Our Staff

Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister

515-244-8603 Ext. 102  •  cell: 352-682-8492  •  mgarmon@ucdsm.org

Alice J. Stewart, Director of Finance & Administration

Alice has a master’s degree in anthropology (focus in religion, expertise in linguistics and biology). She served in the Peace Corps in Cape Verde, West Africa before returning to the US where she got her MBA. She’s served the Church in many roles for over 20 years, most often leading the business office. She’s a Certified Project Manager, consultant, and creative writer. Her fiction focuses on creative communities and collaborative leadership. Her academic work involves semiotics, sacred sites, and offering practices.

Office Hours:

Birch Spick, Faith Formation Coordinator & Congregational Life Coordinator

Birch (they/them/theirs) works closely with our Faith Formation and Congregational Life committees and volunteers to deepen and enrich our shared community and the programming that sustains it. They are a graduate of Iowa State University, and currently enrolled in the Masters of Divinity program at Meadville Lombard Theological School. Prior to joining staff at First Unitarian, they worked in refugee services & housing services.

515-244-8603 Ext. 103  •  ffoffice@ucdsm.org • cloffice@ucdsm.org

40 hours/week
Office Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hannah Notch, Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator

Hannah Notch (she/her/hers) officially joined us on November 2, 2021 after filling in at the front desk for a month. Growing up through the Unitarian Church has been a significant part in her journey towards enjoying spirituality and leading her life with love and kindness. She has a huge passion for kids and finds purpose in teaching them and helping them feel understood. Hannah is currently pursing a degree in Sociology. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with family most of all, and is glad to have that opportunity more frequently following the COVID-19 vaccination. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to be the first face of the church and meet all of the new people.

Hannah is responsible for:

• Ensuring digital presentation (via Zoom) of Sunday services, Sunday forums, and other events as assigned, and that digital elements (slides, videos, recordings) are prepared and presented professionally.
• Managing post-production posting of services, events, etc. via YouTube, podcasting, and other media.
• Maintaining the church calendar, coordinating requests from the Minister and staff, lay leaders, Board, and outside users. Posting and updating the public calendar in ways the congregation can access it easily.
• Coordinating with the Minister and staff to help promote events and manage scheduling conflicts. Creating digital outreach content as needed
• Providing courteous, professional reception and assistance to members, visitors, vendors and others. Routing messages. Receiving deliveries.
• In collaboration with the DFA, ordering office supplies and coordinating with vendors.
• Maintaining staff mailboxes and staff bulletin board
• Assisting the Coordinator of Congregational Life in the maintenance of the membership database
• Managing access cards and establishing a record system for these
• Acquiring nametags for staff and congregants
• Conducting criminal background checks of volunteers when requested
• Maintaining a scheduled digital presence for the church, including regularly scheduled posts to Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.
• Coordinating Childcare Staff

515-244-8603 Ext. 107  •  hnotch@ucdsm.org

Office Hours:  32 hours/week

Tuesday – Friday:    1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday:    tech assistance during service

Faithyna Leonard, Communications & Rental Coordinator

Our very own Faithyna “Faith” Leonard, Childcare Lead, is now also our new Communications & Rental Coordinator. Faith will be working part time flexible hours and will be managing communications and outside rentals.

Faithyna Leonard (she/her/hers) joined us on February 24, 2023, working in the childcare room, and now has officially joined our Office Staff as of August 21, 2023 as our Communications & Rental Coordinator. Faithyna obtained her BA in Human Services from Simpson College. In her free time, Faithyna enjoys being expressive through art and writing. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to meet all of the new people.

Faithyna has experience in childcare, management, administration, event coordination, marketing, and much more. She also works for the City of Des Moines.

Faithyna is responsible for:

• Organizing all outside rentals and communications with outside groups.
• Providing tours to potential renters and answering any questions renters may have during the duration of the renting relationship.
• Providing building access and answering all questions about building usage for outside renters.
• Updating and creating the Intercom each week.
• Maintaining the church website.
• Working with the Office Manager to ensure internal and external events and groups are properly communicated.

515-244-8603 Ext. 106  •  fleonard@ucdsm.org

Available By Appointment

Bruce Martin, Pianist

Barb Martin, Special Music Coordinator