Minister & Staff

Minister: Reverend Tiffany Sapp

Rev. Tiffany Sapp has been the minister of Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church since 2021, but has had connections to East Tennessee long before that. Visiting her grandparents' farm in Hidden Valley and hearing her Dad tell stories about growing up in Kingsport.

Living the mobile life of an Air Force brat, Rev. Tiffany got to experience a variety of American culture and religious identities. She attended nearby Carson-Newman College and then seminary at Duke Divinity School, with a sense that she wanted to be a minister. It took several decades, though, for her to find a place that she could serve authentically: in Unitarian Universalism.

In 2018 Rev. Tiffany came to Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church as an intern minister and rediscovered her love for this area and its people. After completion of the internship she went on to serve in a rigorous Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at Johnson City Medical Center.

Rev. Tiffany lives in Gray TN with her artistic, skateboarding son, a corgi that hasn't yet been convinced that he's not in charge, and the sweetest ball python you've ever met. When she’s not planning religious services or doing pastoral care visits, Rev. Tiffany enjoys cooking, hiking, and painting.

Director of Religious Education: Justin Ridley

Justin is excited to work with HVUUC as their DRE! He has lived in Tennessee for the past 10 years and is originally from Pennsylvania. He holds degrees in Religion and Philosophy (BA); Theological Studies (MA); and Soul Care (Doctor of Ministry). During his time in Tennessee, he has served as a soccer coach and as a hospital chaplain. He enjoys hiking, biking on the Tweetsie Trail, and reading. He resides in Jonesborough with his wife Stephanie, their two daughters and two dogs.

Music Program Director: Charis Carter

Charis Carter is HVUUC’s music program director. She is a performance artist, musician, and educator, and her skills include playing several instruments, singing, and storytelling, organization, and communication. Charis lives in the foothills of East Tennessee with her family and has been an integrated member of Washington County and the Tri-Cities region for the last 15 years.

Office Manager:

Jessica Bowman

Jessica Bowman is HVUUC’s office manager. She enjoys hiking, various fiber arts, and craft beer.