Rev. Dr. Mary Early-Zald, Minister

Hello! I am Mary Early-Zald, the minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Somerset Hills. If you are an adult, please call me Mary. If you are a child, please call me Rev. Mary, and if you are a youth, call me Mary or Rev. Mary, whichever seems natural to you.  

I was raised in the Catholic Church during my childhood in Kansas City, MO and Santa Monica, CA. During my youth, I entered a time of exploration and questioning which lasted into adulthood, when I eventually identified as a secular humanist. Since early adulthood, I have always identified as agnostic, which means that I do not claim knowledge of the ultimate nature of a/the Divinity, but instead keep an open mind.

My first career was in psychotherapy, after I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Other careers included student development, then professional development and diversity coaching during my time in Nashville, TN. I moved to Nashville in 2000 and became a Unitarian Universalist in 2001, seeking out a community of people who shared my values and a place where I would feel inspired to follow my ethical path.

I answered the call to ministry in 2014 and started attending Divinity School at Vanderbilt University shortly thereafter. I completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) in hospitals, including St. Thomas West in Nashville and Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. During my training, I found that I have particular gifts in working with youth, young adults, and marginalized communities. I completed my ministerial internship in Nashville, half-time at Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation and half-time at Nashville Launch Pad, a shelter program for young adults focusing on the needs of LGBTQ+ young folks.  

Since completing my UU ministerial requirements, I have worked in hospice and hospital chaplaincy, as well as serving as the Affiliate Community Minister at Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit, NJ. My background has uniquely equipped me in street, activism, and trauma ministry.  

Currently, I continue to maintain a spiritual stance of openness and curiosity. My theological sources include Buddhism and Liberation Theology, while my Higher Power is dynamic, multi-faceted Love. I value the teachings of my childhood Catholic congregations which focused on caring for each other in the world. Many teachers have impacted my life, some better-known, and many lesser-known. I value Unitarian Universalism for our openness to many perspectives, richness of sources, commitment to justice, and openness to spiritual growth.  

Rather than setting regular office hours, I am available for you to contact to arrange a mutually convenient meeting time at [email protected].  

Welcome, and I look forward to sharing our gifts in ministry!

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Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Minister Emerita

Rev. Craig Hirshberg is a UU minster who retired after serving for five years as the Executive Director of UU Faith Action NJ (formerly the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey (UULMNJ). Previously, she also served on the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Trauma Response Team board, and was deployed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. She has a wealth of experience in the pulpit and in the community. She is Minister Emerita of the UU Congregation of Somerset Hills, where she served as the founding minister. She brought to her ministry extensive non-profit experience including training, planning, community organizing, and program development. She is a spiritual director and hosts meditation classes, retreats, and other spiritual development activities.

Rev. Craig is a graduate of Drew Theological School, and a lifelong student at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. She received her spiritual direction training at the Shalem Institute in Washington, DC and from the Rowe Spiritual Direction Program. Rev. Craig currently serves as President of the Murray Grove Board of Trustees. She lives in Easton, PA with her husband Dominick De Pinto, and has three grown children and four grandchildren.

Staff

This vibrant team of professionals helps the congregation to deepen their spiritual connections and put their faith into action.

Stephanie B, Office Administrator

Stephanie has been with UUCSH since 2019. Her work experience includes editing, educational book distribution, and business management. She loves crossword puzzles, cooking, language learning, dogs, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Jennie Stilwell Belmonte, Religious Education Coordinator

Jennie has been attending UUCSH with her family since 2008. Prior to engaging in a staff role as Religious Education Coordinator, she has volunteered in various roles within the UUCSH community, including RE Lead Teacher, and member of RE Vision Team, Committee of Shared Ministry, and Choir. In the larger community, she has also served as a Cub Scout leader and as a co-leader for 4H Robotics club – Somerset Servos. She currently co-leads Girl Scout Troop 61144. Work experience includes roles at Raritan Valley Community College, Sanofi, and Johnson & Johnson. Her passions include gardening, reading, crafting, camping, and gaming, as well as spending time with her spouse and their two children.

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William Magalio, Music Director

Will has been working for UUCSH for over 13 years. He has played piano for 36 years, but has also studied violin, tuba, and voice. During the week, Will serves as the Marching Band Director and Director of Orchestras at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. His bands and orchestras consistently earn superior ratings and high scores in competitions and festivals throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Will received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and his Masters in Music Technology from the University of Newcastle, Australia.

Will is also very active in local community theater. He serves on the Board of the Readington Community Theatre where he and his wife, Cindy, have participated in the cast and have served as music director and choreographer for many musicals over the past decade.

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Alison Mingle, Choir Director

Alison earned her bachelor’s and master’s in Music Education at Westminster Choir college in 2008, and her DMA in Music Education with a concentration in voice performance at Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2018. She has been teaching high school choir and vocal music in gifted and talented programs for 17 years. In addition to both teaching and taking private voice lessons, she sings with professional choirs such as The Princeton Singers and has sung on both sides of the baton in churches and musicals all her life. She is thrilled to join this inclusive congregation.