Rev. Joel's love of animals is as old as his first memories. He has been first vegetarian, and later vegan, for 30 years, or as he likes to put it, "ever since he was responsible for his own food." Rev. Joel and his wife live on a forested property with two adopted guinea pigs and seven adopted cats, all with mythological names. When not snuggling critters, you can find him cooking, hiking, reading, and enjoying D&D.  His spirituality as a nontheist pagan is grounded in a love of nature, animals, and the concept of interconnection. 

Since 2022, Rev. Joel has served as Minister at the UU Church of Muncie in Indiana. He joined the UUAM Board in the fall of 2025.