Our Minister and Staff
Rev. Dr. Jason Cook
Minister
Rev. Dr. Jason Cook is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA) and has served as a parish minister for over ten years. His doctoral degree is from Claremont School of Theology. He also holds an M.Div. from Meadville Lombard Theological School (a Unitarian Universalist seminary) and an M.A. in interfaith action from Claremont Lincoln University. He gladly puts those interfaith organizing skills to use in working with local organizations dedicated to social justice.
Rev. Jason's writings have most recently been published in Skinner House's "Shelter in this Place" and "Meditations on Class." He has served as a hospital chaplain, a seminary admissions director, and, most recently, as the executive director for UU Wellspring, a non-profit dedicated to spiritual deepening. Before he began his ministry, Rev. Jason served as an HIV prevention counselor for AIDS Services Foundation. In his spare time, Rev. Jason can sometimes be found on a local stage alongside his husband (and fellow occasional actor) Lawrence. Rev. Jason is passionate about bringing people together through Unitarian Universalism's blend of reason, justice, and love.
Director of Children’s Religious Exploration
Kimbra Westervelt earned her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in music from CSUF. She discovered Unitarian Universalism after attending a service a few years ago. Kimbra's teaching experience includes English grammar/essay writing and vocal coaching. She finds being a mentor and teacher to be very fulfilling. When not teaching, Kimbra regularly performs as a singer/songwriter in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, she is also an actor and voice-over artist, enjoying being a part of Southern California's artistic community.
Kimbra Westervelt
dretapestry@gmail.com
Irene Steyman
Music Director
Irene graduated from Donetsk State College and Conservatory in Ukraine with a Master’s degree in concert piano performance, piano pedagogy, accompaniment, and chamber music. She has over 20 years of experience as a church pianist and accompanist at Pine Hill Congregational Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan where she recorded a CD called “Saved By Grace” with the Pine Hill Choir. She is also the founder of the Pine Hill Chamber Music Trio, where she enjoyed practicing and performing with a violinist and cellist who were also members of the Congregation. The trio performed in various events within the Church and participated in an annual fundraiser for Music Ministry Concerts. She is also an experienced piano teacher of both private and group lessons. She loves being able to help inexperienced musicians grow into advanced concert pianists who share her passion for piano and music.
Irene is a certified Yamaha Education System Instructor from Yamaha Corporation of America, a certified Suzuki instructor, and is trained in Music for Young Children (MYC), a group piano program designed for young students beginning their musical studies. Irene is a Member of the American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers, the National Federation of Music Clubs, and the International Composition Festival.
Irene recently relocated to Orange County from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan and has loved spending time exploring all of the new surroundings with her husband and daughter. When she is not playing the piano, she enjoys being outside in nature and basking in the beautiful weather and beaches here in California.
steymani@hotmail.com
Andrea Zaraza
Office Manager
Andrea Zaraza graduated from Saddleback College with her AS in Business Administration and AA in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently enrolled as a student at Cal State Fullerton pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has over 8 years of experience in administration working in different industries. Andrea moved from Colombia at a very young age and has been a local Orange County Resident since 2003. On her free time she enjoys going to the beach, hiking, spending time with her family and friends, and spoiling her family dogs – Daisy, Rocco, and Chico.