Staff
We believe in the power of shared ministry, that the work of the church is too large and too important to be done by only a few.
Working together we can accomplish more and have more fun in the process! Good leadership supports and empowers people in finding their particular ways to serve. The Board of Trustees, elected by the congregation, is the primary governance body in the church. The Board creates policies and procedures to help us behealthy and dynamic church, and works closely with the minister and staff to set goals that support our mission of being a faith community changing lives and transforming the world.
In addition to the Board and staff, much of the work of the church is done by people working in committees and teams. If you see a need here, or imagine a way you would like to serve, please speak with our leadership. We welcome and need your help!
This congregation called Rev. Frank Clarkson to be its minister in April of 2008, and he began his ministry here the following August. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank previously worked as a freelance commercial photographer before he discerned a call to the ministry. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge in 2004 and was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 2005. For three years he served as the assistant minister at the North Parish of North Andover. Frank’s been married to Tracey for thirty-five years and they are grateful to be the parents of two young adults, Will and Emma. In his free time, Frank likes spending time at home with Tracey, taking walks, going fly fishing and camping, and dreaming about that next fishing trip!
Lorryn Kinkaid,
Office Administrator
Lorryn joined the UUCH staff in 2020. She hails from the North Shore and now lives in Plaistow, NH with her husband Bob and three sons. She and Bob both attended different UU churches before they met and together joined North Parish of North Andover 16 years ago. In addition to working at UUCH, Lorryn owns Stress Solutions, therapeutic massage and wellness in Haverhill. She has been practicing massage for over 25 years. Outside of work, she can be found adventuring outside with Bob and their kids, and dabbling in art.
Clare Fortune-Lad,
Director of Religious Education
Clare Fortune-Lad joined the UUCH Staff in September of 2016. She comes to us from Southern Maine where she has been an active member of the Sanford UU Church since the age of 3. Growing up UU shaped her spiritually and professionally, as she has always had a passion for social justice and anti-racism. Before moving to Massachusetts, Clare worked as a Community Educator at a Domestic Violence Resource Center in Maine. She has her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. Clare met her husband Kyle when they were undergrads
at Dartmouth College and they now have two
young sons.
Lisa Zaleski,
Choir Director
Lisa Zaleski worked as our interim music director during the 2014-15 church year, and we’re thrilled to now have her here at UUCH as our choir director! Lisa works as a drama teacher and choral director at Newburyport High School, and is the parent of two teenagers, Eden and Delia. She brings a wonderful spirit to leading the choir, which rehearses most Sunday morning at 9:15 am, and is a lot of fun to sing in! If you’re interested, show up, or email Lisa!
Dawn Crowell,
Building Manager & caretaker
You see evidence of Dawn’s commitment to keeping our building clean and orderly all around the church! She’s a friendly person and an extremely hard worker, and we are so glad to have her on our staff. The mom of adorable twin boys, she’s also a leader in our religious education program. Before moving back to the East coast, Dawn was an actress in Los Angeles, where she and her husband Bo ran a theatre company.
Melody Jenkins Fried
Pianist/Organist
Sarah Del Dotto,
Pianist
Gina McKeown,
Pianist
Frank gauvin,
Sunday Morning Sexton
Frank is the longest-serving member on our church staff. He comes in early on Sunday to make the coffee and set up for coffee hour. Frank is a caring soul who quietly does a lot for our community, and we are grateful for his presence in our midst.