Clergy and Staff

We are lucky to have such a kind and devoted staff here at Mount Carmel Congregational Church. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and talent to the table, helping us to create a unique and welcoming environment for all who pass through our doors. 

Interim Minister
Reverend Olivia Robinson

​Reverend Olivia Hayes Robinson is our Interim Pastor. She comes to us with over 43 years of experience. She has served churches as both an interim and settled pastor. Olivia loves children, art, music, swimming, and drama. She often uses art, humor, and music to illustrate her sermons. She is helping us this year to prepare for our new permanent minister by 1) helping us look at our history as a Church; 2) discovering a new identity; 3) engage with our denomination; 4) prepare ourselves for new leadership. She trained as an RN at Boston University and graduated from Yale Divinity School. Her motto is “make life more sacred and the sacred more full of life.”

Music Director
Lynda Pedersen

Lynda Pedersen is the current Music Director for our Church, as well as our organist for over 35 years. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Lynda has found a new home and purpose in Connecticut as a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven, as well as having been a teacher for Hamden Public schools for over 20 years. Lynda also heads up our choir program, as well as our very own bell choir. In her spare time, Lynda is an avid reader and an enthusiastic puzzler. 

Treasurer
Ellen Amato

Ellen Amato is the current Treasure for the Mount Carmel Congregational Church, and has been for just over 10 years. She covers the financials for the Church, which includes managing donations, pledges, and expenses. She has been a member of Mount Carmel Congregational Church for over 14 years.  In her spare time, she loves hiking and spending time outdoors, as well as babysitting her granddaughter. 

Office Administrator
Aren Alberico

Aren Alberico is the current Office Administrator and performs a variety of different tasks for the Church. This includes but is not limited to: creating the weekly bulletin, compiling the monthly newsletter, managing the Church schedule, maintaining the Church website, and secretarial duties. Aren studied at Fairfield University and wishes to one day complete his degree in Religious Studies and pursue a further vocation in social work. 

Director of Faith Formation
Debbie Wooley

Debbie Wooley is the current Director of Faith Formation for Kids, also known as Christian Education. She has been a member of Mount Carmel Congregational Church for 30 years.  Debbie served as Christian Education Director previously for 10 years and was the Treasurer for 4 years.  She has also been a long-time choir member and is involved in various Outreach projects.