Merrin Clough is the Interim Director of Religious Education while the congregation searches for a full-time replacement for the outgoing Britt Cryer (see below.)  Merrin was raised as an Unitarian Universalist.  She worked for three years as the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, Florida.  After this she returned to college and earned an elementary education degree and teaching certification from Warren Wilson College in North Carolina.  She has spent the last few years as an elementary school teacher.  She is excited to again be working within our faith, and is looking forward to helping Central Unitarian Church prepare for the future of its religious education program.

Contact: mclough@cucparamus.org or (201) 262-6300 ex.203

Amy Panetta. Central Unitarian Church welcomes our new part-time Youth Program Coordinator.  When meeting Amy it is clear that she is a warm-hearted person.  Our search team found her cheerful and easy to relate to.  She is quite enthusiastic to begin working with the youth group in August.  To this work she brings the skills and insight of a trained educator; she has a degree in music education.  In the last few years she was a music teacher in New Jersey and was compelled to travel abroad to receive her Master of Arts degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick in Ireland.  Currently, she teaches music at a nearby Montessori school and gives private instrumental lessons.  As the Youth Program Coordinator she is excited to facilitate youth leadership and help cultivate a collaborative dynamic as well as develop a deep sense of community.

Contact: youthgroup@cucparamus.org or (201) 262-6300 ex.204