Staff

Associate Pastor of Faith Formation

(he/they)
education (AT) beneficentchurch.org

Rev. Jaquel D. Scott, M.A., is a faith leader, educator, and community advocate committed to liberative theology and transformative Christian formation. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Rev. Scott is a proud product of public education, graduating from Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia. He went on to pursue his call to ministry at Ohio Christian Univerisyt, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership in Ministry with a concentration in Leadership and Biblical Studies. 

Rev. Scott previously served as Program Coordinator and Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Chapel at Spelman College, where he supported the worship life of the institution, advised student religious organizations, and co-chaired Baccalaureate ceremonies. His profesisonal journey also includes leadership in financial services, where he developed expterise in crisis response, member engagement, and operational excellence. 

He holds a Master of Arts in Religion and Education from The Interdenominational Theological Center. His thesis, “‘Paris is Burning’ within Homoerotic Christian Texts,” reflects his deep commitment to queer theological discourse and expansive biblical interpretation.

In January 2026, Rev. Scott stepped into the role of Chair of the Association of United Church Educators (AUCE), becoming the first openly queer African American male elected to lead the organization’s executive board. He was also appointed to the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board (2024-2028) and previously served as Rhode Island Representative for the New England Association of United Church Educators. 

Rev. Scott is an Ordained Minister through The Fellowship of Affirming Churches (TFAM) and, on March 1, 2026, was elected by the members of Beneficent Congregational Church, UCC, to serve as Associate Pastor of Faith Formation, the inaugural holder of this office. Through preaching, teaching, writing, and ecommunity engagement, he remains passionate about cultivating spaces of truth, rest, equity, and liberation within the life of the Church and beyond. 

In his spare time, Rev. Scott dreams of the launching The Eunuch’s Closet, a sacred and affirming religious spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, and enjoys spending time with his Parti Poodle, Ella. 

Minister of Music

(she/her)
music (AT) beneficentchurch.org

Beginning piano lessons at age 7, Frances has strived to share and expand her music career. While still in high school, she joined The Good News Kids, an ecumenical singing group that toured the country spreading the gospel. During those same years, Frances started studying piano at the University of Rhode Island. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Roger Williams University majoring in music and theatre. Frances was accepted into their extended-course program in London, England, where she spent a year in advanced studies.

To “support” her career in music, Frances started working as an insurance field examiner in Boston. She continued for the next fifteen years working as an examiner by day, and working cabarets, supper clubs and theaters at night in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL.

In 2007, Frances returned “home” to church. She became the Music Director at Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI in 2007. In 2011, she took the position of Worship Leader at Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD. 2013 brought Frances to Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Newport, RI as their Director of Music Ministry. She also is the Artistic Director of RPM Voices of Rhode Island.

Social Media/Office Manager

(he/him)
(401) 331-9844
officemanager (AT) beneficentchurch.org

As a teenager, Charlie once hacked into his pastor’s computer and re-wrote the church website to proclaim undying support for the Patriots, as opposed to the Pittsburg Steelers. Born and raised in New England, Charlie considered this display of regional loyalty to be morally justifiable (although neither his parents nor church staff agreed).

Since then, he’s decided it’s probably best to use his tech powers for The Greater Good, opting to utilize his skillset for more creative, artistic, and empowering pursuits. Charlie loves the color blue, owns a cat who still refuses to help pay the rent, and will never turn down a slice of pizza.

A/V Technician

(he/him)
av (AT) beneficentchurch.org

Will Cooley, born and raised in the city of Orlando, FL., was immersed from a young age in the world of music that fueled his fascination with audio and technology. As a teenager, he spent countless hours experimenting with recording equipment, learning the fundamentals of sound engineering, and honing his technical skills. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for shaping his dual interests in both performing and producing music.

After high school, Will spent the next five years performing across the southeast, playing both intimate gigs and larger venues. Drawing on his experiences from Orlando, New York, and every stop in between, Will currently spends his time in Rhode Island blending his technical and creative capabilities to produce high-quality audio and video content.

Along with ongoing regular performances, Will tutors aspiring musicians, drawing immense satisfaction from sharing his knowledge with others. In addition to such a fulfilling and dynamic professional life, Will enjoys balancing his work by spending time with his family. He looks to his future with excitement, eager to embrace whatever new challenges and opportunities wait for him on this journey.

Nursery Attendant

(she/her)

Sharon has been an early-childhood educator for 35 years. She likes to travel the world and reads lots of books, and she brings that spirit to her care of Beneficent’s youngest.

Nursery Attendant

(he/him)

Stiven – who joined the Beneficent team in 2024 – loves building Legos® with his cousins, watching Marvel movies, and perfecting his planting hobby. He spends his free time reading a good book, or volunteering at community art programs.

Parking Attendant

(he/him)

Cory joined the Beneficent team in 2024.