Who are Unitarian Universalists?
We are people of all ages, people of many backgrounds, and people of many beliefs. We create spirituality and community beyond boundaries, working for more justice and more love in our own lives and in the world.
Unitarian Universalism affirms and promotes seven Principles, grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions. UUCA is a congregation that has adopted an 8th Principle:
“UUCA covenants to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
UUCA Staff
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Our Ministers
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Rev. Amanda Poppei
Senior Minister
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Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel
Minister of Social Justice and Community Development
Rev. Amanda Poppei
Senior Minister
Rev. Amanda began as Senior Minister at UUCA in August 2020…which as you might guess, gave her some amazing opportunities to develop her unexpected televangelism ministry! She is so grateful to be able to connect now both in-person and online. Indeed, Rev. Amanda’s ministry is grounded in connection; what she loves most about congregational life is the experience of watching people find each other, and through those relationships find out more about themselves. The basics: Rev. Amanda studied Religious Studies undergrad at Yale University, and received her Masters of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. In the past, has served on the Strategy Team of the Washington Interfaith Network, as a member of the Meadville Lombard Theological School’s Humanist Special Collection Board, as Co-Creator of the Humanist Clergy Collaboratory, and in leadership positions in both the Unitarian Universalist and Ethical Culture clergy professional associations. Currently, Rev. Amanda is the Co-Chair of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association. When she’s not doing all of that, Rev. Amanda can be found reading (her favorite genre might be described as Jane Austen But Make It Queer), embroidering (usually slightly saucy sayings), and hanging out with her family, including her two amazing kids.
Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel
Minister of Social Justice and Community Development
Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel is the Minister of Social Justice & Congregational Development at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, in Arlington VA. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion and a Master of Science in Nonprofit & Association Management from the University of Maryland, University College. Before joining the UUCA congregation, she served UU congregations (as a Settled and Interim Minister, and in other roles) in PA, MD, CA, WA, OK and NJ.
Rev. CTC is currently the chair of the UUA Commission on Appraisal and serves her colleagues as the treasurer of the UUMA. As the 2nd Vice President of DRUUMM she also holds a position on their Steering Committee. Here in the DMV, she serves as the Convener for CUUMA, and is a member of both the Arlington Interfaith Network and the Arlington NAACP.
UUCA Staff
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David Mann
Music Director
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Ken Bissell
Director of Handbells
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LeeAnn Williams
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
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Ashley Johnson
Teen Coordinator
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Jason Jenkins
Lobby Attendant
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Annie Parker
Administrative Event and Facilities Coordinator
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Chris Merriweather
Assistant Custodian
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Nicole Haley
Congregational Engagement Manager
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Matt Connors
Facility Manager
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Cameron McGehee
Audio Technician
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Jose Pineda
Head Custodian
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Erik Hertting
Financial Advisor
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Nikki Steele
Church Administrator
David Mann
Music Director
David Mann is delighted to serve the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington as Music Director beginning in August 2024. David leads a varied career as a teacher, conductor, and professional musician in the Washington D.C. area. He resides in McLean, VA with his wife Anna and their daughter Alice. His passions include building community through inspired performances, programming works by marginalized composers, and supporting musicians of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive.
This year, David begins his fifth season as artistic director of Voce Chamber Singers, an auditioned community choir based in Vienna, VA. He is also a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Maryland under the tutelage of Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand. David began his career as a choral director in Prince William County Schools and continues to serve as an adjudicator, clinician, and presenter for K-12 choral programs in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. As a vocalist, he has performed with the Oregon Bach Festival, National Cathedral, and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C.
Ken Bissell
Director of Handbells
Ken is a New Hampshire native and came to the Northern VA area as a tympanist with a US Army unit band. He has served as Director of Handbells at UUCAVA since December of 2010. Prior to Arlington, he served several other churches and built handbell programs from 1st grade through adult. For three decades his advanced teen ensembles toured every summer throughout the US and Canada. Ken has taught public school band and chorus in New England, Maryland and Virginia as well as directed musical theater productions. He is a past Area 3 Chair for the Handbell Musicians of America having also served as VA State Chair and member of the National Board. He currently is serving as the Mentor coordinator. Since 1976 Ken has led numerous workshops and festivals throughout the United States and Canada. He received a BS in Music Education from the University of NH and an MA in Choral Conducting from George Mason University where he served as Assistant Choral Conductor. He also studied composing and arranging for handbells at Westminster Choir College. Ken lives in Centreville, VA with his wife Bev. He enjoys walking, swimming, playing the piano and guitar as well as all percussion instruments along with traveling and spending time with his wife, children (Dena & Cory) and grandchildren (McKenna & Lyla).
RVP and Independent Contractor with Primerica
Ken has been in the financial business for over 37 years serving as a financial advisor, recruiter, trainer and developer of independent representatives. He holds professional licenses in 19 states and his business currently provides advice on over 1.100 investment accounts.
LeeAnn Williams
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
LeeAnn has been serving UU congregations as a religious educator since 2004. She enjoys all fiber arts—cross stitching, knitting, and crocheting. She also is passionate about dogs and volunteers in Basset Hound rescue.
Ashley Johnson
Teen Coordinator
Jason Jenkins
Lobby Attendant
Annie Parker
Administrative Event and Facilities Coordinator
Chris Merriweather
Assistant Custodian
Nicole Haley
Congregational Engagement Manager
Nicole has been privileged to directly serve diverse populations, extending her support to incarcerated youth, teen fathers, and the LGBTQ community. Complementing her hands-on approach, she has contributed to programmatic development, exercised leadership, and provided career readiness support to high school and college-aged students including those with disabilities.
Engaged in community-focused endeavors, Nicole holds certification as a Kundalini Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and meditation teacher, fueled by a deep passion for these practices. She firmly believes that her dedication to service enriches her capacity to offer heartfelt assistance to all. Nicole is thrilled to be a new member of the UUCA team. Nicole resides in Maryland with her partner and child.
Matt Connors
Facility Manager
Cameron McGehee
Audio Technician
Jose Pineda
Head Custodian
Erik Hertting
Financial Advisor
Nikki Steele
Church Administrator
Nikki Steele is the Congregational Administrator at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA. She graduated from George Mason University with degrees in Accounting and Finance and holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Houston, Downtown. Nikki first discovered Unitarian Universalism in Houston, TX, in 2013. She loved the Unitarian Universalist community and was hired as the Congregational Administrator at First UU Church of Houston. She is grateful to have found a fantastic community here at UUCA where she can continue doing the work she loves.
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