Staff

Rev Dr. Michelle Scott-Huffman, Minister

A middle aged woman with gray, spiky hair wearing a red button up shirt and black bowtie leans against a white brick wall. She is smiling.

Rev Dr. Michelle Scott-Huffman has been serving as First UU’s half-time minister since June of 2020.

Rev Dr. Michelle was already familiar to many Springfield residents through her position as campus minister at Ekklesia Progressive Campus Ministry. Ekklesia is affiliated with four denominations and is a leader in interfaith conversations at Missouri State University. She started at Ekklesia in January 2018.

She is ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has always taken an ecumenical and interfaith approach to ministry and life in general.

“I did not meet a Unitarian Universalist until I was in the seminary,” she said, referring to Eden Theological Seminary, where she earned her master of divinity. She enjoyed her interaction with UUs and with members of other progressive religious groups.

Rev Dr. Michelle grew up in the small town of New Bloomfield, MO, the youngest of five children. She received a bachelor of science in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting, from Central Missouri State University. She is completing a doctor of ministry degree at Phillips Theological Seminary as well as pursuing plural standing as a UU minister.

Among her goals as minister at First UU are maintaining a community of faith and helping provide resources for people to exercise their beliefs. She wants to be a peacemaker and worker for justice in this community and in the world, connecting the UU community to a wider community in order to make change. She wants to encourage members to be more active in their church and in the community.

She and her wife, Stephanie, have been married for 11 years. She describes Stephanie as “a brilliant documentary and storytelling photographer, a fabulous cook, and a lover and encourager of people.” The family includes daughters Alexis and Morgan.

Director of Religious Education (DRE)

We are currently hiring for this position! Apply HERE.

Accepting submissions from April 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026, with the interview process to begin in May.

Time Requirement: 1/2 time
Using UUA Compensation Standards: Yes
Salary: $21,350 – $24,000 with a Professional Expense budget of $1,000
Status: Permanent

More information can be found in the Job Packet. For any questions, please email dresearch@springfielduu.org 

John Prescott, Choir Director

A professional photograph of a middle aged man in a maroon turtleneck, tan blazer and black beret smiling at the camera.

John Prescott, choir director, is also a member of the Missouri State University music faculty since 1986. He holds degrees from Florida State University and the University of Kansas where he studied composition with John Pozdro, Edward Mattila, and James Barnes. An award-winning member of ASCAP, Dr. Prescott composes music for band, orchestra, chorus, chamber ensemble, and multimedia venues, and much of his music is published and distributed worldwide.

Eva Riebold, Pianist

photograph of Eva Riebold

Eva Riebold was a private practice clinical psychologist in the Clinton, Sedalia and Warrensburg area for about 20 years. She and her husband, Floyd, were clinical partners, also foster parents and started a Wellness Center.
She became passionate about piano after her retirement and has had the privilege of playing for 1st UU choir and congregation for about 16 years.

Roland Hurtado-Netzer, Office Administrator

Roland Hurtado-Netzer holds an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. He currently teaches introductory theatre classes at Missouri State University.
Roland holds office hours at the church Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm. He can also be reached via email: admin@springfielduu.org

Adam DeBacker, Audio/Visual Coordinator

Adam’s second occupation is owner and chef of Truffles E Truffles Handmade Chocolates, a business he founded in 2008 at age 10. Since then, he has rolled and sold over 100,000 truffles. He reinvested profits into expanding his business and paying for his college education. Adam was chosen as the Voya Cares 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year and awarded grant money toward reaching that goal. Adam is a member of the American Culinary Federation. His truffles are available locally in Springfield, Missouri and by direct order. In 2025 Adam was highlighted in the MSU Alumni Magazine for both his culinary and theatrical pursuits.

Adam DeBacker is a 2022 graduate of Missouri State University (MSU) with a BS in Theatre. His expertise is technical theatre with an emphasis on sound and lighting design. He also holds a Recording Arts Certificate from MSU and currently works part-time in the music department as a recording engineer. Adam has been involved in numerous local theatre productions as a backstage, sound, and lighting crew member. 

Adam is a proud third-generation member of First UU!