Reverend Lora Young
MINISTER
(she/her)
Rev. Lora Young has been serving South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society since August 2020. Before answering the call to Unitarian Universalist ministry, she built a distinguished career in the nonprofit sector, holding leadership roles in program development, fundraising, and organizational management. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology in June 2017 and was ordained the following year. Her prior experience includes chaplaincy in both hospice and hospital settings.
Rev. Lora’s approach to ministry is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based principles of learning and human development. While her roots are in a traditional Protestant background, she embraces a theistic orientation enriched by warm-hearted humanism, Celtic Christianity, and elements of mysticism. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and a deep love of fiction provide her with balance and inspiration as she works to co-create a beloved community in the Salt Lake Valley.
Lynn Manning
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
(she/her)
Her path later led to chaplaincy, completing Clinical Pastoral Education and serving as a full-time chaplain at Northwestern Medical Center before joining Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Lynn views her work not as a job, but as a calling. She is committed to lifelong learning, regularly collaborating with colleagues to deepen her practice. With strengths in communication, group facilitation, and organizational change, she brings a thoughtful, innovative approach to religious exploration at South Valley, fostering a space where youth can explore their beliefs, build meaningful relationships, and grow in understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Reverend John Cooper
AFFILIATED MINISTER
(he/him)
John serves as a Board-Certified Chaplain at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, where he provides compassionate spiritual care to patients, their families, and the healthcare staff. His work is deeply informed by his commitment to honoring each person’s unique story and finding sacredness in the lived experiences they share.
John’s interests include exploring the role of research in demonstrating the value and impact of spiritual care within healthcare settings. He is particularly passionate about recognizing life stories as sacred texts offering insight, healing, and connection. His dedication to both his professional and creative pursuits reflects his holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
Ricklen Nobis
PRINCIPAL PIANIST
(is/am)
Rick was also instrumental in founding the Film Composer’s Lab at the Sundance Institute, a program that has supported countless emerging composers in their creative development and helped foster innovation in the field of film music.
For over three decades, Rick has been involved with Utah’s Repertory Dance Theater, contributing his talents as a composer and musician. His longstanding commitment to this celebrated company underscores his passion for collaboration and his ability to bridge music and movement in ways that captivate and inspire audiences. His enduring contributions to music and the arts have made him a respected and valued figure in the community.
Oz Machado
MUSIC DIRECTOR
(he/him)
Brenda Julander
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
(she/her)
Brenda brings a wealth of experience as a professional administrator, marketer, and event planner, contributing her skills to support the vibrant life of the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society. Beyond her professional expertise, Brenda is a devoted mother, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity about the intersections of spirituality and psychology.
Brenda enjoys studying comparative religion, seeking out the universal threads that connect people across cultures and beliefs. She finds inspiration in the works of authors like Joseph Campbell, Margaret Atwood, and Neil Gaiman, whose storytelling resonates with her love of exploring the human experience.
