Contact information for ministers and staff can be viewed here.

The Rev. Dr. Stephanie May 
Minister
The Rev. Stephanie May, ThD, has explored questions about life and religion throughout her life. She earned a degree in philosophy from Wheaton College (IL), a Masters in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Harvard Divinity School. Her doctoral work focused on the intersection of religion and women, gender and sexuality studies. Prior to entering the ministry she served as a teaching fellow at Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School, and a Lecturer at both Brandeis and Boston College. She also served as the interim UU chaplain at Wellesley College and as a summer chaplain at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. A proud native of Michigan, she and her family currently live in Lincoln.

The Rev. Deborah Pope-Lance
Affiliate Minister
The Rev. Deborah J. Pope-Lance provides training and coaching to clergy and congregations on the ethics of ministerial practice and congregational life. In addition she maintains a therapy practice in Natick, Massachusetts, offering counseling to individuals and couples and supervisory support to ministerial staff teams. She holds Ministerial Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association in both Parish and Community Ministry, is an accredited Interim Minister with the Interim Ministry Network, and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Currently, she is engaged in a counseling ministry as an Affiliate Minister with the First Parish in Wayland, Massachusetts.

Alyssa Lee
Intern Minister
Ministerial Intern Alyssa Lee is a current Master of Divinity student at Meadville Lombard Theological School. This is a second career for Alyssa who practiced as an attorney and mediator for over ten years in the state of Oklahoma, primarily focusing on civil rights and employment law. Alyssa hopes to combine her passion for social justice work with her love of pastoral care and exploring the divine as she pursues parish ministry. She particularly finds meaning through poetry, meditation, and long walks in nature. Alyssa is a native Oklahoman who currently lives in Hudson with her husband, young son, mother-in-law, and dog.

Kate Holland
Director of Lifespan Education and Engagement
Kate Holland has been a religious educator for over 13 years first serving on the staff of the UU Area Church in Sherborn as their Director of Religious Education for eight years and now working with us here at First Parish. She has also served on the board of the Unitarian Sunday School Society as their grant manager. Kate has worked with Children throughout her career as well as raising four children of her own. Kate’s role here at First Parish allows her to work with people of all ages to find programing that helps them to deepen their own spiritual center, as well as working with both new visitors and current members to help them to connect into the life and work of First Parish. Outside of work, Kate is an avid crafter, and enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs.

Pauline “Polly” Oliver
Music Director
Polly Oliver, First Parish Organist and Music Director, has enjoyed a lifelong career as a pianist, harpsichordist, organist, choral director and teacher. At First Parish, she conducts both the Adult and Children’s Choirs, each year preparing and conducting two major works with the choirs and orchestra. An active chamber musician herself, Polly truly loves searching out amateur musicians within the parish and surrounding community, encouraging them in their music and providing them opportunities to become involved in the First Parish Music Program.

Karen Plaskon
Parish Administrator
Although not introduced to UUism until her 20’s Karen feels she was born a UU in spirit. She is an experienced church administrator with strong skills in communications, technology and financial systems. Karen studied and worked in computer software for many years and continues to work in a family owned internet marketing business building and maintaining websites. Karen is mom to 3 grown children and an adorable “terri-wawa”, Rubio. Having a lifelong love of water, she is currently able to walk, bike and kayak around the beach, living on the South Shore.