REV. TINA SIMSONMINISTER EMERITA
REV. RICHARD S. GILBERTMINISTER EMERITUS
220 Winton Road South
Rochester NY 14610-2998
We acknowledge with respect the Seneca Nation, Keepers of the Western Door and part of the Haudenosaunee People, on whose ancestral and contemporary land First Unitarian now stands.
585-271-9070
office@rochesterunitarian.org
A native of Texas, René moved to Rochester in 2018 after residing in the Pacific Northwest for twenty-seven years, finding the cost of living too good to resist. His background includes cash management, medical billing, and accounts receivable reconciliation. In his spare time, he can be found playing with his dachshunds, working around the house, or when mood strikes, breaking out the chalks to draw.
Nina (she/her) grew up attending First Unitarian and is really glad to have re-joined the religious education program as Youth Ministry Coordinator. Outside of church, Nina is in the final year of a PhD in mental health research. She’s looking forward to a fun year in youth group exploring UU identity and building connections with one another.
Kelly was born and raised in Rochester, New York. She attended Roberts Wesleyan College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Disciplinary Studies/Education and Art. Kelly has been working with children between the ages of 2 and 5 for almost twenty years now. She has a wonderful son, Brayden, who is 2 years old and she absolutely loves being a mom and working with children. Kelly looks forward to meeting everyone and helping all of your children grow!
Vicki grew up in the Chicago suburbs and Northern Wisconsin, and has a BS in Electrical Engineering and Economics and worked at Kodak Park for 17 years. She and her husband, Ted, live in the Highland Park neighborhood in the city. Her children attend city schools, and that began her journey as an education advocate for city kids. Vicki has served on various boards and committees from nursery school to the district level. Vicki believes that while city schools have many challenges, they have provided an excellent education — both academically and socially for her children – James and Julia. As UU/Schools Partnership Coordinator she is thrilled to help place volunteers at Schools 22 and 15 to help the students, but also so the volunteers can learn from the students and the schools. Vicki joined First Unitarian in 2010 and is an active member of the choir and social justice work. In her spare time, she races sailboats and takes walks in Highland Park.
Rev. Tina faithfully served First Unitarian for eight years as Minister of Spiritual Development and Pastoral Care, before retiring in June 2018. In retirement, she facilitates UU Wellspring, a spiritual deepening program for UU congregations across the US. She has a spiritual counseling practice and advocates for the wellbeing of children through The Children’s Agenda/Interfaith Collaborative.
Tina is an Interfaith Minister, ordained through One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and certified in Spiritual Counseling. She is an Associate Member of the UUMA.
She travels this life with her soulmate Joe, her dear children, abundant grandchildren, and her delightful dog, Roscoe.
The Rev. Dr. Richard S. Gilbert retired in 2005 after serving 44 years in the Unitarian Universalist ministry in Cleveland, Ohio, Golden, Colorado, Ithaca, New York, and for 32 years at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York. He received an M.Div. from St. Lawrence University Theological School, a D.Min. from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and honorary doctorates from St. Lawrence University, Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Starr King School for the Ministry.