I was raised in New York City not far from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where I would go almost every Saturday morning for classes or to explore with my brother William. He and I were very close growing up, and remain so to this day.

Our parents were an interfaith couple (Jewish-Christian) who chose Unitarian Universalism as a spiritual home “where they could worship together while holding different beliefs.” My mother was a nurse, a union organizer, and an active lay leader at our congregation, the Unitarian Church of All Souls. My father was a lawyer, a stamp collector, and worked part time because of health challenges. The extra time with him was precious because he passed away from heart disease when I was only 14.  Unfortunately, that was not the only challenge our family faced together. When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer with slim odds. However, I withstood some grueling treatments and became a survivor. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t give thanks just for being alive. 

As a youth, I was drawn to the stage, swimming, and the senior high youth group at All Souls. My love of theater and our faith continued into college — I was co-chair of the UU Campus Group and the Shakespeare Theater Group. Heavy radiation and surgery on my left arm ended my swimming career, but I still enjoy it for fun. 

I graduated from Bryn Mawr College with an A.B. in French Language and Civilization and from Harvard Divinity School with a Master of Divinity. 

I am married to David Snedden, a middle school science teacher. David and I are both lifelong UUs (he’s actually a 3rd generation UU) who have been youth leaders, youth advisors, and young adult leaders. While worship is not his vocation, it is an avocation, especially the visual components. He is quite the artist. We enjoy collaborating on themes in worship together when time allows for it.  

We have a son, Asher, who is in the fourth grade whom we adore. Our family enjoys hiking and going on road trips and exploring the cultural offerings of cities and towns. Over the years, we have had a menagerie of rescue animals and pets. Currently, we have a hedgehog who has brightened up our time during the pandemic.