All are welcome here!

Alki UCC Staff and Leadership

Alki UCC Pastor  

Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel
pastor@alkiucc.org

Rev. Emily Tanis-Likkel sensed the call to ordained ministry when she was eight years old, baptizing her baby dolls and creating worship services for her family. She was ordained in 2005 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Bainbridge Island.

Her roles over nearly two decades of ministry across several denominations have included associate pastor, church planter, children and family minister, teacher and workshop/retreat leader. When the congregation unanimously called Emily as Pastor of Alki UCC, she came home to her denomination and home to pastoral ministry. 

Emily believes it is essential for churches to be a beacon of hope in their communities, acknowledging that each person is of infinite worth and value. Humanity bears the image of God. Beautifully unique in our diversity of race, culture, disability and ability, personality, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, we reflect God, who is wonderfully reflective of all. Everything that we are, God is.

Emily lives in West Seattle in a multigenerational household with her creative-techie spouse, Brett, daughter and college student Eva (who works as tech deacon at Alki UCC), son and high school student Day, and her parents, Marti and Keith Tanis. The Tanis-Likkel family is known for their giant popcorn bowl, frequently filled to the brim.

 Emily writes, teaches, preaches and leads from a foundation of embodied spirituality, expansive theology and wonder. She loves walking labyrinths and reading novels. She is trained in Nia, a holistic movement practice, which has informed her own spiritual practice of embodying Scripture. Learn more about Emily at emilytanislikkel.com.


Alki UCC Music Director

Daniel Self
music@alkiucc.org

An accomplished pianist specializing in musical theatre and sacred music, Daniel recently relocated to Seattle from his longtime home in Athens, Georgia. He had the privilege of serving as resident music director for Athens Creative Theatre for the past 11 years and was also the on-staff accompanist and subsequent music director for Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church where he served for more than a decade. His musical journey has led him to numerous stages and concert halls as a collaborative pianist, section player and pit orchestra musician. 

Building community through music is at the center of Daniel's love for music making. He has developed a number of community music initiatives in his professional life and extracurricular time, including the formation of community ensembles such as The Athens Flute Choir and Quintet Athens. 

Daniel has also developed programs to lift up and celebrate developing musicians, such as his "Hit The Pit" program for aspiring pit orchestra musicians and the "Music Leadership Program" to teach young singers essential skills in a choral setting. He always strives to curate creative spaces and experiences that foster community, artistic expression and education, whether he is at the podium or playing in the ensemble. 

In addition to freelancing in Seattle musical theatre, Daniel teaches private lessons for piano and general woodwinds. He is thrilled to join Alki UCC and co-create the music ministry with the church and greater community.


Alki UCC Office Manager 

Larisa Wanserski 
office@alkiucc.org

In-Person Office Hours: 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Thursday: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
and by appointment

Larisa started as our Office Manager in 2005.  She does it all! She manages the church office, keeps us organized, publishes our newsletters and weekly worship bulletins/slides, arranges for building use, answers your questions, keeps track of all the different groups using our building, etc. If you have any questions about anything to do with Alki UCC, Larisa will help you find the answer.

Alki UCC Church Council

In our congregational setting, the business affairs are led by lay leadership within the church membership.  The affairs of the church, except for matters specifically required to be decided by the membership, shall be managed by the church council. The church council is responsible for supporting the spiritual and financial health of the church, as well as directing the church’s mission, strategic planning, policymaking, and other duties assigned to it by the congregation.  

 

Elected Officers of the Alki UCC Church Council (through June 30, 2025)

Moderator, Julia Peeler

In church matters, the moderator leads and performs  duties commonly associated with the office of a board of directors. The moderator presides over meetings of the congregation and the church council. 

 

Vice Moderator, Cinda Stenger

The vice moderator shall act in the place of the moderator or in a specific responsibility delegated to, and accepted by, the vice moderator.

 

Secretary (Clerk), Charlie Hinckley

The secretary, in conjunction with the office staff, maintains all corporate and membership records of the church, including minutes of membership and church council meetings, issues letters of transfer, and ensures timely notices of church meetings. 

 

Treasurer, Gary Gesellchen

The treasurer oversees the church’s finances in coordination with the church council by managing annual budgets, coordination and reporting of church income and expenses. 

 

Ministry Team Representatives

All other members on the church council represent their ministry team. They report on team activities and may have duties assigned to their team by the council.

 

Operations Manager, Shannon Peterson

The operations manager is appointed by the council and provides support for issues and activities related to finance, budget, personnel, building and grounds, insurance, and church policies and procedures.