Minister, Reverend Rebecca Hinds
Originally from Duluth, MN, Rebecca was raised in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature from the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities, a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA, and was ordained to the ministry in 2014.
She most recently served as the Developmental Minister of Peoples Church. (Developmental Ministry is a type of ministry designed to help struggling congregations meet specific goals and return to health over a period of 3-5 years.)
She met her wife, Casey, in seminary in 2013. Casey has a Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia State University (a Historically Black College), and a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. She is a strong leader, skilled preacher, and dedicated mother. One of her biggest gifts is her passion for hospitality and making sure everyone is welcome. Casey is currently a stay at home mom to almost 2-year-old daughter, Madeleine.
E-mail: rebecca@charlestonuu.org
Minister Emerita, Reverend Jacqueline Collins
The Rev. Jacqueline Collins retired in 2005 after a sixteen year ministry at UCC. Jacqueline graduated from the Starr King School for the ministry in Berkeley CA. She describes herself as a Religious Humanist influenced by Martin Buber and Thich Nhat Hanh. In Charleston, Jacqueline was on the board of the YWCA for many years, and was active in the Memminger school program, the NAACP, and a group of ministers at the time when LGBTs were rejected outright. She participated in the March for Women’s Lives in 2004.
Born in France, Jacqueline lived in Paris during the WWII German occupation, emigrating to the U.S. in 1956. When in California, she enjoyed backpacking in the Sierras with her four daughters. In retirement Jacqueline published the translation of the diary of an officer POW in Germany, published by her father, prisoner in the same camp.
Community Minister, Reverend Nathan Woodliff-Stanley
The Rev. Nathan Woodliff-Stanley (he/him) is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who currently serves as Executive Director of the South Carolina UU Justice Alliance (SCUUJA). Nathan moved to Charleston in 2021 after his wife Ruth became the first woman elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. Originally from Iowa, Nathan completed academic degrees from Swarthmore College, Yale Divinity School, and the Yale School of Management. He served as the founding director of the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits for ten years, as a social justice minister at Jefferson Unitarian Church in Colorado for eight years, and as Executive Director of the ACLU of Colorado for more than seven years, along with consulting ministry with two other Colorado UU congregations. His current volunteer commitments include leadership in the Abolish Slavery National Network (seeking to abolish slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime), the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, and Charleston Area Justice Ministry. He affiliated as a Community Minister with the Unitarian Church in Charleston in October, 2022. Nathan enjoys hiking or walks, vegan cooking, music, puzzles, and reading. Nathan and Ruth have two young adult sons, John in St. Louis, and George here in Charleston.
Music Director, Ryan Pagels
Ryan Pagels is a highly sought-after conductor, composer and pianist. Before moving to Charleston, Ryan was the Director of Music at St. John's Episcopal, Interim and then Assistant Artistic Director for the Cumberland Choral Arts, and Collaborative Pianist at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Before that, Ryan lived in Central Florida, serving as the Artistic Director and Conductor for the Marion Civic Chorale, and Director of Music at Countryside Presbyterian Church. He also served as Chorusmaster for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and worked as a vocal coach at Stetson University for the voice studios and the Opera program. With the Ocala Symphony, Ryan has prepared the chorus for Handel's Messiah and for Orff's Carmina Burana.
In 2010, he made his Carnegie debut, collaborated on recitals with faculty from Julliard, and was the pianist for the opening ceremonies of the World Equestrian Games. In 2011, he made his international debut, concertizing in Italy as part of the Orfeo Music Festival. Ryan has been invited as a guest artist and to give masterclasses throughout the U.S., most recently at Marshall University, Butler University, University of Central Florida, Stetson University, Georgia Southern University, and the University of Southern Indiana. Ryan has also worked and concertized with a wide variety of musicians, including Audra McDonald, Marvin Hamlisch, Arlo Guthrie, and Wynonna Judd.
Ryan also served as the Resident Music Director at the Ocala Civic Theatre, and music directed throughout Central Florida. Productions include Mary Poppins, Les Miserables, The Fantasticks, The Last 5 Years, and Songs for a New World, to name a few.
E-mail: ryan@charlestonuu.org
Director of Community and Faith Development, Danielle Lopez
Danielle Lopez moved to Charleston in 2012 and found the church in 2016. She joined the church staff in 2019. Previously, Danielle taught preschool for 7 years. She loves being around children of all ages, as she is always inspired by their endless curiosity. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, reading, cooking and meeting new people.
Email: danielle@charlestonuu.org
Director of Finance and Operations, Christine Magnarella Ray
Christine joined the church staff in February of 2020, a year and a half after she and her family moved from Colorado. Having been UU's for almost 20 years, one of their top priorities in relocating was to find an active UU congregation. They received a warm welcome here and joined as members within a month of arriving. Christine also owns Do Good Books, helping small nonprofits with their bookkeeping. Previously, Christine worked in various roles for the Unitarian Congregation of Asheville. Christine is an avid amateur naturalist and loves the outdoors, good food, books and movies. She and her husband David live on James Island with their cats, Mochi and Wiley.
E-mail: christine@charlestonuu.org
Communications and Administrative Specialist, Erika Gosselin
After graduating from the College of Charleston, Erika and her young family moved to Europe, and then to New England, before settling back in the Lowcountry. She has held many varied positions during her professional career, as many former stay at home moms do, adjusting to what fits in a busy life. Erika is excited to settle in and joined the team in 2024. Her time outside of work is spent reading, enjoying live music, and exploring with her kids.
Sound and AV Specialist, Jeremy Holenko
Born and raised on James Island, Jeremy Holenko has been a full time Audio Engineer since 2018, working locally and on tour with big acts and local familiar faces. The son of music group The Hungry Monks, Jeremy has spent his entire childhood surrounded by the same musical traditions that can be seen and heard at our church every week.
Wedding & Event Coordinator, Susan Findlay
A lifelong Unitarian, Sue has been a part of our congregation since 1996. She has held the on-site wedding coordinator since 2008 and has worked with many couples who have chosen our beautiful church for their wedding ceremonies. In the past, Sue has taught Religious Education and served on various committees including the Religious Education Committee and the Music Committee. She is currently a member of the choir. While not coordinating weddings, Sue works as a technology teacher at Harbor View Elementary School. She is also a member of the Charleston Symphony Chorus and plays keyboards in a band with other members of the congregation.
Email: weddings@charlestonuu.org
