About Lou

Lou's work is rooted in the historic pastoral ministries of teaching, spiritual care, and accompaniment. Their journey has never been "simple." Through years of discernment and an evolving relationship with God, Lou has developed a unique pastoral perspective on the intersectionality of faith, sexuality, gender, and human relationships.

Lou grew up in an Irish Catholic household and left the Roman Catholic Church following Confirmation at the age of sixteen. Over the next two decades, they explored a variety of religious and spiritual traditions, including Unitarian Universalism, Humanism, and Shambhala Buddhism. Today, Lou is an active member of the United Church of Christ (UCC).

Lou's theological education reflects a nontraditional path. They earned a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry through the Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary after beginning their studies at the New York School of Ministry (UCC).

Through teaching, pastoral care, spiritual companionship, and education, Lou serves those seeking to deepen the connection between their faith and lived experience. Their work is rooted in Christianity and is particularly focused on LGBTQ+ Christians, ethically non-monogamous relationships, leather and kink communities, and others whose lives often exist at the margins of traditional Christian spaces.

Lou is not ordained and is not licensed as a clinical mental health provider. Their work is pastoral rather than clinical and is not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or crisis services.

Service to Other Organizations

Current Ministry & Leadership to Other Organizations

Ministry is rarely done alone. In addition to my own ministry, I have been privileged to serve alongside congregations, nonprofits, conferences, and community organizations in leadership, pastoral care, education, technology, and community support. The experiences below represent a selection of those commitments.

Church in the Wild (New York) — Zoom Chaplain

Provides digital hospitality and online ministry support, helping cultivate welcoming and accessible spaces for worship, community, and spiritual connection.

All 'Bout Community Con — Technology & Moderator Lead

Leads the virtual technology team and moderation staff, supporting presenters and attendees while helping create an accessible, welcoming, and well-managed online conference experience.

Recovery in the Lifestyle — Vice Chair, Webmaster & Technology Lead

Provides organizational leadership through board service, website management, and technology support for recovery programming and operations.

The following above is not a complete resume of Lou's present commitments.

Selected Past Ministry & Leadership

Every role has taught me something about serving others. The experiences below are a selection of the communities and ministries that have helped shape the minister I am today.

Pragmatic Kink — Moderator & Technology Lead

Supports a global online community through moderation, digital event management, and community care. Serves as Technology Lead and moderator for THRIVE, Pragmatic Kink's mental health conference, helping create a welcoming, accessible, and well-supported virtual learning environment.

United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) — Jack of All Trades Extraordinary

Served in multiple elected leadership roles, including Secretary, Social Media Coordinator, and Treasurer. Contributed to organizational governance through strategic planning, bylaw review, financial oversight, General Synod representation, board development, and co-authoring annual reports.

Boi Chaplain (Affiliated with Pride Center Vermont)

Offered weekly drop-in interfaith chaplaincy, providing pastoral care, spiritual support, and a welcoming presence for LGBTQ+ community members.

New England Leather Alliance (NELA) — Ombudsperson

Served as Ombudsperson, providing mediation, consent review, incident response, emotional support, and risk management recommendations for the regional leather community.

Leather & Grace — Steering Committee Officer

Served on the Leather & Grace Steering Committee, advocating for greater inclusion and support of kinky Unitarian Universalist ministers, religious professionals, and lay leaders.

Formation & Continuing Education

Ongoing learning is an important part of my ministry. Alongside formal education and certifications, I regularly pursue continuing education in theology, pastoral care, ethics, grief, sexuality, and community leadership.

Certificate in Pastoral Ministry - Phillips Theological Seminary

Preaching Cohort — Pathways Theological Seminary
Clinical Pastoral Education (1 Unit) — UVM Medical Center
Certified Sexuality Educator (All Adult Levels) — Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Death Doula Certificate — University of Vermont
Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate — University of Vermont
SHIFT Interfaith Leadership Cohort — Glean Network
Community Advocate Training — Steps to End Domestic Violence
Mental Health First Aid — National Council for Mental Wellbeing

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