Biography

Jessica Gray (aka Iris Imaginoria) has been working in professional UU religious education since 2004. She is thrilled to serve her second congregation, the First Unitarian Church of Worcester in Massachusetts, as Director of Faith Development Ministries. Jessica enjoys bringing creative dramatics into her work, having recently completed her PhD in theatre at Louisiana State University. She is an active member of the UUA credentialing program.

In 2011, Jessica worked with others to form the Imaginorium Educational Collective, a nonprofit interfaith organization whose mission is “to empower children, youth and adults, opening doors to the imagination through creative exploration of mythic worlds.” The Imaginorium offers resources and events that create a three-dimensional theatrical environment, incorporating the performing arts into spiritual education for children, youth, and adults. The organization just completed a seven-year cycle of Hogwarts summer camps in Baton Rouge, LA, and are looking forward to the next great adventure.

Based on her experience, Iris Imaginoria believes that the Harry Potter stories provide an ideal medium for teaching spiritual and social values and creating a bonded community of children and adults.

Jessica is available on a limited basis for consultation, short workshops, program development, and day camp direction with other churches and organizations.