Our Staff
Adam Podd, Director of Music, adam@firstubrooklyn.org
Adam is a Vermont-bred, Brooklyn-based music director, pianist, organist,
bassist, composer and arranger. His first connection to church music
started at age eleven, when he played for a Christmas Eve service in the sleepy town of Holland, VT. Read More
Garnett Losak (she/her), Director of Congregational Life garnett@firstubrooklyn.org
Garnett has been a member of First U for more than 35 years. She raised her now grown children, Katie and Joseph, in our Sunday school, and has served the congregation as a volunteer in more ways than she can remember. Garnett is here to help newcomers find their way. She loves hearing the many stories that our visitors bring with them. Nothing makes her happier than when a newcomer connects deeply with our congregation and becomes a voting member. Garnett Lives in Bay Ridge, is an avid Yogini, and loves visits from her three adorable grandchildren, Simon, Micah, and Rowan.
Renee Strickland, Director of Facilities Renee@firstubrooklyn.org
I am both honored and excited to join the wonderful staff and team for this growing and committed congregation. I look forward to wearing a few of Garnett’s hats while I manage events, expand community relations, and oversee facilities. I have a history of wearing several hats myself. I have practiced complex civil litigation; helped start-ups with intellectual property and employment issues; served as a Landmark Commissioner to preserve historic properties and districts; turned a farm-to-table dinner into an award-winning food and wine festival, while directly benefiting the farming community; and most recently consulted to a gender equity non-profit that had acquired a historic building as their new headquarters. More
Wendy Russell, Office Manager/Bookkeeper/Religious Education Assistant wendy@firstubrooklyn.org
Wendy is a working singer, songwriter, voice teacher, organizer, and bookkeeper. She is also a part time innkeeper who supports her mother’s B & B in the Berkshires on summer weekends.
In Wendy’s words, “I am a native New Yorker. I have 2 amazing daughters and 3 delicious grandchildren. One of my favorite places to have worked was Brooklyn Botanic Garden; walking through the gardens every day was heavenly and life affirming. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the First Unitarian Congregational Society.
Sean Sellers, Youth Ministry Coordinator, sean@firstubrooklyn.org.
Sean is a Licensed NYC Tour Guide with a focus on student educational tourism. He works with middle school and high school students across the US and England, He has been a member of First Unitarian for over 7 years and has worked with our Youth Group for the past 4 years including accompanying the youth on their annual justice learning trip.
Yvonne C. Garrett Intern Minister (she/her/hers) yvonne@firstubrooklyn.org is a second generation UU, feminist, activist, Religious Humanist/Ethical Vegan, and Aspirant for UU Ministry. She holds an MLIS (LIU), an MFA (The New School), two Masters from NYU, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. Currently pursuing a Master in Divinity at Starr King, she also serves as a Spiritual Life Advisor at NYU. She works full time at The New School, is a Shop Steward for the Teamsters, and works part-time as an editor at Black Lawrence Press. She was recently appointed Editor of the UU Studies Network Journal.
