Rev. Bran Lennox, MDiv
Minister
Rev. Bran Lennox is delighted to have begun serving as the minister of the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg as of August 2024. Residing primarily in Baltimore with their spouse, Sable, and corgi, Saoirse, Rev. Bran is enjoying the process of getting to know the congregation as well as the city of Harrisburg. They bring their creative drive and their love of worship arts as they are eager to collaborate with this phenomenal staff team.
Rev. Bran began their path to ministry as the Director of Music at First Parish in Malden, MA, where they were inspired them to apply to seminary. They received their Masters of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School, completed their ministerial internship at Mount Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, California, and was honored to return to First Parish in Malden for their ordination in 2021.
While preparing for their first solo ministry search, Rev. Bran served for several months as Leave Minister at First Parish Brewster on Cape Cod, after which they served for two years as the Transitional Minister of the UU congregation in the town of Harvard, MA. While preparing for the next unknown step on their ministerial journey, Rev. Bran interviewed with the UCH search team and knew in their heart that this was the right fit.
Rev. Bran identifies as nonbinary, trans, queer, neuroatypical, and multiply disabled. They consider these identities and their accompanying experiences to be a source of connection and compassion in their work as in all they do. They are always excited to learn new things, especially about the people in their communities. In their free time, Rev. Bran enjoys spending time in nature, listening to audiobooks, and the occasional industrial music show. Rev Bran takes tremendous joy in their work as a minister, and hopes to always spread that joy to those they serve.
Yvonne DuVal, MMus
Director of Music Ministries
Yvonne graduated from Colorado State University in 2006 with a Bachelors in Flute/Piccolo Performance. She then attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England where she had the honor of studying under Peter Lloyd. She graduated in 2007 with a Masters in Flute/Piccolo Performance. Yvonne has taught as an instrument specialist in public high schools as well as in her own private studio. In addition, she has ten years of experience in business, including six years in human resources. She has performed with many groups, including 12 years with the Fort Collins Wind Symphony.
Yvonne completed the Music Leadership Certification Program through the UUA in early 2023 and is an active member of AUUMM (Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries) and DRUUMM (Diverse & Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries).
Cory Ness
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Cory began her journey as a Unitarian Universalist in the early 1990s when she found a religious home to raise her children at a Unitarian Universalist congregation. There she discovered the UU Principles and Sources, which aligned with her own life philosophies. She has been a professional religious educator since 2006, serving most recently at the UU Church of the Shenandoah Valley near Winchester, VA.
Cory’s love and passion for Unitarian Universalism can be seen every Sunday and in the many credentials she has acquired over the years. In 2012 she became a Credentialed Religious Educator, completing all 10 of the Renaissance Modules. Since that time, she has completed Our Whole Lives (OWL) Training, a comprehensive sexuality program for Kindergarten through the 12th grade; Spirit Play, a Montessori approach; Pastoral Care; Creating Healthy Congregations; Anti-Racism Training; Interim DRE Training and others.
She and her husband, Daryl, were both born in York County and have lived most of their lives in the southern part of the County. They have two adult daughters who live in Virginia. Their oldest is an industrial-organizational psychologist, and their youngest is an English as a Second Language educator. For self-care, Cory loves creating fiber art including quilts, needle felting, and crochet. She also enjoys spending time camping and hiking with her husband.
Tavia Flanagan
Office Assistant
Tavia handles our daily office needs including bookkeeping, answering emails, coordinating room and Zoom reservations, creating graphics, preparing Orders of Service, and other general office functions. She also serves as the coordinator of our gift card fundraising program and assists lay leaders and volunteers with projects as needed.
Chris Emkey
Piano Accompanist
Chris Emkey is a professional musician and music teacher based in Central Pennsylvania. Originally from Reading, PA, his start in music came at age 9, stumbling through “Ode to Joy” by ear at home after hearing it played by the school band.
After gigging his way through high school in local bars and restaurants, Chris enrolled in Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he earned a degree in Piano Performance.
After graduating in 2016 Chris headed to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent over 6 years performing and recording with dozens of bands and artists as well as teaching private piano lessons.
During this time, he was able to work with some of the Music Industry’s best, including jazz keyboardist Karlton Taylor (Victor Wooten), blues guitarist Carl Stewart (BB King), rock guitarist Kris Bell (Bo Bice), and country drummer Vincent Dee (Brenda Lee).
Now back in PA, Chris continues to use this depth and variety of experience to create memorable live performances and an inspiring and creative teaching environment.
Learn more about Chris’ career, performances, and teaching at Chris Emkey Music.
Mike Waldvogel
Facilities Manager
Mike has worked in facilities maintenance and management for over 10 years, including at the Lebanon Rescue Mission and Palmyra Area School District. He is currently employed as Operations Manager at Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. Raised in New York City, he now lives in Annville.
He oversees and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the church’s buildings and property and works collaboratively with the staff, Building Team, and Gardens and Grounds Team. He also serves as sexton, attending to general cleaning needs.
Patti Hazell
Childcare Provider
Patti is a proud member of UCH! She is a native of Harrisburg and was raised Catholic, but became a UU in 2009 and served on the Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2023. She currently serves as Chair of the Auction Committee and is a member of Queen Spirit and the Engagement Team. Patti previously volunteered by helping in the nursery and with the K-5 classes. She has helped to organize various events at the church including potluck dinners, Winter Solstice services, Samhain celebrations, Pie Day, and revitalizing the Safer Congregation Team.
Patti lives with her daughter Jessica, son-in-law Grant, and grandson Jack along with two dogs and a cat. Clearly a busy household but full of love! Her son Ryan and his wife Valerie also live in the Harrisburg area. Currently, Patti works full time from home as a customer support analyst for Brightree, LLC; a software company based out of Atlanta GA. In her free time she enjoys crocheting, gardening, walking the dogs, and playing with Jack.
