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 postgrad credits. Upon request, she also provides custom postgrad credit forms for conferences or workshops.

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


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Rev. Xiomara Malagon was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; she 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, Fla. 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, bookkeeper, translator, platform assistant, Wednesday prayer leader and vice president of the board of directors.

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 as well as Sunday services and seminars taught by members of USRS and the Association of Unity churches visiting 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 and conducted workshop/seminars, classes and other ministerial services.

In November 200l, she was hired by the Association of Unity Churches International and moved back to Lee's Summit, Mo. 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. Robin Ferguson (ordained 2002) joined the Association staff in November 2008 after pioneering Unity of the Heartland in Olathe, Kan. 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 1980s 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 Bachelor of Arts in business administration and a master's in human resource development. She resides in Lee's Summit, Mo. 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.

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?

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 and workshop ministry.

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.  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 regularly teaches Bible classes at Carondelet Manor, the nursing home and rehab center for St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City.  She has often traveled to Regional Conferences to serve as Association representative. Joann is the 2010 recipient of the Unity Light of God Expressing award.

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 more than five 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 nonprofit 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.

Richard 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: Phone: 816-737-8299   E-mail: richard@unity.org

Topics:
Talks: Self- Esteem and Unity's Five 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; has performed and spoken at more than 100 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 and Patricia Lansky, Marj Britt, Greg Guice, Rob Robinson, Bob Marshall, Paul Hasselbeck, Aliza Bloom, Ken Williamson, Scott McClintock.

Stephanie is a Certified Peace Worker for the Ministry for PeaceMaking of the Association of Unity Churches and a Certified Coach through the Academy for Coaching Excellence in Sacramento, Calif., 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 Bachelor of Science 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 (B.A). and the University of Missouri (M.A.), 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 United States as a foreign student in 1975, and later became a U.S. 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 three 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 and fax, coordinating updates to the Web site, updating the database, 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, Minnie Meowse, geneology research, 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 four-state area and has delighted young and old alike at area parties and picnics for many years.

Myra enjoys her three grown children and four grandchildren.

Myra's favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

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 three daughters; she enjoys gardening, golf and being outdoors.

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 licensed Unity 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".

Debbie Ratliff Ball first began working for Unity School of Christianity on April 1, 1975. She worked in Silent Unity answering prayer letters for four months, then worked with Alta Tucker in "Adjustments" as it was then called for four 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 International 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, audiovisual 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.

Cheryl is married, and she and husband Bob have two children: Brandi and Bo. 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, Fla., for the past 10 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 four seasons.