Who are Unitarian Universalists?
We are people of all ages, many backgrounds, and 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 Universalists believe that love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all of the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected:
- Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
- Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
- Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
- Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
- Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
- Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.
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 & Community Development at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, in Arlington VA. She joined UUCA IN 2021. Rev. CTC 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 staff she served UU congregations (as a Settled and Interim Minister, and in other roles) in PA, MD, CA, WA, OK and NJ. In 2025, she is celebrating her 15th year of service to Unitarian Universalism.
Rev. Cissel currently serves her colleagues as the treasurer of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA). She is the 2nd Vice President of DRUUMM and holds a position on their Steering Committee. Here in the DMV, she is a member of CUUMA, and both the Arlington Interfaith Network and the Arlington NAACP. A resident of Washington, DC she is an active member of the “Free DC” movement and volunteers at Studio and Keegan Theatres.
Rev. CTC collects masterworks from Native American and First Nations Peoples’ artists, roots for the Washington Nationals, has two amazing adult children, and steals kisses from her delightful grandsons as often as she can.
Here are a few pieces of her writing:
Saving Democracy
https://www.uua.org/braverwiser/saving-democracy
Words Matter
https://www.uua.org/worship/words/reading/promise-and-practice-words-matter-reading
An Awful Magnificent Truth
UUCA Staff
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David Mann
Director of Music
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LeeAnn Williams
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
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Christina Kennard
Communications Manager & Religious Education Assistant
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Ahonore’ Varner
Events & Rentals Coordinator
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Nikki Steele
Church Administrator
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Alan Payne
Handbell Director
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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
AV Engineer
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Jose Pineda
Head Custodian
David Mann
Director of Music
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.
Christina Kennard
Communications Manager & Religious Education Assistant
Christina came to UUCA for the first time in January 2020 in the Youth Coordinator role. During the pandemic, she maintained this role and improvised with ways for continuation of community while 100% online. While in this role, she received her B.S. in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University. She left the area in June 2021 to pursue a postbacc program at Columbia University as she pursued her passion for the medical sciences.
She returned to Northern VA in April 2023 and reconnected with LeeAnn here at UUCA. Upon discovering that the Religious Education Assistant role was open, she immediately applied and was welcomed warmly back into the community. As a lifelong UU, she firmly believes in the values upheld by this community and strives to live well with them. During her second tenure here, Christina has had professional growth opportunities and began working with the Communications program. She now has fully absorbed the Communications Manager role, while still maintaining her role in the RE department.
Christina loves hiking and being outside with her dog, is an avid vegan baker, and enjoys anything that lets her creativity shine through. She remains passionate about the medical sciences and plans to pursue this career down the line.
Ahonore’ Varner
Events & Rentals Coordinator
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.
Alan Payne
Handbell Director
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 member of the UUCA team. Nicole resides in Maryland with her partner and child.
Matt Connors
Facility Manager
Cameron McGehee
AV Engineer
Jose Pineda
Head Custodian
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