Erin “Po” Popelka
Leader (President)

Po is a founding member of INUUC and the chair of the LGBTQ+ Circle. She is also a reader, writer, athlete, and mental health counselor. In addition, she brings professional experience working in environmental nonprofits, healthcare, and education, including a robust facilitation and event planning background. The thread that connects all of her work is authentic connection; she honors the UU first principle of the worth and dignity of each human and strives to live that value in her professional work, her writing, and her counseling practice. She looks forward to cultivating authentic connection as part of the INUUC Governing Circle.

Sara Bauer
Co-Leader (Vice President)

I am a life long UU from Spokane, serving my 2nd term on the GC at INUUC. I live with my partner Solomon, our 1 year old Tula and my dog, Ezlo. I love to sing, dance, spend time in nature and cook delicious and nutritious meals for people I love. I also love engaging in community events and staying in and getting into a good show or book. I have a BA in Human Services from Western Washington University. Most recently I have been working at Rockwood Retirement as a concierge and I will be shifting into a position with the nonprofit, Transitions, helping run the New Leaf Cafe. I have a diverse background and I look forward to bringing my whole self to the work of community building here at INUUC.

Libby Fitzgerald
Secretary

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Scott Fitzgerald

Scott was raised a Unitarian Universalist and has been actively involved in UU church life for well over 50 years. Over the years Scott has filled many roles at many UU churches; newsletter editor, board member, Sunday school teacher, youth advisor and of course, Coffee Guy. Currently Scott is the editor of our Newsletter and runs our website.

Maeve Aeolus

Maeve has been a UU since 1993, joining the Spokane UU Church when services were held at the Glover Mansion on the South Hill.

When the UUCS moved to its new location in 1995, I served as Worship Chair from 1995 until 1999. As Worship Chair I teamed up with Deborah Jacquemin, Music and Choir Director, to hold, on Winter Solstice December 21st, the very first Winter Solstice Service at UUCS.

The Winter Solstice Service honored our UU Sixth Source, “Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature,” drawing from paganism, Wicca and indigenous spiritualities and other nature focused traditions. This source was adopted by the UUA in 1995 and provided a foundation source for the Seventh Principle, ” Respect for the interdependence of existence.” The Winter Solstice Service became the largest attended service of the year. Many people from the Spokane Community at large attended and some came, as far away as the Tri-Cities.

Additionally I served on the Committee for Ministry and taught a course for RE, “Rise up and Call Her Name” about the 13 Goddess through out the world. I also consider myself a Buddhist, with a daily meditation practice learned from Zen Buddhism while living in Olympia.

In 1999 I left UUCS and moved to Seattle, WA taking a job as an RN Case Manager at Virginia Mason Medical Center. I also worked for Providence Home Health and Hospice in Olympia, as a Hospice RN, prior to moving back to Spokane in 2009. While living on the westside I became a member of the Shoreline UU Church.

In 2020 I left the UUCS to help form INUUC. It felt heart wrenching and necessary by the transition team. I embrace my membership in INUUC. I am a member of the Stewardship Committee (Finance Circle) and recently, a Member-at-Large of the Governing Circle. I am honored to be a member of both of these Circles.

My professional background includes: Forty years as a Registered Nurse, having both a Bachelor’s of Science Degree Nursing and Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. I was also a Registered Counselor during twenty years in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing.

I’m a USAF Veteran and served during the Vietnam War, (1965-1970). Due to my war injuries, I became a service connected veteran in 2015. I have my Service Dog Goldie, a nine year old Golden Retriever, to help mitigate some of my service connected disabilities.

I worked at the Mann-Grandstaff, VA Medical Center as a RN Clinical Educator, my last four years in Nursing, retiring in 2014.

Since the early 1970’s I’ve been involved in Peace activism., Civil Rights, LGBTQ+ Right’s. which included assisting People and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG), by establishing a Pride March Committee, to have the 1st Spokane Gay Pride March in 1993. Involved in Black Lives Matter, Immigrant Rights, and Animal Rights.

I’ve been a member of the Peace Justice Action League of Spokane since 1995, Spokane Chapter 35, Veterans for Peace since 1995. Member of the YWCA Legacy Circle. Actively involved in assisting with the YWCA Domestic Violence Program.

Member of the Kay Porta Legacy Society for 2nd Harvest of Spokane. Recently teamed up with Rachelle Swather and other donors for a total 6 billboards being set up in Spokane, Spokane Valley and CDA area with the message: “Having Doubts, You’re Not Alone, Leaving MAGA.org.”

I love to read, have a very curious nature, walk and play with Goldie, spend time with my friends, do a little bit of traveling and spend as much time in nature as I can.

I appreciate being a UU, as it honors all faith paths. I embrace my involvement with INUUC. I feel I’ve found a loving spiritual home among INUUC friends.