Meet Our Team

Senior Minister

Rev. Alisa Dickhoff

Rev. Alisa Dickhoff is a native of Lexington, South Carolina who now calls Vernon, Connecticut home. She came to New Haven in 2017 to begin a Master of Divinity program at Yale Divinity School. While studying, she met her Connecticut native spouse, JD, and the rest is history.

Prior to her studies at Yale, Alisa was a middle school band director in South Carolina. She continues to enjoy playing saxophone and flute, as well as singing. While her passion for music remains strong, her calling to ministry has been ever-present and she is honored to be an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.

Alisa joined First Congregational Church of Vernon UCC (FCCV) in January of 2022 as the Associate Pastor and transitioned into the Senior Pastor role in June of 2024. She is passionate about the FCCV and surrounding Vernon community and is proud to serve an Opening and Affirming congregation known for their welcoming spirit. Alisa’s ministry at FCCV is notable for creating engaging programs and worship and strengthening community outreach and relationships. She is also honored to serve as the Chaplain for the Vernon Fire Department.

Alisa, JD, and their son Judge, live in Vernon and enjoy visiting our wonderful parks, walking on the Rails-to-Trails paths, and the wonderful community events. Alisa also enjoys rollerblading, swimming, running, and musical theatre. 

Minister of Music and Creative Arts

Leanne Connolly

Leanne Connolly is a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Vernon UCC (FCCV) where she has served as Choir Director since 2013.

In addition to her role at FCCV, Leanne taught elementary school music for 34 years while raising her two kids in Vernon. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School and was later Commissioned as Minister of Music.

Leanne has a long history of performing and directing musical theater and brings that passion to the FCCV family.

She believes that everyone has many gifts to offer, and she looks forward to helping them tap into their inner performer.

Organist/ Pianist

James Burr

Administrative Assistant

Stephanie Howard

Stephanie grew up on Long Island in Franklin Square, New York. She graduated from Nassau Community College with her associate’s degree. Stephanie moved to Connecticut when she married her husband of 34 years Bob Howard. They currently reside in Tolland, CT and have two adult children, Emily and Nicole, and a dog named Sophie.

Stephanie worked as a church administrator at the United Congregational Church of Tolland for 10 years, and then as the office manager for Optimized Autism Interventions, a company that provided services to children with autism. Unfortunately, OAI closed down in 2021 due to COVID-19. Stephanie joined FCCV in January 2022.

In her free time, Stephanie and Bob enjoy hiking and fishing around New England. Stephanie also likes to take long walks with her dog Sophie, as well as reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.