English teacher at Philly's agricultural high school (where I teach Shakespeare, start tomatoes in the greenhouse, bottle-feed lambs on the night shift, and cook meat raised lovingly by my students). I came to Old First as a long-term volunteer, was as music director for nearly two decades, almost gave birth to my daughter while tuning the piano, introduced my son to service in the shelter before he could walk, and currently serve as an elder.

Born in Washington DC, raised in Virginia, I moved to Philadelphia for college and have lived in the Delaware Valley for 25 years (Bucks Co., NJ). The youngest of four, I am married (16 years) with two children (31 yo step-son, 12 yo daughter). Baptized Episcopalian, confirmed Presbyterian, re-confirmed Catholic, then found UCC after a long break from church. Left-handed Pisces with eclectic tastes.

I moved to Philly 9 years ago from Romania. My first Sunday at Old First I felt a connection. But I was living a double life. My church life was happy, full of hope and energy. My other life was often angry and depressed. Did believing in God make me suffer more? But through prayer, I began to feel energized, peaceful, powerful. Even if I cannot overcome my challenges sometimes, I believe in an infinite, eternal, almighty God, perfect in holiness, truth and love. God is Love.

I grew up in a family of five. I've lived most of my life in the Fishtown and Kensington areas of Philly before my current residence in Turnersville, NJ. Singing is my passion. Family, friends and my dogs give me joy comfort and purpose in life. I love working around my home, and most days in the warm months I can be found lounging by the pool or pulling weeds in the garden.

Although I live 45 minutes away from church in the First State (I work at the University of Delaware), the diverse, urban and forward-thinking atmosphere I found at Old First on a random visit caused me to stay. (Playing Stonewall Kickball on Sundays after service didn't hurt either!) In exchange, the church gained a vibrant, fun-loving and constantly-curious new member.