Our Ministers and Staff - Westminster Unitarian Church

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.”

You can reach Rev. Eric by phone at (401) 884-5933 – if you leave a voicemail message, he’ll receive a notification right away; by email: minister@westminsteruu.org Or, if it is helpful, you can use Rev. Eric’s Calendly to book an appointment.

Please find information about Rev. Eric’s summer schedule here.

Rev. DL Helfer – Affiliate Community 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 Helfer is on leave from Westminster Unitarian Church from June 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023. They’ll return to serve the church as our Affiliate Community Minister on September 1, 2023.

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.