Staff member Cheryl Kessler joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach's staff as the Lifespan Religious Educator (LRE) of our Religious Education program for children, youth and adults in 2010. Cheryl joined UUCLB in 2006 and became an active member of the Religious Education committee for the next 3 years serving as chair her last year. She gave up her membership at UUCLB when she was hired for this position, as recommended for staff by the UUA. Cheryl has also been trained in all levels (K-12) of Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, medically accurate, and age appropriate sexuality education program.

Cheryl has been working with children and youth for over 30 years. She has volunteered at domestic violence shelters, with children who had severe special needs and as a preschool teacher for high-risk children. Over 6 years ago she discovered Unitarian Universalism, and felt she had found a religion and community that shared her values and beliefs. She believes there is a need for our children to learn who we are and what it means to be Unitarian Universalists. This includes our history, belief systems and values, and our worship traditions. It is also important for our children to learn and understand the beliefs of other world religions, and how to search for and discover their own individual beliefs.

Cheryl holds a B.S. in speech-pathology and audiology with a minor in American Sign Language (ASL). Cheryl and her husband, Jeff, have four school-age children.
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Diane Julian had been attending the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach off and on for about 10 years when, five years ago, she decided to commit to the church and become a member. The church satisfied what her life needed—a sense of community and a safe place to explore her spirituality.

As Membership Coordinator, she helps new and old members discover their own relationship with the church and with fellow congregants. She feels honored to help people become comfortable in their new home at UUCLB.

Look for her between services if you have any questions about the church, about things to do at the church and how to become connected.

Jim Ruggirello has been our Director of Music since 1996, having enjoyed a 30-year career in the arts as an administrator, performer and educator. He has held positions with the Long Beach Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pasadena Symphony, Pasadena POPS! and Asia America Symphony. After graduating from CSU Northridge with degrees in piano and conducting he was a prominent conductor, vocal coach and accompanist in Southern California for 15 years. He was also the founding director of Orange County High School of the Arts' Opera Conservatory. In addition, he has served on boards, presented at conferences and been a grants panelist for Public Corporation for the Arts, Association of California Symphony Orchestras, American Symphony Orchestra League, California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Arts Orange County and Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. Currently music critic for the weekly Gazette newspapers.

Douglas Law a.k.a Cris Law– a Natural male alto/countertenor who has made his operatic debut as the title role in Handel's Giulio Cesare and Arnalta in Monterverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea. Highlights of appearance includes the Corona del mar Baroque Festival, the OC Performing Arts Center and the Hollywood Bowl. Mr. Law has toured around United States with the Boston Pops and with Andrea Bocelli. Mr. Law is a graduate of CSUF, USC & currently attending Claremont Graduate University for his Masters in Vocal Performance.

As for his “day job”, Mr. Law works extensively as a performer, voice teacher/coach, accompanist, and choral director throughout Southern California.

Bryan Scott is a musician/composer currently living in Long Beach, California where he has resided for more then three years. Before becoming the Assistant Music Director at the UUCLB he has experience that is both varied in nature and location. After receiving his B.A. from UC Berkeley, he travelled to Pennsylvania and worked in Phillidelphia and Quakertown teaching music. He organized singing groups and music classes in the evenings along with private lessons until moving to London where he worked with schools developing and assisting in after school programs. He also began working with special needs children before returning to the U.S.

He enjoys composing and recording his compositions in his home studio. He plays several instruments; including piano, guitar, bass and drums. He also enjoys painting, photography and computer games.

Lola Lloyd started in October, 2008 and quickly learned her way around our office and our community. Lola is from New York City and has lived in the Long Beach area for over twenty years. She has a performing and fine arts background and has been an actress, writer and artist. She has worked for the Long Beach Civic Light Opera, Jewish Community Center, and as an administrator for Temple Beth Shalom. She has three children and a wonderful grandson who just turned three.

Her primary duties are to manage the church office and facilities, promote communication and support the business affairs of the church. She collaborates with the Building Usage and Office Committee (BU&O) and the Administrative Council. Diane Julian, volunteer coordinator, and Sally Ann Michel, kitchen sexton, report to Lola.

Lola’s office hours are:
Tues – Friday, 10:00 am-noon
Sundays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The church office will be staffed by Lola and/or office volunteers.
Tues., Wed., Fri. 10:00 am-noon and 1:00-4:00 pm.
Sundays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.