OUR STAFF
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Rev. Dr. Althea M. Smith, Minister
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Nigel Goss, Music Director
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Leyah Jensen, Children & Youth Program Director
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Bridgett Bloise-Smith, Sexton
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Rev. Linda Simmons, Retired Minister
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Rev. Edward B. Anderson, Minister Emeritus
Rev Dr. Althea Smith
Minister
Rev. Althea is an ordained UU minister and comes to us with a wealth of skills and experience, including a PhD in Clinical/Community Psychology and licensure as a Registered Nurse. She is a seasoned activist and community leader.
Rev. Althea is also a wonderful listener and a keen observer who will challenge us to do our work of discernment as we prepare for our next settled minister and decide on our path forward. Her open heart informs her ministry as she works to abolish injustice and inequities in our community, country, and the world. Rev. Althea sees the potential for our congregation to become a bright “beacon” that will draw in our island neighbors in our quest to become an inclusive beloved community.
Nigel Goss
Music Director
In September 2019, Nigel Goss was hired as Music Director. Nigel brings a wide range of music and musical experience to the Meeting House music program. He has been a keyboard player and bassist in every kind of ensemble from reggae bands to jazz combos to classical orchestras, and has a vast love and appreciation for all facets of music and musicality.
In addition to his role at the Meeting House, he teaches music at the Nantucket Community Music Center and the Nantucket Lighthouse School, and can be found performing at various venues all over the island. He brings his love of all kinds of music to the Meeting House and strives for vibrant and eclectic presentations, and collaborates with musicians in the church community as well as guest musicians from the island community.
Leyah Jensen
Children and Youth Program Director
Leyah Jensen Marshall holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honors degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. Studies in fine art have taken her worldwide, from acclaimed institutions like the Danish Design School and Pacific Northwest College of Art; to Artist Residencies in India, Haiti, and Nepal. She is the recipient of distinguished awards ranging from a National Gold Medal in Art & Design (VICA) to New York Book Show 1st place winner and #1 bestselling pop-ups (New York Times). Locally she is a recipient of the Chase Plein-Air Award, and enjoys sharing her broad fluency in art mediums through teaching while working as a fine artist and children's book creator in Nantucket.