Rev. Diana McLean, Lead Minister
Diana (pronouns; she/her/hers) serves as the head of staff and as the professional and spiritual leader of all of MVUUF’s ministries. She is primarily responsible for creating and curating vibrant and meaningful Sunday services, serving the pastoral needs of the congregation, providing leadership and support in the social justice work of the congregation and overseeing the day to day business of the fellowship. Diana works with the Board, lay leaders, committees, members and volunteers to ensure that the mission and vision of MVUUF are being engaged in a multitude of ways that benefit MVUUF and the larger communities that we serve.
Diana began her ministry with MVUUF in 2025. Previous to joining us, she served congregations in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Minnesota, most recently as the Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato. She received her Master’s of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado in 2016 and was ordained that same year. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and is currently working toward a Doctor of Ministry in Creative Writing and Public Theology through a low-residency program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Diana’s previous career history includes writing, teaching, and administration.
Diana lives with her spouse, Rev. Shay MacKay (who is also a Unitarian Universalist minister), an extroverted cat named Maya, and an adorably goofy dog named Gus. She is also an empty-nester mom to her young adult son Aidan, who lives in Salt Lake City. When not working she enjoys reading, board and card games, travel, and arts and crafts. Contact Diana at Minister@mnvalleyuu.org
Jeannie Piekos, Administrator and Director of Communications
Jeannie Piekos (pronouns: she/her/hers) is responsible for managing all the communications and administrative processes at MVUUF. She has a degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota but has spent most of her life writing, working in arts activism and developing programs for neighborhoods, nonprofits and communities. Jeannie is an award-winning writer, poet and the author of Buoyancy, a memoir which won Best Autobiography/Memoir from Midwest Independent Publishing Association in 2019. She has produced and curated for many literary and neighborhood organizations. She also works as a media writer and video producer. She was the subject of the documentary Buoyancy, Living Between Dualities. She lives in South Minneapolis near Minnehaha Creek where she often walks with her dog, Pearl.
Contact Jeannie at jeannie@mnvalleyuu.org.
Nicole Collins, Music Director
Nicole Collins (pronouns: she/her/hers) serves as the music director at MVUUF for a mixed voices choir, a treble choir, and a children’s choir. She is currently participating in the UU Music Leader accreditation program. She has a degree from McNally Smith College of Music as a vocal performer and has enjoyed a widely diverse and successful career as a premier Twin Cities singer that includes headlining major music festivals with rock bands, multidisciplinary production companies, singing multi layered choral and a capella ensembles, and studio singer. She now teaches both public and private schools theater productions, and all ages one on one private voice lessons. Her style is rooted in classical techniques and complemented by her solo career encompassing blues, jazz, and soulful singing. Nicole loves helping people to find their voice in all things.
Contact Nicole at Music@mnvalleyuu.org
Maria Bavier, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry
Maria Bavier’s (pronouns she/her/hers) goal is to prepare and administer a CYF Ministry that inspires and guides faith formation, spiritual growth and moral and community grounding for the children and youth of the Fellowship from Nursery level through High School and their families. Maria graduated from The College of St. Benedict (St. Joseph, MN) and studied at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Maria has been attending MVUUF since 2016 when she moved to Bloomington with her husband, Eric, and elementary age son, Eli. She enjoys swimming laps, reading, caring for her cousins’ children and getting outside for walks with family and friends. Please feel free to contact Maria at maria@mnvalleyuu.org or 612-216-4224.
Lark Lewis, Accompanist
Lark has been playing piano for over 33 years, and was a music major at Kenyon College in Ohio, where she played piano and flute and sang with the Kenyon Chamber Singers, in addition to accompanying various musical groups. She went on to obtain both a law degree and a master’s degree in acupuncture, but has always maintained her love for making music. She’s picked up a little ukulele in recent years, and has just started learning the cello, too. Her passions, other than music, include holistic health and nutrition and social and racial justice. She’s also a huge animal lover. Prior to accepting the pianist position with MVUU, Lark was a member at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. She is thrilled to be the new pianist/accompanist for MVUU, and looks forward to making music with each of you! Contact Lark at piano@mnvalleyuu.org.
