Our Minister 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, 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) 884-8689 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.

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.

Jessica Hess – Director of Religious Education

Jessica M. Hess joined Westminster in 2021 as the remote Director of Religious Education. She grew up in a small town in PA and loved walking out her backdoor to the church next door for Sunday School and Wednesday night choir. Jessica has three grown children and it was for them she sought a welcoming faith community. A friend suggested Unitarian Universalism in 2003.

The call to the ministry of religious education came when a beloved friend and fellow UU passed away. She took this as a sign to do what spoke to her heart. Jess enrolled in a UUA course that spring and so began the journey. Since that first 15 hour course she has gone on to complete over 200 hours of training as a professional religious educator. 2021-2022 begins her seventh year in the work. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and large houseplant collection. You can reach Jessica at jhess@westminsteruu.org.


Beth Gibson – Assistant Director of Religious Education

Beth Gibson joined Westminster as the Religious Education Coordinator in May 2018. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Providence College and a Master’s degree in Education/Museum Studies from Tufts University. She brings creativity, a sense of fun and many years of experience in informal educational programming to her position at Westminster.

Beth and her family live in East Greenwich and when she’s not transporting her two children to every activity under the sun, she enjoys running, gardening and dragging her family to museums and historic sites in every city they visit. To contact Beth, please send an email to bgibson@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.