Faith Development Week

“EmbraceRace for UU Families,” led by Sara Krakauer and Carey McDonald

This workshop provides tools for religious educators to bolster anti-racism programming with children and/or work with parents and caregivers in your congregation. Unitarian Universalists can be leaders in raising children who are “color brave” able to think critically about race and racial inequality, becoming racial justice advocates in our country, and beyond.

Carey McDonald (they/them) is a member of First Parish in Malden, MA, a multiracial parent, and a seventh-generation Unitarian Universalist. Carey co-facilitated the Embrace Race curriculum at First Parish Malden in 2025 with Sara Krakauer. In their day job, Carey is the Executive Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, overseeing day-to-day staff operations for the faith’s central organization. They previously served as the UUA's Outreach Director and as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and is a former lay member of the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and the Skinner House Books Board. Carey holds a bachelors in Economics from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and a masters in Organizational Leadership from Wheelock College in Boston, MA (now a part of Boston University). Carey lives in Malden, MA with their spouse and kids. In their spare time, Carey serves as a local elected official on the Malden City Council.

Sara Krakauer (she/her) is the Director of Religious Education at First Parish Malden, and part of the team that developed the EmbraceRace for UU Families program. She is also a parent and educator with 20 years of teaching experience. Sara taught middle school social studies in Massachusetts for the bulk of that time, but she has also collaborated with educators in Ukraine, China, Japan, and Mali. A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, Sara is passionate about nurturing our planet’s future changemakers and supporting children and families in community. She lives in Somerville, MA with her spouse and child, and also does a lot of crafting, balloon art, storytelling, and hiking. 

Love at the Center - Robin Pugh

Love at the Center invites participants on a transformative journey grounded in Unitarian Universalist values. This unique UU Wellspring program encourages you to explore each value, reflect on how it connects to your own life, and discover what it truly means to live it. By engaging deeply with every value, you will develop a nuanced understanding that empowers you to create innovative congregational programs and embody these values in daily life.Through guided exploration, storytelling, and shared reflection, each session fosters spiritual growth and meaningful connection. Participants engage with thoughtfully designed resources that open the heart and mind, while group conversation nurtures shared wisdom and community.To get the most from each session, it is recommended to spend one hour of personal reflection—through reading, journaling, or contemplative viewing—before each session.

Robin Pugh has been a religious educator for 25 years and is deeply passionate about UU Wellspring and the transformative spiritual journey it fosters. She currently serves on the Wellspring Board. Robin is also a spiritual director and recently completed a 10-month training in leading contemplative groups and retreats. She loves creating spaces of quiet reflection, attentive listening, and gentle presence.

Robin looks forward to inviting participants to slow down, be fully present, and explore our UU Values on Star Island. She is a 16-year attendee of Star Island’s LFD week.