Unitarian Universalist Church West

The Rev. Suzelle Lynch came to UU Church West as Minister in 2003. She loves our congregation and its people, and finds our blend of spirituality and social action meaningful, life-changing and fun. Suzelle grew up in Michigan, but moved “west of the Mississippi” for the first 22 years of her adult life, including 16 years in the Seattle area. In 1994, she earned her Master of Divinity degree from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, California, and she served as minister to the Kitsap UU Fellowship in Bremerton, Washington for eight years. Prior to becoming a minister she was a communications professional, working for companies as diverse as personal robotics and financial services. Suzelle loves to sing and to make unusual hats, and she lives in Wauwatosa with her husband Young Kim and their daughter. Suzelle keeps regular office hours and also is available by appointment. Contact her at (262)782-3535 or by email below.

UUCW has a very large, energetic, creative, and successful religious education program. The program is led by Maria O'Connor, our full-time Director of Religious Education and the Religious Education Committee. Maria holds a Master of Arts degree from Syracuse University in Religious Studies, a Master of Spiritual Psychology Certificate, and has been trained as a Spiritual Director. She has served UUCW as Director of Religious Education since 1997.

Ruben Piirainen has been on the music staff at UUCW since August 2003. In addition to working at UUCW, Ruben is also the Associate Music Director at the Skylight Opera Theatre in Milwaukee and he performs regularly with the Festival City Symphony and the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra. He has a bachelor of music degree in piano performance from the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University and a master of music degree in piano performance from Bowling Green State University. He has appeared in more than 100 recitals across the country and made his international debut at the 2003 Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. He is a Credentialed Music Leader of the Unitarian Universalist Association and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network.  He lives in Bay View with his partner.

Sue Wille joined the staff of UUCW in August 2008 as Administrative Coordinator. She coordinates the buildings and grounds, the office, and is the liaison between committees. Sue holds degrees from WCTC in Interior Design, from UW Parkside in Communications, and from Mount Mary College in Business. Her former jobs include owning an electronics company. Sue enjoys sewing, theatre, and sports and lives on the Northwest side of Milwaukee with her cat.

Kelly is UUCW's Religious Education Program Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Stevens Point in Communication. Each week she keeps the religious education instructors well supplied with their lesson materials. She also schedules the use of any audio, visual or computer equipment. She lives in Muskego with her husband and five sons. She is in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Ebbie joined the staff of UUCW in October of 2008 as the Administrative Assistant.  She was first introduced to UUCW through her involvement with the Wisconsin Cream City Chorus where she is a member of the Board and a founding member.  Ebbie retired from AT&T where she had been a manager.  She lives in Milwaukee with her partner.

Chris has served as the Sexton at UUCW since the summer of 2009. His duties are primarily custodial in nature and also include set-up and tear down for special events at the church and being the sound technician for Sunday services. In the past Chris has served UUCW as the Coffee Coordinator and is currently the “8th Principle” softball team coach and a member of the Campus Committee. Chris has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Ottawa University and is the Donor Database Specialist for a local non-profit. When not working, Chris lives and breathes all things sports. He and his wife and two children reside in Greendale.

Stacy Ellens has been UUCW's accompanist for the adult choir since August 2009.  She holds degrees in piano performance from the College of St. Benedict, and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.  Stacy is also the accompanist for Women's Voices Milwaukee, and has appeared with other local groups including the Wisconsin Cream City Chorus.  In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, going to Brewers games, and scrapbooking.  Stacy lives in Jackson with her husband.