Michael (they/them) is a Candidate for UU Ministry, who holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Michael was loved into being by a family of progressive “fallen away” Catholics. During their ministry formation, Michael has worked as a mentor to Indigenous teens, a public policy advocate for houseless youth, and as a chaplain to both hospital patients and nursing home residents. Most recently, Michael completed their ministry internship at Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, Colorado. Michael is deeply committed to making real the promises of our UU faith by nurturing UU communities that are radically committed to collective care and justice making. They are delighted to be returning to First Church and their beloved hometown.