Rev. Nicolette Siragusa
Minister
973.543.7229 (office)
PastorNicolette@gmail.com

Born in IL and having grown up in Bergen County, NJ, Rev. Siragusa has midwest roots with an East Coast flair. She earned her A.B. from Wellesley College with a psychology major and religion minor. Subsequently she earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Services Administration and her Masters in Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Her early career focused on social work with marginalized communities - including adolescent girls, formerly homeless women, the elderly and their caregivers. Her chaplaincy experiences included at a Level 1 Trauma hospital in Chicago and as an on-call overnight chaplain in Lansing, MI. These experiences gave her a unique combination of skills in a variety of ministry settings.

Since 2008, she has served as a solo pastor in United Church of Christ (UCC) churches.
First Congregational UCC of Grand Ledge, MI 2008-16
Bolton Congregational Church of Bolton, CT 2016-19

Pastor Nicolette has demonstrated experience in community outreach, fundraising, congregational growth (especially as part of an Open and Affirming church), and developing ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. She is an advocate who values diversity of thought in the congregation, relates easily to young children and youth, and is comfortable working with all generations. Her worship leadership includes elements of creativity as well as deep attentiveness to scripture. She is joyful and spirit-filled in her preaching and as she leads communion.

Our congregation welcomed Pastor Nicolette in the autumn of 2019.

Josh Phillips
Intern from Drew Seminary
bphillips@drew.edu

Josh joins Brookside Community Church as an Intern from Drew Theological School located in Madison, NJ. Through his vocational pathway Josh will learn, create, practice elements of worship, and bridge key concepts to church rhythms and practice. Aside from graduate school, Josh is an elected Borough Councilor in his hometown of Newtown, PA.

Prior to seminary, Josh has an extensive history working in education; public, homeschool, and nonprofit.  When he is not busy with Council or Seminary, Josh is sharing family time with his partner Emily, son Caleb, and puppy-dog Sterling. You will typically find them playing outdoors in activities such as disc-golf or biking/hiking trails.

“As an Intern I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in the inclusive fellowship of Brookside Community Church. Thank you all for your generous hospitality and engagement in Christian Education, lighting the path for those in training.”

Stephen Walley
Director of Music
swalley@gmail.com

Stephen Walley is a versatile musician experienced in opera, liturgical music, musical theater, and jazz. He has served as a baritone section leader in various US parishes and is now directing choir at Brookside Community Church. As the artistic and chorus director of Opera Magnifico in Gladstone, NJ, Stephen has recently performed roles such as Paul in Kiss Me Kate and the Imperial Commissioner in Madama Butterfly. His credits include Escamillo in Carmen and Ceprano in Rigoletto. He graduated from Indiana University and has played roles like Masetto in Don Giovanni. An award recipient from The Metropolitan Opera and other foundations, Stephen also has 20 years of piano experience and is transitioning to organ. He works as a bartender at Chesapeake Tavern and mentors at Art Smart Organization in Newark, NJ.

Jessie Ponsoll
Administrator
973.543.7229 (office)
office@brooksidechurch.org

Jessie is a native of New Jersey and has lived in Mendham since 2017 with her husband and three daughters. She studied at Syracuse University & Montclair State University. Jessie has volunteered on several local community organizations, such as the West Morris Junior Women’s Club. In addition to her position at The Brookside Community Church, Jessie coaches Chester Mendham Girls Lacrosse and basketball and is involved in the PTO at the township elementary and middle schools.