The Rev. Valerie Mapstone Ackerman was ordained by First UU Detroit in 1998 after completing an internship here with the Rev. Larry Hutchison. Ministry was a second career for Valerie following a career in social work. She has degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Michigan, and Meadville Lombard Theological School. She has served UU congregations in MI, OH, IL, PA, OK, TX, KS, AR, VT, and NY. Valerie and her spouse Bill have a daughter in hospitality management in TN, a son in medical residency in Detroit, and two granddaughters ages 20 and 2. Now retired from ministry, Valerie lives in Peoria, IL with her spouse, two dogs and a sailboat that is itching for a dock somewhere near big water.