Youth Director
Marty Hennum
Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to American UCC Medical Missionary parents, Marty’s early years in Africa profoundly shaped her interest in the performing arts, as well as global culture and service. She grew up in The Second Church in Newton, MA, UCC, where she was very active in the youth group. After graduating from Denison University with degrees in theater and psychology, she moved to Boston where she served as performing arts chair and a theater teacher at the Brimmer and May School. While in Boston, she also earned a master’s degree in intercultural relations with a focus on multicultural arts education.
Upon moving to Keene, Marty identified the need for more community arts programming for children in all economic circumstances. For the next 20 years, she served as artistic director of theater at the Keene arts education nonprofit, MoCo Arts. It is here she also launched and directed its C.A.K.E. Summer Camp program (held in the Church), teaching children aged 8 to 18 the art of acting and theatrical performance.
As a longtime member of The United Church of Christ, Marty is thrilled to bring her global spirit, multicultural values, and passion for community service to her new role as UCC’s Youth Program Director. When Marty is not working with youth and enjoying the exploits of her college-age children, she enjoys traveling with her husband Vaughan, doing yoga, reading, being outdoors in nature, playing games, watching movies, eating yummy food and laughing as much as possible!
Read the Youth Director’s Blog