REV. SHARI HALLIDAY-QUAN
Shari was loved into being by a large extended family in Los Angeles made up of white folks, Chinese immigrants who did not come here “the right way,” Latinx and multiracial cousins, civil servants, a stunt driver, workers in the gig economy before we called it that, and so many other multitudes. Shari has spent most of the last fifteen years in New York City and during that time received a BA in Economics at Fordham University and a Masters of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary, studying in both places the imperfect science and art of how to do a lot with a little. Prior to beginning as senior minister of First Unitarian Church of Rochester in August of 2019, Shari trained at and served congregations, hospitals, and community settings in San Francisco, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Shari’s wife Elisabeth is an opera singer and founding member of Rhymes With Opera. They share their home in Rochester with a 17-pound cat named Hildegard, visiting family and friends, and never enough houseplants.
[email protected]
585-210-0310
REV. SHARI HALLIDAY-QUAN
LEAD MINISTER
REV. AJ VAN TINE
AJ van Tine is a lifelong UU who grew up at the UU Congregation of Fairfax, Virginia. His call to ministry developed as he participated in and led youth conferences, campus ministry, young adult conferences, and attended the annual General Assemblies of the Unitarian Universalist Association. AJ received a BA in philosophy and religious studies from Christopher Newport University and his Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and he completed a ministerial internship at the Boulder Valley UU Fellowship in Lafayette, CO. He then served two years as a minister at Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists in Auburn, CA, but unfortunately found the already-changed climate detrimental to his and his family’s health, which prompted his move back East. AJ lives in Rochester with his wife Ada, who is a writer, and their little black dog, Mina.
[email protected]
585-210-0135
REV. AJ VAN TINE
ASSISTANT MINISTER
REV. VERDIS LEVAR ROBINSON
MINISTER FOR GROWTH
FLORENCE JESSUP
She considers herself a UU institutionalist. Her focus is on the administrative and logistical support necessary to accomplish the vision and mission of our congregation and our faith. When not at work, Florence maintains a half an acre with a fruit orchard, berries, vegetables and lots of flowers. She also enjoys reading and is a member of several book groups.
[email protected]
585-271-9070 X105
FLORENCE JESSUP
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
PABLO WILLEY-BUSTOS
Bio coming soon!
[email protected]
585-271-9070 X110
PABLO WILLEY-BUSTOS
MUSIC DIRECTOR
SHANNAN FOOS
Growing up in Puerto Rico, and raised in a fundamentalist Christian religion, Shannan found Unitarian Universalism to be a sacred community that encouraged and supported her true beliefs and values. Shannan has been a very active member of First Unitarian Church since 2011. In her role as Membership Coordinator, Shannan’s ministry extends to all members and newcomers, and the Hospitality Team. She is very passionate about Unitarian Universalism, helping members and newcomers connect deeply with First Unitarian, and making sure members are spiritually fed. Celebrating membership millstones, getting to know our members, teaching Starting Point, and welcoming newcomers are some of Shannan’s favorite things! Shannan has a Master’s Degree in School and Mental Health Counseling and has worked at various organizations and school districts in the Rochester area. She has two daughters with her husband Mark, and a beloved pug named Percy. Shannan loves to swim, visit local museums, play board games, work in the garden, read and give out lots of hugs!
[email protected]
585-271-9070 X108
SHANNAN FOOS
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
PASTORAL CARE COORDINATOR
