We’re Here to Serve

Our staff are here to help you to understand our church and to offer a wide variety of church-related services to the congregation and public. More information is available on our Contact Us page.

Ministry

Reverend Ali K.C. Bell

Rev. Ali K. C. Bell, is a Black, Neurodivergent, Transgender man (he/Rev. Ali). In August 2025 he became the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces. 

Before moving to Las Cruces he served  as the Minister of Congregational Life and Engagement at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, and as Chaplain for the Unitarian Universalists at Riderwood Covenanting Community in Silver Spring MD. 

He holds a Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School and a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida, and is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister. Rev. Bell brings over 35 years of experience advocating for under-resourced communities across the Mid-Atlantic and the Regional Southeast.

Reverend Emerita Nancy J. Anderson

The Reverend Nancy J Anderson served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces as settled minister from 2002 – 2010. When she retired, the congregation named her Minister Emerita. Today, as a member of the congregation, she sings in the choir and assists with Ministerial duties whenever called upon.

Reverend Anderson received her MDiv from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2005 and served congregations in Pottstown PA, and Frederickton, New Brunswick, Canada before being called to Las Cruces. After retirement, she also served part time with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Otero
County NM.

Reverend Emeritus Rod Thompson

The Reverand Rod Thompson served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces as Interim Minister from 2010-2012 and as Contract Minister from 2023-2025.  When he retired, the congregation named him Minister Emeritus. Today, as a member of the congregation, he serves as Co-Chair of the Caring Committee and works with the Audio/Visual and Social Media Staff and volunteers.

Rev Rod received his Masters of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary in 1968. In addition to serving as the Ohio-Meadville District Consultant from 1998-2005, he has served the Balboa Union Church in the Panama Canal Zone, as well as Unitarian Universalist congregations in Kent and Toledo, OH, Augusta, GA, Adelphi, MD, Raleigh and Greenville NC, Wayzata, MN, and Pittsburgh PA.

Faith Formation

Kellie Ingram, Director of Religious Education

Kellie was born and raised in New Mexico, where she met her husband Nick in high school. After traveling through the US while he served in the military, the family of six (two sons & two daughters) settled in the Southwest desert they love. Kellie enjoys working with children and has devoted 20 years of her life to working with youth in several positions, including daycare teacher, home daycare director and in-home nanny. You may reach Kellie Ingram at

Music

Erick Ramirez, Director of Music

Erick S. RamÍrez Morales grew up in Chicago, Illinois as a teacher and social worker’s child, and started participating in worship services when he was three. Erick has been active in local music and theatre groups in whatever community he has lived including when he lived in Italy and South Korea. As a singer, he has served as a cantor for both Catholic and Jewish congregations, a section lead for Seventh-Day Adventist, Congregational, Lutheran, and Presbyterian congregations. He has served as a choir director and music director for Seventh-day Adventist, Catholic, and United Methodist groups.

Erick believes that music and worship go hand-in-hand. He believes in building up congregations in understanding that many voices, while varied, should edify each other. As a composer and arranger, he has sought to bring this idea into how music is done within a service community. He looks for ways to incorporate all worship styles into the needs of the communities he serves.

Erick currently lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico with his husband, mother, and three cats: Verdi, Chopin, and Dream.

You may reach Erick Ramirez at

Administration

Nancy Zacarias, Church Administrator

Nancy is an experienced business administrator with a passion for efficiency and productivity, dedicated to optimizing operations and fostering a positive work environment. Beyond the office, her greatest joys lie in cherishing moments with her family and extending a helping hand to those in need. She is passionate about making a positive impact, both personally and professionally and committed to creating environments where growth and support flourish.

You may reach Nancy at .

Media

Michael Yaczko, Audio/Visual and Social Media Specialist

Mike Yaczko is a professional content creator and media personality with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry as a stage actor, voice actor, singer, musician, writer, and stand-up comedian. He graduated from NMSU with a degree in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis on public relations, and a minor in sports/event marketing.

You may reach Mike at AudioVisual@uuchurchlc.org

Allison Claire Neal-Wallace, Audio/Visual and Social Media Specialist

Claire Neal-Wallace is a lifelong New Mexico resident, trans rights activist, and social media professional. She has a background in photography and video production and has been a congregation member since 2014. Claire joined the tech team in 2022, volunteering to operate the sound system before becoming a staff member later that year.

You may reach Claire at .

Our Leaders

Board of Trustees

Committees and Their Programs

• Adult Enrichment: Sara Thomas –
• Caring: Hale Huber –
• Committee on Ministry: Julie Woody –
• Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS): Casandra Calway ()
• Facilities Management: Charlie Scholz, Bill Fitzgerald, David Rice –
• Finance: Ed Gomolka and Shirley Davis –
• Gallery: Lurene John, Cathy Cox –
• Hospitality: Open
• Membership: Lyn Pearson –
  • Covenant Groups: Rev. Nancy Anderson, Gillian Leng, Lyn Pearson, Lucy Silva –
  • Greeter Coordinator: Mark Sukontarak –
  • Eating Out Coordinator: Carol Allen –
  • Welcoming Congregation: Sara Thomas
• Religious Education for Youth: Kellie Ingram –
• Social Justice: David Rice – SJC@uuchurchlc.org
  • Animal Advocacy: David and Ilene Steele –
  • Cooking at J Paul Taylor Center: Peggy Devlin, Elwin Nunn
  • Fine Dining at J Paul Taylor Center: Haney Pearson –
  • Hospitality for Refugees: Jan Thompson and Patrick Collins –
• Stewardship: Linda Ruchala –
• Sunday Services: Charlie Scholz – Sunday@uuchurchlc.org

Other Programs

• Auction – TBD,
• Campout – Charlie Welch and Jim Basler, sr.
• Death Cafe: Brooks Lewis –

Website

• Webmaster: Lyn Pearson –