Deborah is responsible for capacity-building functions of Association members that further the strategic plan and goals established by the Board of Trustees of the Association. These functions include programs and services involving spiritual education for all ages, leadership development, ministry expansion and development and worldwide support. Deborah is responsible for the development of the Association's new Transformation Experience program.

Prior to ministry, Deborah's career included education, counseling, management, corporate training, organizational development, leadership development, coaching, and consulting. Most recently she worked with the Center for Leadership Development at the Penn State Milton S.Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine.


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As Executive Assistant, Marti supports Vice President, Deborah Frownfelter, the department staff, the Transformation Experience. She is also responsible for the posting and handling of Post grad credits. Upon request, she also provides custom Post Grad Credit forms for conferences or workshops.

Marti can be contacted for questions regarding post grad credits, the Transformation Experience, and department-related question.


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Rev. Xiomara Malagon was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Graduated as bilingual secretary at the Spanish American Institute in New York City and as an English Instructor at the Defense Language Institute, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She was a member of the Dominican Air Force where she performed the duties of English Instructor and Assistant to the Purchasing Manager of the Dominican Air Force, stationed in Miami, Florida. She also served as Personnel Clerk at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

In 1981, after she attended a Sunday service at Unity of New Thought in Miami, Florida, she started to work as a volunteer serving as secretary, book keeper, translator, platform assistant, Wednesday prayer leader and Vice President of the Board of Director.

In 1986, Xiomara was transferred back to the Dominican Republic. One of the first things she did was to contact the minister at Church Unity en Dominicana. She started to work as a volunteer and served as leader of the 70s Group, platform assistant, translator/interpreter for CEP classes held in the Dominican Republic, and also Sunday services talk and seminars taught by members of USRS and the Association of Unity churches, who visited Unity in Dominicana.

She attended the ministerial program at USRS as an international candidate and was graduated and ordained in 1999. She returned to her country where she served as a minister of the Unity Group "Angeles de Unity" in the city of Santo Domingo. She also served as guest speaker at all the Unity Centers in the Dominican Republic, conducted workshop/seminars, classes and other ministerial services.

In November 200l, she was hired by the Association of Unity Churches and moved back to Lee's Summit, Missouri. Since December 26, 2001 she has been performing the duties of Coordinator at Unity Worldwide Services Department, where she serves in many areas of ministry.

Rev. Dr. Shannah McAleer serves as the Director of Leadership & Ministry Development for the Association of Unity Churches International. Her work includes the development and implementation of programmatic strategies and initiatives of the Association in the areas of leadership development and thriving ministries. Under the direction and guidance of the VP of Education, Leadership and Ministry Development and in collaboration with other home office leadership, consultants, staff and ministry teams, she is the project leader for the Transformation Experience and its components, Enlightened Leadership and Thriving Ministries.

Rev. Shannah was ordained as a Unity minister in 2008. She is also a Licensed Unity Teacher. She holds a Doctoral degree in Divinity from the American Institute of Holistic Theology and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University in Sacramento, CA. She is a graduate of Hickman Mills High School in Kansas City and always knew she would return home to Kansas City one day.

Prior to coming to the home office, Shannah served as Associate Minister and for several years as the Chief Operating Officer of Spiritual Life Center in Sacramento, CA. She was a director of a large non-profit with oversight of operations in ten offices in northern CA serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Shannah also served as part-time faculty at the California State University in Sacramento teaching graduate social work.

Rev. Shannah was born in Africa and has lived in Maine, Greece, North Carolina, Turkey, Nevada, Missouri, the Philippines and California to name a few. Shannah and her partner Kathy enjoy their dog(s) and getting out in nature. Shannah loves reading, playing golf and watching Notre Dame (the Irish connection) and the Chiefs play football.

"I feel so very blessed to be working at the home office and serving all of you in the Unity movement in this way. I look forward to all that lies ahead as we move into the unlimited future together!"

Rev. Robin Ferguson (ordained 2002) joined the Association staff in November 2008 after pioneering Unity of the Heartland in Olathe, Kansas. She brings her passion for spreading the Unity message through the formation of new Unity centers and is here to support you in the adventure of pioneering a thriving new ministry!

Shirley Kennedy joined the Association as Licensed Teacher Coordinator in January 2007. Shirley has been in Unity since the early 1980's and has been a licensed Unity teacher since 1996. She has served several Unity churches in northern Virginia and south Texas. She has taught Unity classes and served as Spiritual Leader between ministers. She started the first Prayer Chaplain group in San Antonio and served there as the Business Manager for four years before joining the Association staff.

Shirley holds a BA in Business Administration and a Masters in Human Resource Development. She resides in Lee's Summit, Missouri. She is the mother of two sons and has three grandchildren.

Shirley also serves on the Credentialing Team


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Kathryn is responsible for the Certified Spiritual Educators Program, the Licensed Unity Teachers Program Specializing in Youth and Family Ministry , the Religious Emblem program for young people, Child Teen Ministry Week national training and the publication, Education Links. She consults with churches on questions about risk management, curriculum choices, resources, staffing, training and more.

Before joining the Association in 2003, Kathryn served 20 years in Unity ministries as a youth and family director, regional education consultant for the Southwest Unity region, and a minister. She is a Certified Spiritual Educator, Licensed Unity Teacher Specializing in Youth and Family Ministry, and an ordained Unity minister (Field Licensing Program 2002). Previous to ministry, Kathy taught music education in public and private schools.

Rev. Jane Simmons is a Unity minister currently serving as the International Teen Ministry Coordinator. She has served in three Unity ministries and was past president of the Canadian Association of Unity Churches. She has written the I of the Storm for Teens as well as teacher's guides for both teen and adult I of the Storm books. She is a doctoral student at Holos University and a certified HeartMath educator.

She has been in Unity since 1984 and in 2006 she became a licensed Unity teacher. Bernadette attends Unity Church of Independence, MO, where she is the prayer chaplain coordinator.

Bernadette can be contacted at cwriter@unity.org with questions relating to:
• What curriculum should I use?
• What curriculum products are currently being developed?
• What are the Small Group Ministry products?

Rachel works on projects for Next Generation of Unity, International Youth of Unity, and Campus Ministries.

Carl has a background in medicine and hospice care and is an ordained (1993) Unity minister.

Cathy Christy came to the Association home office in October 1996 from a background in retail and restaurant management, and resource management training.

Cathy is the administrative assistant for Carl Osier, Vice President of Organizational Services. Her current duties include revising and updating the Association Bylaws, Recommended Bylaws for a Ministry, church and Association Policy Manuals, Employee Handbook, arranging interoffice travel, and various other personnel tasks.

Cathy and her husband Kevin have four children, a dog, and a salt-water aqarium.

Cathy's favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13

Alternative Ministry: Unity in Action, a lecture & workshop ministry.

Jo Ann Spruill joined the Association in April 1998 after twenty-one years of experience in insurance working as an Administrative Assistant in Sales Administration.

After a number of years assisting the Teen/Young Adult Coordinator, Jo Ann has moved into the position of Credentialing Registrar for those seeking ordination.

Jo Ann enjoys spending time with her family

Joann M. Landreth was employed by Unity School of Christianity Education Department on April 1, 1969. She worked in the Education Department for three years, worked one month in data entry, and five years as secretary to J. Sig and Jane Paulson at Unity Village Chapel. On September 15, 1978, Joann was employed by the Association of Unity Churches as an executive assistant.

Joann graduated from the Unity Institute for Continuing Education in 1980. She began her ministerial training in 1983, and was ordained as a Unity minister in June 1986. Since her ordination, Joann has become the Director of Ministry Employment Services. Her primary responsibilities include working with ministers in preparing resumes and providing counsel on the process of employment in a Unity ministry. She also works with the board of trustees of open churches and provides counsel on the process for employment of a new Unity minister. Joann is also responsible for assisting ministers, teachers and laypersons in starting new churches and developing them to full-status. Assistance is also provided to ministers on the development of alternative ministries.

Joann travels extensively. She guest speaks at Unity churches, conducts dedication services, and conducts the installation of a new minister for a ministry. She has often traveled to Regional Conferences to serve as Association representative.

Joann has two children and five grandchildren. Her recreation and hobbies include travel, reading Truth books, reading novels, and having a quiet evening at home watching television.

Her favorite biblical verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Richard joined the Association staff as Administrative Assistant in Ministry Employment in July of 2004 after serving over 5 years at Unity Village as Music and Creative Arts Coordinator for retreats. He became a Licensed Unity Teacher in April of 2004 and has served on the Music Ministry Team since its inception in 1994 helping to bring new music and music resources to our churches in the field.

Richard is president and founder of ITOI Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering world peace through personal transformation. He travels the country presenting talks, workshops, retreats and concerts, including a workshop for Music Directors aimed at strengthening the music programs in our churches.

As a member of the Support Services staff, Richard assists Debbie Ball in all aspects of events coordination including the yearly People's Conference, and on materials relating to Volunteer Appreciation Sunday and Friendship Sunday. Richard also coordinates production and distribution of all music materials and songbooks offered by the Association.

Direct questions concerning musical resources, copyrights and the Speaker/Musician Resource list to richard@unity.org
 

Mekdeci, Richard - Licensed Unity Teacher, Award winning Songwriter, "One-Man Band"/ Humorist/ Speaker

Contact Information: 816-737-8299   email-  richard@unity.org
Topics:
Talks  - Self Esteem and Unity's 5 Principles, How one person can create world peace?
Concerts - The Art of Peace, The 12 Powers In Song, New Thought Praise and Prayer, God Is!
Workshops - Ready Willing and Worthy, Tools For Effective Music Ministry, Retreats - Sounds Of The Soul (weekend music retreat).


References: Regular People's Conference Presenter and performer, Performed and spoken at over 100 different Unity Centers worldwide. James Trapp, Charlotte Shelton, Phil and Dorothy Pearson, Jim Rosemergy, Laura Bennett, Sharon Connors, Jimmie Scott, Leddy Hammock, Anna Joy Grace, Don & Patricia Lansky, Marj Britt, Greg Guice, Rob Robinson, Bob Marshall, Paul Hasselbeck, Aliza Bloom, Ken Williamson, Scott McClintock.

Stephanie is a Certified PeaceWorker for the Ministry for PeaceMaking of the Association of Unity Churches and a Certified Coach through the Academy for Coaching Excellence in Sacramento, CA having studied with Dr. Maria Nemeth, author of The Energy of Money and Mastering Life's Energies, and is accredited through the International Coaching Federation. As a coach, Stephanie specializes in working with and empowering spiritual leaders to reach new levels of clarity and effectiveness in their organizations, and to support those leaders in truly enjoying their work.

Stephanie is an ordained Interfaith Minister, a graduate of The New Seminary, an interfaith seminary in New York City. She obtained a B.S. in biology from The Pennsylvania State University. Stephanie was most recently the Spiritual Leader of Unity of Lehigh Valley in Emmaus, PA and is a regular consultant with various church boards throughout the east coast. She specializes in church growth and revitalization, and in facilitating joyful and effective leadership.

Past posts include being the Spiritual Leader of The Spiritual Center of Gettysburg, an Interfaith community, and upon graduation from TNS, was the Assistant Minister at Unity Church of Harrisburg, PA. She served for a year as the Interim Senior Minister for the Interfaith Fellowship in New York City, and was a dean and presenter at the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, also in New York City.

Rev. Dr. Young Bae is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance of the Association. He joined the staff in August 1985.

Young's previous experience includes teaching, consulting, and accounting services in various organizations.

Young is a graduate of Seoul National University (BA) and the University of Missouri (MA), and holds a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Science from Walden University. He is an ordained Unity minister (Class of 1995).

A native Korean, Young came to the USA as a foreign student in 1975, and later became a US citizen along with his wife Myoungsoon Bae.

Both Young and Soon love playing golf, and the entire family (Daughter, Suzanne and Son, Daniel) enjoys music (choir, trio, piano, guitar) and travel.

Bud (Glenn) Mosley, joined the Association home office staff in 1986. His duties include managing inventory, shipments and the building. Bud is also responsible for moving conference equipment and supplies.

Bud is a big KC Chiefs fan and enjoys his family.

Ron Lee joined the Association staff in March 1991, from a background in warehouse management. Ron was also a bartender in a past life. His current duties for the Association include working with Association products at the Unity warehouse.

Ron and wife Marti have 3 children. Ron enjoys softball, hunting, fishing and working around the house.

Ron's favorite Bible verse is John 3:16.

Her current duties include arranging for maintenance on the computers, copier, fax and telephone equipment, updating the website, researching new technology for possible use at the home office or in member ministries, answering pension requests and assisting Young Bae, CFO.

Susan enjoys spending time with husband, Tony, playing with their cat, Prissy, golfing, and working on her home computer.

Favorite Bible verse Phil 4:6-7.

Myra is a professional magician and clown, known as Sparkles. Her act includes 'comedy magic' and she is often able to present a Christian message with her performance. She travels a 4 state area and has delighted young and old alike at area parties and picnics for many years.

Myra enjoys her 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Myras favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Deanna joined the Association home office in May 2009, after 15 years experience with Unity. She enjoys talking with church staff, and is looking forward to learning more about the Association home office. 

Terry joined the Global Expansion Ministry Services staff in August 2001.

Connie Waitley joined the home office staff in May 1990. She is the 'voice' of the Association Home Office, directing hundreds of calls a day to the appropriate desks.

Connie has 3 daughters, she enjoys gardening, golf and being outdoors.

Lisa Wittman came to the Association in 1995, when she started the Marketing Department. She worked in industrial marketing for GE and two smaller companies in Kansas City. She completed her masters degree in business while at GE.

As VP Communications, Lisa oversees the communications, events, publications and development efforts of the Association. She participates in the Association's Leadership Team, where the focus is to accomplish our mission through developing enlightened leaders and thriving ministries. 

Debbie Allen joined the staff in 1997 in the Radio/Media department and in 1999 moved to the Development Department, where she now works with Lisa Wittman. Her position as Communications Coordinator includes such things as event planning, donor recruiting and nurturing. She is a Unity Licensed Teacher specializing in administration. She has also been trained as a Master Prosperity Teacher.

In her spare time she teaches Unity classes and spends time with her grown son. She loves to read and watch movies.

Debbie's favorite verse is "Let Go, Let God".

Barbara Quinn develops and provides support materials and expertise to field ministries concerning media marketing and public relations, and supervises the production of print, audio and video materials for the Association home office. She has been in her current position since 2003.

Barbara holds a BA in English/Secondary Education and has fifteen years of experience in radio, both public and commercial and two years in public television.

Barbara enjoys travel, amateur archeology and quilting. She and her husband, Tom Thorpe have two cats and live in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Debbie Ratliff Ball first began working for Unity School of Christianity on April 1, 1975. She worked in Silent Unity answering prayer letters for 4 months, then worked with Alta Tucker in "Adjustments" as it was then called for 4 years. In 1979 she transferred to the "Cassette Department" where she worked with Rick Grace for 12 years. In 1991 Debbie joined the Association of Unity Churches staff as the Conference/Convention/Support Services Coordinator.

Debbie is responsible for planning all aspects of the annual Conventions. She also works very closely with various departments coordinating their meeting space, audio/visual needs as well as food and beverage needs with Unity School of Christianity.

Debbie lives in Lee's Summit with her husband Michael, her daughter Becky and her son Douglas (along with their dog Scooter!)

She enjoys gardening, scuba diving, Tae Kwon Doe and gourmet cooking.

"Live life to the fullest and have fun while you are doing it!"

Cheryl Vestal began her career with the Association right out of high school in 1973. For the first four years, she was secretary of the Public Relations Department. In 1977 she began working in graphics and composition.

Cheryl is responsible for all brochures, newsletters, magazines, pamphlets, and so forth, published by the Association. She also works with the different departments on any special projects. The updating of the mailing list and Association yearbook are also part of her responsibilities.

Cheryl is married. She and husband, Bob, have two children: Brandi-21 and Bo-18. Some of her favorite pastimes are playing golf and tennis, and watching football.

Her favorite quote is "Life is like pizza, even when it's bad it's good."

Joanna is married with two daughters. She enjoys making improvements to her home, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Rev. Trapp was ordained in 1994 and has served at Unity on the Bay in Miami, Florida for the past ten years. Since being at Unity on the Bay, he has been instrumental in creating a growing and dynamic spiritual community that is racially, ethnically and culturally diverse mirroring the wide spectrum of people who live in South Florida. Under his leadership, Unity on the Bay has grown from an average Sunday attendance of 125 to more than 1300.

Rev. Trapp believes that Unity principles, such as honoring the divinity of all people, are relevant to select societal issues. He was a keynote speaker at an interfaith Service for Religious leaders, organizations and politicians who supported equal treatment of all people.

Rev. Trapp has a bachelor's degree in economics and a certificate of concentration in African-American Studies from Princeton University and a law degree from the University of Florida.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have the privilege of serving as the next President and CEO of our Association of Unity Churches International," Trapp said. "I look forward to working with our collective Unity movement as we go about carrying out the great commission of spreading the good news and co-creating with spirit to transform lives and our world."

Rev. Trapp, his wife Angela and son Jaelan are settling into life in Missouri and weather with 4 seasons.

Susan M. Beck is the Chief Operating Officer of the Association of Unity Churches International. In this position, she facilitates strategic planning efforts and coordinates the activities of the four Vice Presidents to ensure completion of all plans and projects. She continually evaluates the effectiveness of the Association's programs and support to constituents and recommends and coordinates improvements to them. She also ensures continuing organizational development of the Association's key leaders and staff. Further, she supports development and strengthening of organizational relationships both within and outside the Association and the Unity movement.

Formerly the Executive Director of the HearthStone Global Foundation in Omaha, Nebraska, she managed several significant global projects, including efforts to promote large-scale conscious transformation within nations, including Israel, and within businesses, other organizations and communities.

Susan served 24 years as an Air Force officer and retired from the Pentagon in 2001 after achieving the rank of Colonel. Her experience included squadron command; advisor to the first female Secretary of the Air Force; and later Director of the Secretary's Action Group (think tank). Susan stayed on in Washington, DC as a consultant for the Department of Defense and defense contractors immediately after the events of 9/11.

She is a certified business and life coach from the Academy for Coaching Excellence and B-Coach and formerly worked to guide businesses and individuals through crucial transition periods and support them in consciously creating their work and their lives.

Susan hails from Orlando, Florida where she earned her bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy from Florida Technological University. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management (Acquisition and Contract Management major) from the Air Force Institute of Technology and was also awarded a Master of Science degree (National Resource Strategy major) from the National Defense University.

Susan currently lives in Lee's Summit, Missouri, with her ferret, Snowflake, and her blind cat, Forrest and enjoys traveling, speaking and facilitating retreats. A Unity Truth student since 1993, she supports organizations, including many Unity churches across the country, in intentionally envisioning and planning for their future together.

Ordained 1980

Alternative Ministry: (with Jane Simmons) I Make The Difference Ministries

Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons is Assistant Vice President Integral Operations at the Association of Unity Churches International where he is responsible for the coordination and implementation of an integral approach to organizational practice and development within the Association of Unity Churches home office, regional associations, and member ministries. Having won praise from Ken Wilber for his is ground-breaking doctoral research, Dr. Simmons has formulated a new paradigm for church growth, called the integral model of ministry, that focuses on creating thriving, coherent, and integral church organizations. In addition to his work at the Association home office, he is an adjunct faculty member for both Unity and Holmes Institutes developing new course content and curriculum based on the application of integral principles and second-tier practices to peacemaking, transition consulting, and church development issues.

Dr. Gary Simmons has spent the last 10 years as Director of Peacemaking Services. Prior to his work with the Association, Dr. Simmons pioneered three Unity churches and served on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Unity Churches International. He has implemented peacemaking and transition consulting processes in over 250 New Thought organizations.

Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Myrtle Fillmore Award. He received his doctor of theology degree from Holos University Graduate Seminary. He holds a fourth degree black belt in the martial art of tae kwon-do. He is an experimental aircraft builder and pilot and lives with his wife, Rev. Jane Simmons, also a Unity minister, in Lee's Summit, MO .

Currently, Bets serves as executive assistant to the President/CEO.