Staff
Below are the paid positions at Prairie—minister, religious education director, office administrator, and custodian. Prairie is a truly voluntary organization—it functions because volunteers plan and present programs and services, help with child care, teach children, wash dishes, shovel sidewalks, and more! There’s no better way to get to know us than to work with us. It’s easy to get involved in any of these activities.
Minister: Reverend Matt Aspin
Rev. Matt Aspin is thrilled to be serving a community that prides itself on active volunteerism and self-directed effort towards the common good. A recent graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School, his focus is on creating trusting, collaborative relationships with historically marginalized communities, expanding equity and ensuring better access to resources for all. Born and raised in New England, he spent the past few decades living in and appreciating the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He found Unitarian Universalism after his daughter Cece was born 12 years ago and has devoted more and more of his life to supporting and expanding the possibilities of this life enhancing faith ever since. In addition to his formal training, he brings to a wealth of real-world experience gained from a successful career focused on Human Resources management and Leadership Development in both small and large non-profit organizations. A recent Midwestern transplant, he and his partner the Reverend Denise Cawley currently live in Milwaukee, WI where they enjoy raising their kids, laughing at their dogs, gardening, cooking, biking, being in nature, and scheming for good together every chance they get.
Office Hours:
Sunday: In-person a minimum of 3 times per month. Available for in-person meetings in the afternoon upon request.
Monday: Consistent in-person office day. Available for meetings upon request.
Tuesday through Thursday: In office or working from home, depending on appointment schedule. Available for meetings upon request.
Friday and Saturday: Writing day and Sabbath day. Available for emergencies only.
minister@uuprairie.org
(608) 271-8218
Director of Religious Exploration: Alice Mandt
Alice is a life-long Unitarian Universalist, and she grew up in Madison, attending, at different times, all three Madison congregations. She has warm memories from her time in the Prairie RE program in particular. Having attended religious education programs at UU churches throughout her life, Alice has a strong grasp of the importance of faith development throughout the stages of early life and personally have been very much shaped by those experiences. Alice also has a lot of training on the national level through the UUA, particularly involvement with anti-oppression work, youth empowerment, and leadership development. She is excited to bring these skills to the position of DRE at Prairie.
Office hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
You can contact Alice by email at dre@uuprairie.org. She’ll be checking email outside these hours once a day. If you have an urgent issue, you can text her at 608-698-4636.
Administrator: Nancy Wunderlin
Office Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday working on site in the Annex, Wednesday – Friday working remotely.
admin@uuprairie.org
(608) 271-8218
Custodian: John Eliganti