Our dedicated ministry and staff support the programs, worship, and community life of Albany UU, and care for the members, friends, and wider community we serve.
Contact staff by email or leave a message at (518) 463-7135. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office. Office hours are listed on our contact page.

Looking for pastoral care or support?

Life brings moments of joy, change, and loss. Our Pastoral Care Associates and Caring Network offer compassionate, confidential support whenever you need it.

  • Ann Kadlecek holding a clipboard and microphone

    Rev. Ann Kadlecek

    Interim Co-Minister

    Rev. Ann Kadlecek (she/her) is a Unitarian Universalist minister who believes deeply in the transformational and healing power of religious community. Her ministry focuses on congregations in periods of intentional transition.

    Before joining Albany UU, Ann served as Developmental Minister at Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church in Hyattsville, Maryland. She also served as Intern Minister at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New London, Connecticut, and as a Chaplain Intern at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

    Ann’s ministry in transitional settings draws on a wide range of professional experience, including work as a scientist, attorney, middle school science teacher, and Unitarian Universalist religious educator in several congregations.

    Ann has been an active Unitarian Universalist for more than 25 years and has a home congregation in Madison, Connecticut. She is the proud parent of two grown sons and grew up about an hour north of Albany. She is grateful to return to the region during her interim ministry at Albany UU.

  • Sarah Richards speaking into a microphone

    Rev. Sarah Richards

    Interim Co-Minister

    Rev. Sarah Richards was raised in the (then lay-led) Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Iowa. Arriving in Boston for graduate school, she was surprised to discover how different the congregations there were from her home fellowship. Her training in anthropology helped her understand the cultural differences among regions, congregations, and communities.

    While earning her PhD in anthropology at Boston University, including field research in Cameroon, Sarah became a member and eventually a lay leader at Arlington Street Church. After more than a decade in academia, she felt called to Unitarian Universalist ministry and enrolled in Meadville Lombard Theological School's non-resident M.Div. program. She completed chaplaincy training at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and served a two-year internship at First Parish in Waltham.

    Ordained in 2013, Sarah was called to serve as settled minister of the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship in Southern Illinois, where she spent the next 11 years in shared ministry with the congregation.

    Sarah, her husband Mike Ryan, their dog Carter and cat Thelonius, moved to Pittsfield, MA, in 2025. After assisting Albany UU as on-call pastoral care minister, Sarah is delighted to serve as interim co-minister during the 2026–27 church year and looks forward to accompanying the congregation as it prepares for a new settled minister.

  • Close-up portrait of Sophia Garder smiling

    Sophia Garder

    Administrator

    Sophia joined the Albany UU staff in 2024. She brings experience in arts administration, nonprofit and private-sector administration, and a previous career in professional theatre as an actor and stage manager. Sophia enjoys collaborating with staff and serving the congregation. Outside of work, she loves traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her beloved pets.

  • Portrait of Elizabeth Baldes smiling

    Elizabeth Baldes

    Director of Programs for Children & Youth

    Elizabeth joined the Albany UU staff in 2018 and became Director of Programs for Children & Youth in 2022. Drawing on her experience as an educator, childcare provider, and longtime Albany UU volunteer, she helps create welcoming spaces where children, youth, and families can learn, grow, and connect. Elizabeth enjoys reading, lifelong learning, and spending time with her family.

  • Portrait of Olga Martinez against a dark background

    Olga Martinez

    Director of Music Ministry

    A lifelong Albany resident, Olga brings extensive experience in music education, community arts, and creative leadership. In addition to leading Albany UU's Music Ministry, she has directed Albany Voices of Pride (formerly Capital Pride Singers) since 2009. Olga loves creating meaningful musical experiences that build community, foster connection, and inspire participation.

  • Close-up portrait of Nicholee Froese smiling

    Nicholee Froese

    Congregational Life Coordinator

    Nicholee brings a background in nursing, wellness education, and community building to her role as Congregational Life Coordinator. She is also the founder of Carols of the Heart, where she offers sound healing and meditation programs. At Albany UU, she works to create a welcoming community where people can connect, contribute, and find a sense of belonging.

  • Portrait of Michael Washington smiling

    Michael Washington

    Tech Support Staff

    Michael brings more than ten years of experience in audio-visual production and technical support. He has worked with companies including Encore, Inspire, and SmartSource, supporting a wide range of events and presentations. His experience in church settings helps him provide reliable technical support for worship services and special events with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.

  • Portrait of Erik Vonhausen smiling outdoors

    Erik von Hausen

    Sexton

    Erik oversees Sunday morning operations and helps care for Albany UU's building and grounds. A member of the congregation since 2018, he brings experience in counseling, caregiving, and spiritual exploration. Erik values deep listening, compassionate presence, and creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, reflect, and feel at home.

  • Portrait of Adrian Cattell smiling outdoors

    Adrian Cattell

    Lead Youth Advisor

    Adrian is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist who enjoys reading, writing, traveling, games, and exploring the outdoors. As Lead Youth Advisor, he helps create a supportive and engaging community where young people can connect, grow, and be themselves. He holds a degree in Urban Planning from Arizona State University and enjoys cycling whenever the weather cooperates.

  • Paula Brewer smiling beside a 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' peace pole

    Paula Brewer

    Programs for Children & Youth Assistant

    Paula has been part of the Albany UU community since the early 1990s and has supported Programs for Children & Youth in many volunteer and leadership roles over the years. Her involvement has included teaching, youth advising, serving on the RE Council, and supporting families through every stage of the program. She values the community that helped raise her daughter and enjoys helping the next generation thrive.