Jill Braithwaite (she/her) joined UUCW as its new settled minister in August 2024. With a ministry grounded in connection, joy, and love, Jill believes deeply in the power of Unitarian Universalism’s message of love and justice. Jill believes all people bring gifts to a congregation’s life and mission, as together we serve the larger purpose of transformational ministry. Our shared ministry includes mutual engagement, honest and direct communication, a great deal of joy and humor, and a strong sense of mission.
Jill has previously served congregations in Minnesota in Minnetonka and Duluth. She comes to ministry after a 30-year career in children’s book publishing and 15 years as a lay leader at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis.
Jill has previously served congregations in Minnesota in Minnetonka and Duluth. She comes to ministry after a 30-year career in children’s book publishing and 15 years as a lay leader at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis.
Dave Cicero (he/him) joined the staff of UU Church West in August 2019, after a career teaching Art in Waukesha, WI and CA public schools. He’s also a potter/sculptor and a musician (guitarist, and bassist in a band that sometimes appears in public but under different names). Dave is a native of Chicago (who roots for both the Bears AND the Packers), a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, and lived for a time in California, where he began his teaching career and started a family. He earned an MA in Visual Studies from Cardinal Stritch University and realized he was UU just prior to joining Lake Country UU Church in 2006.
Ruben Piirainen (he/him) has served at UUCW since 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree in piano performance from Bowling Green State University. In 2009 Ruben was one of the first graduates of the UUA’s Music Leadership Certification Program. Ruben is also a piano teacher with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and has appeared with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera, Present Music, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Brew City Opera, Opera for the Young, Festival City Symphony, and Kenosha Symphony Orchestra. He manages UUCW’s music programs and enjoys the enthusiasm of our fine group of musicians and the congregation’s love of diverse music.
Vicki Banville (she/her) joined the staff at UUCW in 2012. She holds a Master’s degree in Training and Development from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Prior to serving UUCW, Vicki worked in management for Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin and Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin. Vicki was born in Waukesha, and after spending 10 years in northern Wisconsin was glad to move closer to her family. She is grateful for the caring people of UUCW and loves working for an amazing religion that shares her values.
Jess Hamel (she/her) joined the staff of UUCW in September 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Elizabethtown College. Her past professional experience includes working as a Starbucks barista, nanny, baker, music/theater teacher, and music director of a teen theater company in San Francisco. Jess is thrilled to serve as accompanist at UUCW. She also volunteers at her children’s schools through PTO boards and events. She is grateful to work in a role that challenges her and connects her to her values.