Rev. Sara Green
Minister
Email: revsara@4thu.org
Pronouns: she/her

The Rev. Sara Green is a minister, artist, and organizer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Before coming to Fourth Universalist as our minister in August of 2026, she served as a stewardship consultant with Stewardship For Us, an Our Whole Lives coordinator, a Sacred Reckonings trainer, and Youth and Young Adult Staff at the UUA. Sara sees herself as part of a legacy of cultural workers, healers, maroons, and queer freedom fighters. She imagines liberation as communities that do real and playful work together – free from fear and violence. She holds an M.Div and M.Ed from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. in Dance from Bennington College.

Zachary Young
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Email: re@4thu.org
Pronouns: he/him

Zach is excited to lead Fourth Universalist’s Religious Education ministry! He’s married to Cat, an Astrophysicist and Head of Science at The Brearley School, and is a dedicated papa to Lila, their 12-year-old daughter.

Zach and his family relocated to New York City from Vermont in 2023 and are all enjoying life in the city. Zach understands the importance of religious education and the privilege it is to help nurture the minds and hearts of our congregation. With a background in theology, including a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Central Florida, an MA in Theological Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary and ongoing studies at Union Theological Seminary, Zach’s love for philosophy and critical spiritual inquiry guides his approach to pretty much everything in his life. His main goal is to create a welcoming space where diverse perspectives are valued, and where the pursuit of knowledge is celebrated as a sacred journey.

Sheila Powers
Executive Director
Email: office@4thu.org
Pronouns: she/her

Sheila joined Fourth Universalist in November 2012. In her role as Executive Director she is responsible for Finances, Building and Human Resources, among a wide variety of tasks.

Sheila values the opportunity to serve the congregation in building community and social justice work.

Melanie Christian
Director of Administration
Email: melanie@4thu.org
Pronouns: she/her

Melanie started attending Fourth Universalist in 2016 and joined as a member in 2017. After spending 13 years working in marketing, she was excited to transition to a role serving the community she loves as an administrator in 2021. She also works part-time as a therapist and life coach.

Melanie is active in social justice work both in the congregation and in the wider community. She feels fortunate to be able to support the mission of the congregation through her position on the staff as well as in volunteer positions.

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Robert Buonaspina
Director of Music
Email: music@4thu.org
Pronouns: he/him

Robert T. Buonaspina is a New York City-based composer, arranger, producer, music director, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. He has served as Director of Music at Fourth Universalist Society since 2023, where he leads the congregation’s music program, directs the Fourth Universalist Choir, collaborates with guest artists and musicians, and helps shape music for worship and the wider life of the community.

Robert holds a Master of Music in Jazz Composition from Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Jim McNeely and Phil Markowitz, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Hofstra University. He currently serves as a Lecturer of Music at Baruch College (CUNY) and has also taught jazz arranging and contemporary scoring at Hofstra University.

As a composer and arranger, Robert’s music has been performed and recorded internationally by ensembles including the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, and presented in venues ranging from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the Empire State Building during New York Fashion Week. In 2021, he received the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers’ Chuck Owen Prize in Jazz Composition for his work Smile Pretty, which was performed and professionally recorded by the WDR Big Band.

Across his work as a composer, arranger, pianist, organist, violist, conductor, and producer, Robert has collaborated with a wide range of artists and ensembles and remains especially interested in music that brings together different traditions, communities, and ways of listening.

Kirwin Seger
Religious Education Assistant
Email: reassist@4thu.org
Pronouns: he/they

Kirwin Seger (he/him) has been attending Fourth Universalist since October 2023. He enjoys the close community, learning opportunities, and advocacy that Fourth Universalist offers. He is excited to work as the Religious Education Assistant in the congregation. Outside of Fourth Universalist, he plays in dodgeball and softball leagues and collects board games.

Ilan Natter
Lead A/V Technician
Email: avtech@4thu.org
Pronouns: he/him

Ilan Natter is thrilled to serve Fourth Universalist as the Lead A/V Technician. As an audio engineer, Ilan is always looking for new opportunities to work with talented musicians. As a native New Yorker, Ilan is looking forward to helping bring the Upper West Side community together through sound and music.

Jose Rivera
Evening Groups Coordinator
Pronouns: he/him

Jose grew up in Manhattan and has spent 15 years working as a steward of various buildings in the city. He has a passion for buildings, mechanics, and making environments more functional and pleasant for all inhabitants and visitors. Jose has a keen interest in nature, including hiking, camping, and natural medicine. Additionally, over the past 10 years, he has deepened his relationship with his indigenous roots in Puerto Rico, including teaching dancing, learning indigenous history, and volunteering after Hurricane Maria. Jose lives in upper Manhattan with his two huskies.