Meet the staff

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Cynthia Huggins directs the music program and leads the Worship Planning Team. A native Southerner, Cindy holds a BA in Music from Furman University and a PhD in English from UNC Greensboro. A specialist in 19th century British literature, Cindy served as president of the University of Maine at Machias for ten years.

Bonnie Atkinson accompanies the Chancel Choir on our beautiful Steinway piano on Sundays. With an MA in Music Education from Gordon College, she teaches band and chorus at Washington Academy in East Machias. Bonnie has been a member of the Machias music community since 1997, playing for local churches, musicals, the Machias Town Band, and more.

Sarina Brooks, Pastoral Care Director, guides the Care Team and is available to congregants in times of crisis, grief, or difficult life changes. A licensed mental health therapist, Sarina is enrolled  in the Pathways Theological Education Program and a Member in Discernment in the Sunrise Association of the Maine Conference UCC.

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Ellen Farnsworth compares her job as Director for the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival to hosting a party for 15,000 people every August. A Family Visitor for Maine Families for the past 25 years, Ellen also serves as church moderator and sings in the Chancel Choir. She and husband Don Green have seven children and seven grandchildren, with whom they love spending time.

Linda Mills, administrative assistant, keeps things moving smoothly in the church office. Linda moved to the Machias area after twenty years as Director of the Visitors Center at Habitat for Humanity's headquarters in Americus, GA. She also serves on the Worship Planning Team and the Tech Team, ensuring that things go smoothly for congregants on Zoom.

Melissa Brooks keeps the building clean and often helps with coffee fellowship. Missy has spent most of her life here in Machias. She's always ready to lend a hand to her family and friends, and she loves animals, music, and enjoying the beauty of Downeast Maine. ​Missy's deep love and abiding faith in God are obvious to everyone she meets.

Alan Kryszak assists with custodial work at Centre Street. A  professional musician, Alan writes and performs his own music, teaches at UMaine  Machias, and directs documentary films as seen on Maine Public and PBS. ​According to Alan, "Centre Street puts their money where other hungry mouths are, and that’s why they’re the real deal in my book."