Core Staff
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Rev. Ellen Quaadgras
Settled Minister
603-956-5143
Contact Rev. Ellen Quaadgras about
- Worship Services at South Church
- Membership
- Pastoral Care
Rev. Quaadgras received preliminary fellowship from the Unitarian Universalist Association in 2011, was ordained in 2012, and received full fellowship in 2014. Her MDiv, 2011, is from Andover Newton Theological School, Newton, Massachusetts. She has served as the settled minister of Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich, RI, since 2012. As part of her ministerial training, she served as Ministerial Resident for Social Justice, 2011-2012, at The First Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX, and during 2010, she trained in clinical pastoral education.
Prior to entering seminary, Rev. Quaadgras had a career in technology. She received her Bachelor of Science in 1989 from Johns Hopkins University and advanced training in business and systems analysis from MIT/Sloan School of Management, Harvard Extension School, and Northeastern University.
If you would like to learn a little more, please watch this video with Rev. Quaadgras and our Director of Lifespan Ministries, Kirsten Hunter
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Kirsten Hunter
Director of Lifespan Ministries
603-956-5144
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Lifespan Learning at South Church
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Multi-Generational Fellowship and Service Opportunities
- Wider Community Engagement
Kirsten Hunter credentialed religious educator with over 25 years of experience as an educator and leader in a variety of settings. She serves South Church, alongside Reverend Ellen, in co-leadership. Kirsten's shared leadership portfolio includes supporting faith formation for all people at South Church from birth through adulthood. She joyfully collaborates and supports Jen Del Deo, our Religious Education Coordinator serving children youth and families, and works in partnership with congregational volunteers to provide vibrant opportunities for adult faith exploration and spiritual practice. In addition, Kirsten works with Reverend Ellen to help build connections between our congregation and our wider UU faith community; to develop and deepen volunteer leadership in the congregation; and generally support the mission and vision of South Church. Kirsten is a life-long UU and proud mother of two sons. She has a Masters degree in Special Education and loves to garden and spend time outdoors.
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Jonny Peiffer
Director of Music Ministry
603-956-5147
- South Church Choir
- Special congregational music
- Children's Music Opportunities
Jonny Peiffer is and has been an active member of the Seacoast NH music community for over 20 years. He is a pianist, drummer, composer/arranger, bandleader, and producer, and has led many musical, theatrical, and multidisciplinary projects in the area, including the band Sojoy, Shango Afro-Beat Orchestra, The Adventures of Oliver Z. Wanderkook, and the music and meditation collaboration SoundBody, among many others. He spent much of the late 90's and early Aughts as a dancer in many Drika Overton productions, including Clara's Dream: A Jazz Nutcracker, and dance and movement continue to be a major passion and source of joy. He is currently a faculty member at Portsmouth Music and Arts Center, where he has taught since 2011. He collaborates with Rev. Ellen, Kirsten Hunter, accompanist Susan Adams, and the whole staff, to expand on the message each week through music and song. And he is constantly open to finding new ways for members of the church community to share their artistic abilities or discover their voice. He is a proud father of two wonderful kiddos with his beautiful and talented wife Sara.
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Jen Del Deo-Barry
Director of Children and Family Ministries
603-956-5146
Contact Jen Del Deo-Barry about
- Religious Education Classes
- Coming of Age (8th Grade)
- Child and Family Resources
Jen DD-B coordinates religious education programming for children, youth and families at South Church in collaboration with the Minister and the Director of Lifespan Ministries. She is invested in strengthening community, deepening individuals' understanding of being a Unitarian Universalist, and helping participants to be of service to the wider community. Jen has attended South Church since 2006 and became a member in 2010. She loves the outdoors, has taught in Nature education programs, and is raising two daughters.
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Jennifer Leyden
Congregational Administrator
603-956-5142
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General information
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Reservations and Rentals/Building Use
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Member directory help
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Communications
Jennifer is the first face you will see when visiting the South Church office. She answers the phones, greets our visitors, manages the church facility and events calendar, does all of the church communications, and offers administrative support to the congregation. She also supports the minister, finance, and RE staff in day to day operations of the church. Jennifer has been with South Church since 2015, is a lifelong resident of the Seacoast, and is a proud wife and mother/step-mother to six kids. In her free time, she LOVES to sing, play darts, and read/watch anything Harry Potter.
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Kristine Sawyer
Finance Administrator
603-956-5145
- Pledges and donations
- Bill payment
- Church Financial Information
Kristine handles the day to day finances of South Church. She processes all pledge and donation payments, handles all bills and works closely with the Finance Council to assure the church's financial stability. Kristine is a life long resident of the Seacoast, and lives with her husband and 5 kids. Kristine loves cooking, golfing and beachcombing!
Support Staff
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Susan Treleaven
Nursery Co-Supervisor
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Maisy Del Deo
Nursery Co-Supervisor
Maisy is the nursery co-supervisor and works in partnership with Susan to provide childcare for infants and small children on Sundays and for special church events.
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Ben Abbott
Ben provides sound and video support for Sunday Worship services, as well as serving as an attendant for weddings and special events.
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Susan Adams
Susan provides piano music for Sunday worship and some special events. She works with our Director of Music Ministry to provide accompaniment for the South Church Choir and special Worship services. Susan lives in New Hampshire, and is an administrative assistant at the University of New Hampshire’s Music Department.