Rose Maldonado Schwab

Minister

Rev. Rose (she/her) is the minister at SMUUCh. She brings to her ministry a passion for environmental and social justice, healthy systems, and the belief that one congregation can have a profoundly powerful impact on the world. She also brings a love of music-centered, intergenerational, embodied worship services which aim to truly transform and inspire all those who partake.

Prior to being called unanimously to SMUUCh in 2016, she trained for 10 years in the ministry. Although she started working at church and church camp when she was 13, her dedicated studies started with a degree in Religious Studies at Bates College in Maine, where she earned the Willis Award for Excellence in Reading the Bible. She went on to receive an M.Div from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and afterwards, worked as the Ministerial Intern at the First Unitarian Church of St. Louis; then as Chaplain Resident at the University of Minnesota Hospital.

Rev. Rose has lived and traveled all over the world, finding friends and meaning wherever she goes. She now lives in quiet Kansas City, Kansas with her spouse Ana.

Email: Rev. Rose Schwab

Phone: 913-381-3336 x103

Jen Lacy

Director of Lifespan Religious Education

Dr. Jen Lacy (she/her) is the Director of Lifespan Religious Education at SMUUCh. She aspires to develop and teach curricula that promote dialogical relationships, encourage critical and creative learning experiences, and that advance human dignity and equity.

Jen graduated from Missouri State University in 2006 with a degree in Biology Education. She later received her Master's in Curriculum & Instruction in 2010 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Most recently, she received her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While there, she focused her studies on science education, design-based learning, and humanist philosophy. Jen returned to Kansas City in 2016 to design and teach interdisciplinary, science curricula rooted in the lived experiences of her middle and high school-aged students. She has 10 years of experience teaching in school districts across the metro, most recently in downtown Kansas City.

Email: Jen Lacy

Phone: 913-381-3336 x104

Daniel Doss

Music Director

Daniel Doss (he/him) has established himself as a Music Director, Conductor, Composer and Collaborative Pianist in over 90 musical theater productions around the world since 2002, including the National Tours of the Broadway musicals: THE COLOR PURPLE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY and RAGTIME. Daniel is the Music Director for the New Theatre & Restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas, as well as the mainstage productions at the University of Central Missouri. Over the years, Daniel has collaborated with numerous other Kansas City theater companies including Starlight Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the Coterie and the Unicorn. Daniel’s composition credits include TRUMAN & PENDERGAST: The Musical; NELLY DON: The Musical, which has also been made into a feature film premiering in September 2023; WILD AND WILLFUL WOMEN, which was selected as one of three original musicals for the 2014 TRU Musical Reading Series in New York City; RED DEATH, an original one act opera based on the short story by Edgar Allen Poe which was awarded the ‘Best of Kansas City Fringe Festival in 2014; and multiple choral works including WHEN I KNEW, commissioned by the Heartland Men’s Chorus which premiered at GALA Choruses Festival 2012 in Denver. In his free time, Daniel enjoys playing board games with his friends and family.

Chae Stephens

Finance Administrator

Chae (she/her) has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Accounting, and a Master's Degree in Information Systems and Accounting from the University of Kansas. She is in the office part-time so the best way to contact her would be through email.

Email: Chae Stephens

Phone: 913-381-3336 x101

Haley Chaffin

Office Administrator

Haley Chaffin (she/her) is an animator & creative director born & raised in Kansas City, MO. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. 
Haley has a passion for telling stories & making art of all kinds. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, playing board games, & hanging out with her pugs & kittens (aka work-from-home assistants).

Email: Haley Chaffin
Phone: 913-381-3336 x102

Micah Rose Emerson

2nd-5th grade RE & Kid’s Club Coordinator

Micah (she/her) is a creative (writer, director, filmmaker, producer, and playwright) native to Kansas City. She's worked in youth serving organizations for several years as a youth pastor, teacher, improv instructor, mentor, and literacy program creator.

She happily works in tech for her day job and lives in midtown KCMO with her fiancé Nayalisa, pup Lola and cat Chip.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of SMUUCh as a collaborator around justice, love, anti-racism, education, and the arts. I know that it truly takes a village and I cannot wait to serve the children in this way. I'm also excited to work alongside you all to create welcoming and brave spaces for our young people."

Tony Dolezal

Facilities Manager

Email: Tony Dolezal