Meet Our Staff
Rev. Laura Thomson, Minister
Rev. Laura Thompson recently relocated to San Mateo from the Minneapolis area where she served as the minister at Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for 9 years. She holds a Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and has a B.A. in History. Her call to ministry is based on two beliefs: that change and becoming are the most absolute and powerful forces in the universe, and that an awareness of our connections to all other things past, present and future have the ability to heal and save us. Previous to her call to ministry, Rev. Laura worked as a chef! She makes her home with her wife, Emily and a pampered pooch named Stella. Rev. Laura can be reached via email at revlaura@uusanmateo.org or via text/voice at 650-338-6067.
Jeremy Raven, Music Director
Jeremy Raven is a San Jose-based recording engineer, singer, and teacher. He is a graduate from Stanford University with a M.A. in Music, Science and Technology and a B.A. in Music. In addition to the role he serves with UUSM, Jeremy works as a substitute teacher in the Campbell Union School District, and has worked as a recording engineer for Stanford-based singing groups Fleet Street, Mixed Company, and the Stanford Chamber Chorale. An avid barbershopper, Jeremy serves as president of the San Francisco-based Fog City Singers chorus, and is also active with the Western Addition barbershop quartet. You can learn more about Jeremy by visiting his website at jeremyraven.com, or by reaching out to him directly at music@uusanmateo.org.
Jac Brennan, Connections
Jac Brennan (she/her) oversees radical hospitality to UUSM’s newcomers, members, and friends, and works to connect them to our religious community and assist them in their spiritual growth. Jac has been a UU for more than four decades and has served UU churches in a variety of roles. She has nine children, the youngest five of whom are adopted and have different kinds of disabilities. Advocating for her children led her to become an attorney who focused her practice on civil rights, disability law, and employment law. Jac is ignited by the work of creating connections to and within our beloved community. You can reach Jac at connections@uusanmateo.org.
Garrett House, Director of Religious Education
Garrett House leads the Religious Exploration program and activities for church youth. Garrett is currently a graduate student in the Master of Divinity program at the Pacific School of Religion and at UC Berkeley. His study focus is social justice, systemic equity, and spiritual care. Garrett is a Peninsula native and has served progressive families for over 15 years in multiple roles, including on the Congregational Church of Belmont’s Board of Education. His love for teaching started when he was 15, as a camp counselor and lifesaving instructor for the Boy Scouts of America. Garrett has a strong background teaching voice and classical theatre. He is the proud father of two daughters and will soon be a grandfather!
Evie Case, RE Helper
Evie is a recent high school graduate with a passion for working with kids. She discovered her passion through working at a daycare for around a year. Her other passions include art, music, and cooking. Evie is planning to study to become a social worker in order to help youth in need.
Kate Wasserman, Office Manager
Kate Wasserman (she/they) lives in the Chicago suburbs and is excited to join the UUSM community from afar as the office administrator. She has worked in a variety of office settings, ranging from a wholesale liquor store to a law firm, and she loves to get nerdy about processes and spreadsheets. Kate is the proud mom to two amazing humans (ages 21 and 18) and two lovable dogs, and when she isn’t working, she loves finding new hobbies to dive into–currently at the top of her list is watercolor painting.
Stephanie Lee, Office Assistant
Stephanie Lee is happy to join the staff of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo to support the congregation in her role as a part-time office assistant. As a long-time neighbor of UUSM and resident of San Mateo for over 30 years, she has a profound knowledge of the surrounding North Central community and its immediate needs. When she has free time, she loves working in her garden, biking with her three children, painting, and taking her dog for long walks around town.
Paul Zawilski, Pianist
Paul Zawilski provides good music for our Sunday services and Thursday choir rehearsals. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of music and an uncanny ability to transpose in real-time. When he's not on the piano, Paul slips into the back row of the choir and helps out on baritone or tenor.
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Nicholas Soriano Smith, Media Tech
Nicholas Soriano Smith makes sure our audio and visual quality are top-notch for UUSM's services and meetings. Nicholas is a senior at San Francisco State in the Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts department, planning to graduate in the summer of 2023. In his spare time Nicholas is a singer, leaning towards R&B and soul.
Across the distance, the light from within me shines, sending love to all
Across the distance, your light is fuel that warms me
and helps to keep my own light burning
Together, we keep the flame of community burning bright
~ Rev. Laura Thompson