Staff
Rev. Valeria Schmidt
Intentional Interim Minister
(she/her)
rev.schmidt[at]beneficentchurch.org
Rev. Jaquel D. Scott
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 University, 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 professional journey also includes leadership in financial services, where he developed expertise 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 space for the LGBTQ+ community, and enjoys spending time with his Parti Poodle, Ella.
Frances-Elayne Johnson
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.
Will Cooley
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.
Stiven Peña
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.
Cory Bouchard
Parking Attendant
(he/him)
Cory joined the Beneficent team in 2024.
Bob Ryder
Facilities and Maintenance
(he/him)
Bob joined the Beneficent team in 2024. Staff bio coming soon!
The Beneficent Church community exemplifies and lives out the
affirmation, “All are welcome” —something churches often profess but fail to honor. In Beneficent Church, we have been embraced as we are and have found our long-sought-after spiritual home.
Leslie and John F.
I am proud to be a lifelong member of Beneficent! I grew up in our
Sunday School, married another Beneficent member who sang in the choir, and raised our family in our Sunday School.
Irene H.
Beneficent was a Godsend to me when I was grieving the loss of my parents. I found it to be a comforting and completely accepting place for me personally.
Valerie T.