I began teaching Religious Education in 1989, albeit in the Catholic Church and took classes toward becoming a Master Catechist. I taught CCD (the name for Catholic Religious Education) and coordinated and led Children’s Liturgy. I did additional professional development by attending workshops at the Catholic Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California for several years (think GA for about 10,000 Catholic Religious Educators).
Intergenerational Water Communion UU Congregation of Sterling
When I began attending my first Unitarian Universalist congregation in 1999, I was immediately drawn to religious education. I joined the Children’s Religious Exploration Committee and began chairing the Adult Programs Committee. Over the years, I have taught standard UU curriculum but have also created novel programming for children, youth and adults. I have taken several Renaissance modules (Curriculum, Worship and Philosophy of Religious Education as well as Building Healthy Youth Groups).
Time for All Ages
I have taught every grade including taking on the role of Youth Advisor when it was needed and facilitated both Coming of Age and OWL. I facilitated the Conversation to and with Youth (2006) for my congregation for the UUA. I have taken on short stints as professional Religious Educator for the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, NY (Assistant Director of Religious Education (2005-2006); Religious Education Assistant (2014-2015)) and at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Athens and Sheshequin, PA (Director of Religious Education (2010-2011)).
I have a strong affinity for families, children and youth and love interacting with them and finding ways for them to be integrally part of the community. Because of that, I love trying to create wonderfully interactive intergenerational services. I believe religious education takes place in the classroom but more importantly takes place in how we welcome families, children and youth (including those with special needs) into all aspects of congregational life.
