Rev. Todd Atkins-Whitley, Senior Pastor
Rev. Todd Atkins-Whitley’s journey to ministry was shaped by love, justice, and a reawakened sense of call. In 2012, while on a second date, Todd’s (then-future) husband Miguel invited him to worship at Cathedral of Hope UCC in Dallas—an experience that opened the door to deeper faith, LGBTIQ+ advocacy, and a passion for justice rooted in community.
After leaving a career in corporate communications, Todd followed that call to the Bay Area in 2015 to attend Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, where he earned his Master of Divinity —and certificates in Spirituality and Social Change and Sexuality and Religion—in 2018. While there, he focused on spirituality and social transformation and served as a pastoral intern at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco.
Todd’s experience has also included directing communications for justice-centered, faith-based organizations, including the Oakland Peace Center. He brings a deep belief in truth-telling, grace-filled dialogue, and the power of the church to be a radically welcoming and justice seeking presence in the world.
Ordained in 2019, Todd first joined Danville Congregational Church in 2018 as Associate Pastor and was called as Senior Pastor in October 2024. His ministry centers on journeying alongside individuals and families in all stages of life and faith and guiding our congregation as we live into our call to be an Anti-Racist church.
Todd and Miguel were married in 2017 and make their home in the Bay Area with their puppy, Joe-Joe (dubbed the church mascot by DCC’s kids). Together, they delight in the beauty and diversity of the Bay Area and find joy in time with their four grown sons, three daughters-of-the-heart, five grandsons, and their vibrant queer community. Miguel is also active in ministry at DCC and sings in the choir.
Rev. Lauren Jewett, Minister for Youth and Community Engagement
Rev. Lauren Jewett (she/they) serves as Minister for Youth and Community Engagement at Danville Congregational Church, and also brings their gifts to the wider church as Associate Conference Minister for Youth, Young Adults, and Education in the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Lauren is passionate about creating brave, nurturing spaces where young people are invited to show up fully as themselves—curious, courageous, and still discovering who they are and what they believe. Deeply committed to holistic faith formation, Lauren is a nationally trained facilitator and trainer in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) comprehensive sexuality education program and serves on the OWL Advisory Council.
Their ministry also includes leadership with ZOE Progressive Campus Ministries, the United Methodist Campus Ministry Association, and as co-chair of the NorCal Nevada Conference Youth and Outdoor Ministries Committee.
Lauren holds degrees from Ithaca College and Pacific School of Religion—where they first met Pastor Todd—and together have been co-conspirators for justice, joy, and “beloved community” for nearly a decade.
Rooted in a love for nature and a farmgirl’s spirit, Lauren finds renewal in hiking, paddleboarding, labyrinth-walking, gardening, and traveling. She also treasures quiet moments with her dog, sending handwritten postcards, and dreaming of one day rowing again.
John Kendall Bailey, Music Director
John Kendall Bailey has served as Music Director at Danville Congregational Church since 2016, bringing his deep passion for weaving music seamlessly into worship. He believes music is more than accompaniment—it’s a powerful expression of faith that lifts hearts, deepens meaning, and draws us closer to God and one another.
A native of the Bay Area and a graduate of UC Berkeley, John is also an accomplished conductor and composer. He serves as music director for several regional ensembles, including the Mozart to Mendelssohn Orchestra, Mesopotamia Symphony Orchestra, and Trinity Lyric Opera.
Whether directing the choir, arranging hymns, or leading special performances, John brings a spirit of collaboration and creativity that enriches the worship life of DCC and invites all into the joy of sacred music.
Anne-Marie Vanniasinkam, Office & Communications Manager
Anne-Marie Vanniasinkam serves as Office and Communications Manager at Danville Congregational Church, where she brings creativity, organization, and a welcoming spirit to all aspects of church life. She first joined the DCC team in 2021 as Communication Specialist, stepped into the Office Administrator role in 2022, and was promoted to her current position in 2024.
Originally from the Midwest, Anne-Marie has called California home for over 20 years. With a background in marketing, she oversees all church communications and manages the day-to-day operations of the office, helping keep DCC’s ministry running smoothly and with care.
She lives in East Bay with her husband and three children. Outside of work, Anne-Marie enjoys baking, running, reading, cheering from the sidelines of soccer games, and rooting for her favorite sports teams.