Music Director
Ariadna Benítez Talavera
Ariadna Benítez Talavera is an expressive and passionate Cuban conductor known for her strong musicality, warm presence, and deep commitment to building meaningful connections between orchestras and audiences. Praised for her compassionate leadership and artistic vision, she has held key positions across Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, shaping the musical landscape wherever she goes.
From 2012 to 2018, Benítez Talavera served as Music Director of the Matanzas Symphony Orchestra in Cuba, having previously been its Assistant Director, leading national tours and acclaimed recording projects. In Mexico, she worked with the Youth Chamber Orchestra of Novo-Tempo, offering free music education to underserved youth, and served as Music Director of the University of Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. Currently based in the United States, she was Assistant Conductor of the Austin Peay State University Orchestra and will begin her doctoral studies at Boston University in 2025. Ariadna has participated in masterclasses and festivals with leading conductors including Kenneth Kiesler, Marin Alsop, Mei-Ann Chen, and Lior Shambadal, and has guest conducted extensively across Latin America and United States. She is known for her passionate leadership, advocacy for young talent, and commitment to excellence in orchestral performance.
Pastor
JT Hills
Rev. JT Hills is excited to be serving as pastor here in Westwood! Having joined the Southern New England Conference in August 2021, he has served churches in California, Indiana, and Michigan. Born in Nebraska and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, JT is a graduate of Doane University and Pacific School of Religion. Though he comes from a family of pastors, he took time discerning a call to ministry. Now immersed in spiritual leadership, he is eager to be a part of creating the church of the future.
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In his spare time, JT enjoys watching movies, playing games, resting at the beach, cheering for his favorite sports teams, and heading out on an adventurous road trip. He does it all with his family: wife Kelse, son Jay, and daughter Quorra.
Office Manager
Jonathan Pape
Jonathan Pape is the Office Manager at First Parish Westwood. With over a decade of experience in digital communications and educational content, he is also a musician and community advocate. A Massachusetts native and Emerson College graduate, Jonathan has served as a Town Meeting representative and on the Dedham School of Music board. His career includes roles in healthcare education, content management, and team leadership, and he is dedicated to clear communication for diverse audiences.
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys writing and performing his music, architecture, film, and spending his time with his wife Emily and their son Simon.
Reach out to Jonathan with your questions at office@firstparishwestwood.org or 781-326-5344 during office hours.