Our Ministers and Staff

Rev. Eric Cherry – Interim Minister

Rev. Eric joined Westminster as Interim Minister on September 1, 2022. Previously he was the minister at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, MA. Prior to that, he served with UUA as Director of the International Office, and before that as Parish Minister, at Unity Church of North Easton, MA.

Rev. Eric comes to us with much experience and many assets, including a strong commitment to social justice. He joins us “with a deep sense of humility and immense joy” and feels “deeply called to ministerial service with Westminster Unitarian Church.”

Rev. Eric’s typical work schedule is below.  Keep in mind that many weeks aren’t ‘typical’ so please confirm all meetings with Rev. Eric. You can reach Rev. Eric by phone at (401) 884-5933 or email: minister@westminsteruu.org  Or, if it is helpful, you can use Rev. Eric’s Calendly to book an appointment.
Rev. Eric’s ‘typical’ weekly schedule:
  • Mondays: 9-Noon, 1-5  – Rev. Eric’s writing today, (typically from home office)
  • Tuesdays: 10 – 6 (WUC) 7-9 (WUC or home office)
  • Wednesdays: 9-Noon, 1-5 (home office)
  • Thursdays: 10 – 6 (WUC) 7-9 (WUC or home office)
  • Fridays: Rev. Eric’s sabbath day
  • Saturdays: 9-Noon (home office)
  • Sundays: 8-Noon (WUC)

Rev. Eric looks forward to meeting with you.  And, he hopes that you will contact him in the event of a pastoral emergency on any day, at any time. Rev. Eric is informed immediately when a voicemail message is recorded at the above number.

Rev. DL Helfer – Developmental Minister

Reverend DL Helfer is a Unitarian Universalist minister, a genderqueer individual, and a believer in truth-telling. Reverend DL joined Westminster UU as a half-time Developmental Minster in January 2023. Rev. DL will share with Rev Eric Collaborative Worship, Religious Education, and Social Justice Leadership. You can reach Rev.Helfer at
562-760-4020 or email DLHelfer@westminsteruu.org. Or, if it is helpful, you can use Rev. Helfer’s Calendly to book an appointment.

  • Rev. DL’s “typical” weekly half-time schedule with WUC:
  • Mondays: 3-9 (writing time (home office), with the exception of RE mtgs)
  • Tuesdays: 10-4 (WUC)
  • Thursdays: 9-12 (home office)
  • Sundays (3/month): 8-12 (WUC)
Rev. Helfer will typically not see WUC emails outside of the above times; I will respond to you at my earliest convenience. I look forward to speaking/meeting with you soon.

Marisa Albini – Office Administrator

Marisa joined Westminster as the Office Administrator in November 2019. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Adult Education. Marisa has worked in the Institutional Advancement area of higher education as a Director of Alumni Affairs and as an Annual Fund Major Gift Officer. She has extensive experience in events, fundraising, and working with non-profit boards. To contact Marisa Albini, please send an email to malbini@westminsteruu.org.

 

Nonetta Shatakhtsian – Music Director

Nonetta has been at Westminster since 2005.  An exceptional pianist, she plays at all our services, as well as providing direction to our adult choir.  In addition, Nonetta is on the faculties of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra Music School, the Our Lady of Mercy School in East Greenwich, RI, and the St. Peter School in Warwick, RI.  Her credentials include a B.A. in Music from Romanos Melikyan College of Music, an M.A. from Armenian State Conservatory (where she became a Professor of Piano Performance).  She is a member of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association and MENC, The National Association for Music Education.