snitkovsky. He attended Duquesne University and the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Julian Martin and Samuel Sanders, and has received awards as both performer and composer. Mr. Larson is a collaborative pianist for Duquesne University, and is a substitute keyboardist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He has been featured on WQED-FM's "Performance in Pittsburgh" series, and his recordings are available at select area locations, including the First Unitarian Church bookstore.

Jennifer Parsons, Religious Education Assistant

Jennifer Parsons has served as Religious Education Assistant since 2004. She received her B.S. in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and her M.B.A. from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.

Devon Wood, Membership and Campus Ministry Coordinator

Devon Wood has served as Membership and Campus Ministry Coordinator since 2002. Devon received her undergraduate degree in social work from The Pennsylvania State University and worked for several years in a local mental health agency.

Jon Erik Schreiber, Sanctuary Choir Director

Emily Pinkerton, Folk Orchestra Conductor

Emily received her undergraduate degree in music, Spanish, and French from Butler University. She holds a master's degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Texas. She is proficient on piano, fiddle, guitar, and banjo. In 2004, Emily received a Fulbright Scholarship which enabled her to spend a year in South America studying music of the Andes. She has led several musical ensembles, including the Andean Ensemble at the University of Texas. Currently she teaches in the Calliope Folk Music School, performs frequently in and around Pittsburgh, and has recently released a solo CD recording. You can learn more about Emily and listen to her music by visiting her website at www.emilypinkerton.com.

OPERATIONAL STAFF

Kevin Cook, Security

In addition to his building security responsibilities at First Unitarian Church, Kevin Cook works on the custodial staff at Carnegie Mellon University.

Rita Gates, Business Manager

Rita Gates has served as Business Manager since 1997. Prior to her position here at First Unitarian Church, Rita worked in a wide range of organizations. She holds an Associate Degree in Science from Robert Morris University.

Dan Laity, Sexton

Dan Laity has served as Sexton since 1992. After hours, he manages several rental properties that he has refurbished.

Phillip Lyons, Building Security

In addition to his building security responsibilities at First Unitarian Church, Phillip Lyons attends the University of Pittsburgh.

Alex Rose, Office Assistant and Sunday Receptionist

Prior to her position as Office Assistant and Sunday Receptionist here at First Unitarian Church, Alex Rose worked at South Hills Health System as a Radiologist Technician.

Sandy Regan, Event Coordinator / Program Assistant / Wedding Coordinator