OUR STAFF

Katrina Wuensch

Senior Pastor

Katrina graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 2000, and has been serving UCC churches in Massachusetts ever since!

 

She's been with West Parish since March 2016, and loves the vibrant, welcoming, authentic community. You can often find her humming hymns, walking her dog or enjoying a good microbrew.

 

Check out Katrina's weekly thoughts on her blog postings or view her messages via LiveStream!

Renee Manning

Minister in the Community 

Renee recently retired as a Senior CAD illustrator at Raytheon after 38 years. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in December 2018 and was ordained in the United Church of Christ in April 2023. She has been a member at South Church in Andover the past eight years during her journey to ordination.   

 

Renee will be doing education and outreach around issues of LGBTQ inclusion and welcome. Contact Renee if you would like her to preach at your faith community, or lead a program with your organization.

Emelie Thornhill

Christian Education 

Emelie is the West Parish Sunday School Coordinator.  Each week - along with parent assistants - she teaches Sunday School.  

 

Thank you Emelie!

Mila Filatova

Music Co-Director

Mila has been an award-winning pianist since the age of 17. She graduated with an MM and highest honors from the prestigious Sobinov Conservatory of Music in Saratov, Russia.   

 

Since coming to the US, Mila has played in numerous solo concerts throughout New England, including chamber music festivals and multiple piano duet concerts with the renowned American pianist Frank Glazer.    

Demetri Sampas

Music Co-Director

Demetri started playing piano and organ at a very young age and developed those skills while attending Pacific Lutheran University. 

 

While in school, Demetri received many honors and awards through the Organ Historical Society in which he was the strategic planning advisor.  Demetri shared\s his passion for music through many solo performances at the University of Puget Sound, Trinity Parish and St Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Treble Chorus of New England, the Methuen Music Hall, and many other locations.  

 

Enjoy Demetri's amazing organ skills on the West Parish You Tube Channel!  

Amber Leima

Church Administrator

Amber is a dual national of the UK and USA and has enjoyed worship and administrative work at various churches in both countries. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Sussex, England. She is a cellist and avid reader.