Michael DeSantis

Michael (they/them) is delighted to be serving as JUC’s Intern Minister for the 2024-25 congregational year. In their role, Michael works with Rev. Wendy, Rev. Jen, and the rest of the staff on a variety of Faith Exploration, Worship, and Social Justice programs.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Michael is an Aspirant for UU Ministry and a recent graduate of the Master of Divinity program at Union Theological Seminary in New York. During their ministry formation, Michael has worked as a mentor to Indigenous teens, a public policy advocate for and with houseless youth, and as a chaplain for both hospital patients and nursing home residents. They also served in a variety of lay leadership roles within their sponsoring congregation, the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, NY.

Michael deeply believes in making real the promises of our UU faith by nurturing UU communities that are radically committed to collective care and justice making. They are especially passionate about pastoral care, faith-based activism, and creating opportunities for congregants to deepen their spiritual lives through the teachings of our Unitarian and Universalist heritages.

Michael’s spiritual practices include bread baking, contemplative prayer, hiking, and playing with their rambunctious rescue cat, Hootie. They live in Denver with their partner Pearl, a hospital chaplain, fellow Union alum, and Member in Discernment in the United Church of Christ.