Our Staff
 Rev. Darrel RicheyIn April 2012, our congregation voted to call Rev. Darrel as its next settled minister. He began service on July 15, 2012. In addition to his talent as an orator, Rev. Darrel has brought with him to Studio City a broad portfolio of skills in organizational and leadership development, in organizing and collaborating on behalf of social justice, and in nurturing members through personal challenges. Proud of his mixed European and First Nation (Native American) ancestry, Rev. Darrel promotes worship that is both theologically and culturally diverse, embraces inclusive language, and addresses the whole person, not just the intellect. For eight years prior to moving to Studio City, Rev. Darrel served as minister of the James Reeb UU Congregation in Madison, WI, where he strengthened their membership and financial condition as well as helped them become a more cohesive and vital community. He earned his Master’s in Divinity degree from the Starr King School for Ministry in Berkeley, CA in 2004, a year in which he also completed his ministerial internship in nearby Walnut Creek. Prior to his calling to Unitarian Universalist ministry, he was a successful furniture and interior designer in his home state of Texas for over 20 years. Rev. Darrel comments “I'm excited and enthused to accept this call of settled ministry with the Studio City UU congregation. From early on in my search, the heart of this community grabbed a hold of me and would not let go. And in return, I have opened my heart to them. I know that together we will create an ever more amazing and thriving community.” Rev. Darrel is joined in his move from Wisconsin to the San Fernando Valley by his partner, Daniel Fogel, and their college-bound teenage daughter, Alyson. |
 Director of Music: Nancy HollandNancy Holland is a DMA student at USC’s Thornton School of Music, studying Choral Conducting, where she studies with Jo-Michael Scheibe, Mary Scheibe, Cristian Grases, Nick Strimple, and Donald Brinegar. She sings in the Donald Brinegar Singers and the Concert Choir and University Choirs at USC. She is also the Assistant Conductor of the JPL Choir, which performs with the Pasadena Symphony. Before coming to USC, Nancy conducted in churches and schools and community choirs in Pasadena, CA, Palos Verdes, CA, and Belmont, MA. She has led choirs to South Africa, Latvia, Estonia, Cuba, and Transylvania, and she has taught both English and Music at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, Middlesex School in Lowell, MA, the Renaissance Academy in Eagle Rock, CA, and Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Hawaii. Nancy holds degrees from Swarthmore College, Stanford University, Middlebury College, New England Conservatory, and the Royal Academy of Music. She lives in Altadena with her husband, Jim, who teaches English at the Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, her daughter Lily, and their cat Thomas. |
 Director of Religious Exploration: Jill HerbertsonQuite a few years ago at this church, DRE used to stand for "Director of Religious Education." At some point, I can't recall who decided, or when or why, the "E" began to stand for "Exploration". I didn't really pay much attention to the name change at first, and don't get me wrong, I also love education...but that word "Exploration" really sounds like an adventure! For the past 16 years, I have served as a Religious Exploration Committee Member and Sunday school teacher. All that wonderful time with our children has been spent: Exploring ethics and philosophy, Surveying world religions, Creating building blocks for a personal theology, and developing a Unitarian Universalist identity. It has been profoundly rewarding. The UU principle which "affirms and promotes a free and responsible search for truth and meaning," was the reason I joined this church. And I look forward to my new job as your Director of Religious Exploration. Together let's explore more of life's big questions! |
 Facilities Manager: Stan PitluckStan has been a friend of the church over 35 years and a member for the past 12 years. He has served the church in many capacities and most recently completed a 6 year term as Treasurer and member of the Board of Trustees. He has been our Facilities Manager since September 2010. 30+ years on the loan side of the Savings and Loan business gives him an excellent background for his position of Facilities Manager. |
