I was born in Queens, New York City, to Richard and Helen White and was one of four children.  When I was 5 years old my family moved to Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island where I grew up.  My parents were 2^nd generation Irish working class and neither attended college until their late thirties.  I was also an adult learner and am proud to be the first in my family to receive college degrees and post graduate training.  My nieces and nephews all have attended college directly out of high school; so the immigrants story of ‘making it better for my children’ continues.  We finally understand what our Great Grandmother meant when she said, “knowledge is power.” 

As a child I loved strolling the woods, planting flowers in spring and immersing myself in books.  I still love these things and activities!  Growing up during the 1960’s meant that social change was the order of the day and I felt it, sometimes with great turbulence and ignorance and sometimes with subtlety and grace.  I grew up in the Roman Catholic faith tradition.  I appreciated the mystery and ritual of the Mass and as a young girl had far too many questions.  I continue to love ritual and worship.  I continue to question.  Sometimes I love the questions, sometimes the answers, but I also have patience with ambiguity and mystery. 

I have lived in Colorado since I was a teenager.  My life partner and I have been together some 30 years and he is soon to retire from 45 years driving trucks all over this country and in Vietnam and England while in the Air Force.  We have two children between us, one daughter and a son who is deceased.

Over the years I have had a variety of occupations, though I would say the understanding of this human condition has been my primary vocation.  I sometimes say I have had many incarnations in one life time!  I came to formal ministry a little over ten years ago when I began to volunteer as a hospital chaplain.  My training as a chaplain and minister includes clinical training in chaplaincy.  My UU internship was with the Mountain Desert District where I pioneered a program of chaplaincy for youth and young adult at their Conventions.  I was also part of a three member team that taught Healthy Congregation Workshops to congregations and clusters. 

I served the UU Congregation of the Grand Valley in Grand Junction, CO for two years as a consulting interim minister after they had downsized from three years of full time ministry.  I then completed a 17 month contract with Foothills Unitarian Church in Ft. Collins, CO as their first ever (half time) Assistant Minister. 

I believe collaborative style of ministry is the best way for ministers and congregations to thrive.  I think the answer is often in the room, that it is ok to tussle a little, that we are called to be our best selves when we covenant with one another in learning, loving and growth.  Mutual trust and respect are always essential.

As our world enters a new era of understanding and sustainability we are poised to become more inclusive and more interconnected with others.  Our faith tradition is also at the cusp of change.  With a new president and new articulations of what we can offer each other and our communities, we too, must be ready to believe that our best days are ahead of us.  We have much to offer each other and much to learn from one another.  Knowing where we come from helps us be our best selves today as we move ever forward into tomorrow.  With kindness and clarity we can achieve excellence in our shared ministry ensuring that Unitarian Universalism will be here for our children’s children.