Our Staff
Our Staff
Carin Bringelson (she/hers)
Minister
Office Hours: Usually 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Or by appointment.
You can also talk to Rev. Carin on Sundays or send her a message.
About Rev. Carin
Rev. Carin Bringelson began serving Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist Church in August 2023.
A Unitarian Universalist for over 30 years, she earned her Masters of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2020. Prior to that she earned degrees in Sociology, African American Studies, Educational Policy Studies, and Library & Information Studies—working for most of her previous career as a librarian.
When she’s not reading a good book, Carin enjoys bike-riding, promoting intellectual freedom, cooking, co-creating racial justice, singing, and collaging. She and her wife Bev live in Cedar Rapids.
Celeste Downs (she/hers)
Director Faith Formation
Office Hours: Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Or by appointment.
You can also send her a message.
About Celeste
Celeste Downs joined the People’s UU staff in 2024 and serves as the Director of Faith Formation. She grew up UU, attending Jefferson Unitarian Church for most of her life. In 2022, Celeste moved to Marion from Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Simon, and dog, Murphy. They welcomed their daughter, Penelope Jean, in March 2023. Celeste is currently studying to get her Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies. She enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and spending time with her family.
David Kind (he/him)
Congregational Administrator
Office Hours:
Tuesday, 9:00-4:00
Wednesday, 9:00-4:00
Thursday, 9:00-4:00
You can also email him at office@peoplesuu.org.
About David
David Kind grew up near Seattle where he worked for Starbucks supporting ethical sourcing and accessibility initiatives at their headquarters. He then spent a decade in Vancouver, BC where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honours in psychology at the University of British Columbia. Now in Iowa, in addition to being the Peoples Church Congregational Administrator, he teaches French, Spanish, and Suzuki piano.
Matthew Wilde
Internet Outreach Technician
About Matthew
Matthew Wilde is a born and raised Cedar Rapidian. He grew up in the Methodist Church as a young person, attending Shueyville United Methodist Church until high school. He has a deep and varied interest and respect for religion and spirituality — and the Community that faiths of all kinds provide. Matt believes that no matter one’s beliefs, we are all part of this great human experiment, and we should try our best to be there for each while we are here.
Matt attended the University of Northern Iowa graduating with a BA in Electronic Media. He has worked many jobs in local news and marketing — and is now working on finding his next career path and is open to where that leads him. Matt is married to his wife Erin and has three kids — Lucy, Molly, and Henry. In his free time, Matt enjoys taking his three dogs on walks, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Judy Mitschelen
Pianist
About Judy
Judy is a former teacher tasked with showing middle schoolers the joys of reading and writing who also juggled adult technology instruction and a variety of musical activities during her 37-year career with the Vinton-Shellsburg schools. Reading, writing, technology, and music are still major components of her retirement years along with adventures with her camera and being open to finding new ways to “be useful.”