Meet Our Staff
Rev. Laura Thompson, Minister
Rev. Laura Thompson moved to San Mateo from Minneapolis in 2025 and is greatly enjoying life on the Peninsula. She holds a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and a B.A. in History. Her call to ministry is rooted in two core beliefs: that change and becoming are the most powerful forces in the universe, and that an awareness of our connections to all things—past, present, and future—has the power to heal and transform us. Before entering ministry, Rev. Laura worked as a chef. She lives with her wife, Emily, and their pampered pooch, Stella. Rev. Laura can be reached by email at revlaura@uusanmateo.org or by phone/text at 650-338-6067.
Liz Vasquez, Office Administrator
Liz is a San Francisco native and is excited to continue growing alongside UUSM. She is committed to supporting the congregation’s mission, helping UUSM continue to grow and thrive. Liz also looks forward to continuing to learn, develop new skills, and grow while contributing to the success of the community. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, traveling, and cooking.
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.
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!
Jeremy Raven, Music Director
Jeremy Raven is a San Francisco–based professional musician who has served as Music Director of UUSM since Fall 2023. He holds both an M.A. in Music, Science, and Technology and a B.A. in Music from Stanford University.
In addition to his work at UUSM, Jeremy is the Executive Director and “Fog King” of the Fog City Singers, serves as a music director for the Ragazzi Boys Chorus, and sings baritone with the San Francisco contemporary vocal ensemble Volti.
To learn more about Jeremy, visit jeremyraven.com.
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.
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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.
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.
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