Ministry
The Reverend Rachael Hayes
Minister
(413) 253-2848
revrachael@uusocietyamherst.org
Since 2019, our settled minister is Reverend Rachael Hayes.
Rev Rachael is available by appointment by emailing RevRachael-at-uusocietyamherst.org or by calling the office: 253-2848. You can also schedule directly, by clicking here.
Or, feel free to drop in on Wednesday mornings during her open office hours.
Administration
Lea Douville
Director of Programs and Operations
(413) 253-2848
Office@UUSocietyAmherst.org
Lea Douville is a long-time resident of Amherst, having moved to the Pioneer Valley to attend college over 20 years ago. Excepting two years of living in London, she has called Amherst home ever since. She is grateful to have raised her children in a town that tries to live its progressive values — and has long admired the UUSA for its prominent place amongst these efforts. Lea is deeply curious, is a huge fan of podcasts, and loves traveling as a way of understanding how the world works — so far she has logged over 20 countries from Argentina to Turkey.
She lives with her husband, composer and teacher Richard Beaudoin, and their three children: two human — Celia and Louis — and one feline, Cooper.
Programs
Jacy Armenti
RE Manager & Preschool RE Teacher
REManager@uusocietyamherst.org
Jacy Armenti is the Religious Education (RE) Manager and the Preschool RE teacher at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst and has been with us since 2010. In addition to teaching and designing curriculum for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, she also assists with the Elementary RE, OWL and summer programs. Jacy is an experienced teacher and has worked with children in many different environments. She holds a Bachelors degree in Human Development from Wheelock College and Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts. When structuring classes around religious education, she tries her best to pull creatively from her teaching background, whether using art and music, natural materials, or an anti-bias approach. Outside of the classroom Jacy enjoys singing, cooking and exploring nature. She collects a variety of board games which she loves playing with her friends. She lives in Northampton and is happy to be part of this wonderful Valley.
Brenda Miller
Music Director
Brenda has been with the UUSA since 2014. Before that she was Organist, Pianist and Chancel Choir Director at the First Congregational Church of Sunderland, MA. Ms Miller has a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory and many years of teaching and performing experience. She enjoys playing, singing and directing many styles of music to fit the rich and colorful Universalist Unitarian tradition.
