Settled Minister – Rev. Elizabeth Carrier-Ladd

Reverend Carrier-Ladd joined us in August as our Settled Minister.

Reverend Elka, as they are known, and preferring they/them pronouns, has served as minister of the First Parish in Dorchester, MA since 2020. Prior to that, they served as Justice and Outreach Minister at All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis, IN. They have also served congregations in Tulsa, OK and in San Diego, CA. Prior to ordination, Elka served in the Youth Office of the UUA and as a coordinator of UU youth programs.

Elka is a fourth generation UU and comes from a family of ministers. Their spouse, the Rev. Seth Carrier-Ladd, is currently serving as Interim Minister of the First Parish in Concord MA. Together they are parents of four young children and reside in Revere.

To contact Elka, email revelka@walthamuu.org.

Director of Faith Formation – April Rosario

April Rosario (she/her) came to Unitarian Universalism years ago when she and her husband, Chris, were looking for a faith tradition in which to raise their children, that lift up values of love, justice respect and compassion. April is a Credentialed Religious Educator at the advanced level, a certified Our Whole Lives instructor, and the Director of Religious Education for Soul Matters. April currently serves as a Religious Ed consultant for the UUA as well as other UU Churches and is one of the founders and chairs of the annual Building Bridges Family Conference on Star Island.

April previously served First Parish Church in Taunton, MA, for seven years as their Director of Lifespan Faith Formation and was the 2020 recipient of the Marjorie Bowens Wheatley scholarship, a scholarship for BIPOC women who feel called to service in the Unitarian Universalist Faith. She is so happy to be joining the First Parish in Waltham congregation as the Director of Faith Formation this year!

To contact April, email april.rosario@walthamuu.org.

Office Administrator / Music and Choir Director – Emma Campbell

Emma Campbell (she / her / hers) joined the First Parish staff team as music director in the fall of 2019.  With a background in Music Education, Emma has worked with a wide variety of musical ensembles and with people of all ages.  Piano playing has always been a passion, having taken a great interest in her father’s playing from a young age.  Emma has a degree in Music from Southampton University (UK).  She moved to the States in 2016, having married an American and become a step-mom to 4 children.  In her spare time, Emma plays violin with Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra and loves baking and gardening. Email Emma about musical matters at musicdirector@walthamuu.org.

Emma started to work in the office in June 2022.  Her ability to ‘direct’ musical ensembles has been tested in many ways as she encourages other staff to meet deadlines. If you want to know something about the church or its people, Emma may not know the answer but is likely to know who to ask.  Drop-ins during office hours are very welcome. To contact Emma at the office, email office@walthamuu.org or call 781-893-6240.

Facilities Manager – KJ Robertson

KJ (he / him / his) joined the staff in 2023.  He is a qualified motor mechanic and makes use of this skill to ensure the building and its fixtures and fittings are maintained to a high standard.  In his spare time, KJ enjoys fishing, reading and has a longing to travel.  While at work, his journeying is mostly restricted to moving between the slightly spooky Undercroft and the ‘Breezeway’, but he is also often spotted roaming the grounds hunting for trash.  Email KJ at kj@walthamuu.org