We are lucky to have a talented and dedicated staff to support our journey. Staff can be reached individually at the email address links below or via the church office.
Office Hours: M-F 1-4 PM, and by appointment – Phone: (315) 386-2498 – E-mail: office@uucantonny.org
Carol has been Director of Religious Education since August 2014. She received her bachelor of science in recreation and leisure studies from SUNY Cortland. Carol brings a passion for living and working in community. Her background in adventure-based education and employee wellbeing gives her a unique perspective in providing programming. Carol believes our vibrant religious education program not only provides learning and exploration for our children and youth but also spiritual growth for our adult volunteers.
Gwen is the newest addition to the church staff and is also a new North Country resident. Originally from California, she most recently moved from Rhode Island where she spent the last 10 years working as a director for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. In a previous incarnation, Gwen was a professional stage manager at numerous theatres in Providence, New York City, and Boston. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Rhode Island and a bachelor’s degree from Mt. Holyoke College. In her free time, Gwen can be found rowing at Norwood Lake, hiking (or skiing) at Higley Flow, and tending her chickens and goats at home in Pierrepont. Along with husband Sean, a North Country native, Gwen is enjoying exploring this beautiful area and getting to know many of its wonderful inhabitants, both human and animal!
Carol has participated in church and secular choirs her whole life, either as a singer, accompanist, or director. She obtained a master’s degree in music education from the Crane School of Music and taught K-12 chorus and general music for 18 years in the New York state public schools. She currently teaches private piano students, enjoys accompanying for area choruses and student soloists, and loves working with groups of all ages. Carol has directed the choirs at the Canton UU Church since 2006.
Nelly is a third-generation church organist. She grew up singing in church choirs from the age of 9 and landed her first church job as organist and choir director at age 23. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in piano and a doctorate in musicology. She has been music director at Canton's UU Church since 1989 while also teaching at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam since 1991. She especially enjoys playing our historic organ, which will reach its 150th birthday in 2019.
The Revs. Anne Marsh and Wade Wheelock served as our church's co-ministers for 16 years, from 1993 until they retired in 2009. Upon their retirement, the congregation honored their ministry by naming them our Ministers Emeriti. Anne and Wade now live in northern New Mexico, where they are active in the Los Alamos UU congregation, enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains and canyons, and love spending time with their granddaughter. They appreciate their occasional visits to the North Country and treasure the wonderful people of the UU Church of Canton.
