Rev. Vernelle Nelson was ordained in 2016. Her latest book, Don’t EVER Invite Me to Another Pity Party, was released in 2020.  She was born and educated in Washington, DC, where she earned a BS in Management and did graduate level coursework in Business Education and Administration.  Prior to moving to Florida in 1995, she worked for non-profit organizations, wrote for small newspapers in the DC area and headed the On-Air Promotions Department at National Public Radio’s Washington headquarters. She is the Founding Minister of Unity Golden Life Ministries, a member of the Unity Urban Ministerial School [UUMS] faculty and past-president of the UUMS Alumni Association. Her spare time is devoted to her hobbies – reading, writing, sewing, listening to music, and relaxing at the beach.

Randy Fillmore has a life-long affiliation with Unity. When he and his wife, Barbara moved from northern Virginia to Melbourne in 2018, becoming involved at Unity of Melbourne was instrumental in his retirement transition as an executive with a federal agency. During his time with Unity of Melbourne, he has served on the Board of Trustees, then shifted to the Director of Operations role, and completed and now is a credentialed Licensed Unity Teacher. Besides his role at Unity of Melbourne, he served as Executive Director for Unity Serving Military Overseas, a Unity Worldwide Ministries Evolving Alternative Ministry streaming Unity services to US service members stationed and living throughout the Indo-Pacific and European theaters. When not working, Randy enjoys international travel with his wife, Barbara, building labyrinths, and narrating (Amazon) audio books and recording voiceovers.

Cheryl Lindner has been involved with the YFM program for 18 years, as a parent, volunteer teacher, teen sponsor, nursery attendant, Directors Assistant, and Director for the last five years.

She relishes seeing so many children grow up in Unity blossom into such beautiful young adults. As YFM Director, she strives to organize all youth and family activities across the entire Youth Education Program, Youth Spiritual Retreats, and facilitates Community Outreach programs with the assistance of a number of volunteers. She embraces the idea that it takes a village to raise a child and our Unity kids have an amazing spiritual village to help them on their path.

Born with a natural inclination towards caregiving, Pat Raso embarked on her professional journey as a Registered Nurse in the bustling halls of New York hospitals. For forty years, her steps echoing through intensive care units and pre-operative wards. Witnessing the fragility of life firsthand, Pat developed a keen understanding of the intricate dance between science and compassion.

Beyond the sterile walls of the hospital, she pursued her intellectual curiosity, earning a Master’s degree in Holistic Nursing. This exploration opened her eyes to the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, adding a new dimension to her care philosophy. The pursuit of holistic wellness wasn’t just a professional shift; it resonated deeply within her own being.

Pat’s search for deeper meaning led her to the doorstep of Unity. For two decades, the Daily Word had been a quiet companion, offering solace and inspiration. Stepping into the Unity of Melbourne felt like a homecoming, the culmination of an unspoken yearning. She took classes, embraced the practice of prayer chaplaincy, and became a pillar of the community, sharing her wisdom and warmth.

Her life wasn’t confined to hospitals and prayer circles. Pat found solace in the whispers of the ocean breeze as she walked along the beach, her heart resonating with the rhythm of nature. Volunteering at hospice and HRMC allowed her to extend her compassionate touch beyond the walls of medical institutions. Time with loved ones, amidst laughter and shared stories, fueled her spirit. Even caring for her beloved plants reflected her nurturing nature.

Today, Pat stands at the intersection of these experiences, ready to bring her unique blend of professional expertise, holistic understanding, and spiritual grounding to the UOM Board. She envisions a collaborative space where diverse perspectives weave together, guided by respect and a shared commitment to service. This is not just a professional goal; it’s an extension of her life’s journey, a testament to the wellspring of love and care that resides within her holistic heart.

Cindi Adams wasn’t always a claims whiz navigating the intricacies of litigated injuries. Forty years ago, fresh out of college with a degree in social sciences, she embarked on a different path – the non-marketing side of the insurance world. It was a career built on understanding people, dissecting situations, and finding just solutions, a skillset that would later translate perfectly into navigating the complexities of legal claims.

But Cindi wasn’t just about numbers and legalese. Beneath the analytical mind thrummed a deep well of empathy, nurtured by an early introduction to Unity by her father. While life’s journeys took her through various faiths, Unity’s core principle of service resonated deeply. In Portland, she found a home in the Church of Religious Science, leading the annual summer potluck – a testament to her ability to bring joy and connectness to her community of 350.

Yet, service wasn’t just confined to church walls. It spilled into her volunteer work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For three years, she led a team of volunteers in Portland, culminating in her chairing the 2022 Out of the Darkness Walk in Hot Springs – a powerful testament to her commitment to bringing light into darkness.

Today, Cindi continues to weave service and empathy into the fabric of her life. Beyond her expertise in claims, she finds joy in the theatre, the company of animals, and the simple pleasure of walks in nature. As Rabindranath Tagore’s quote, her guiding light, beautifully expresses, “life is service” and service, for Cindi, is joy. Whether navigating the intricacies of claims or leading a community potluck, Cindi walks through life with a quiet strength, a keen mind, and a heart brimming with service and joy.

Kate Lose wasn’t your average grandmother. Sure, she baked delectable treats and sewed adorable clothes for her nine grandchildren, but her earlier life hummed with a different kind of purpose. For years, she was a seasoned Project Manager with the EPA, a woman who wasn’t afraid to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Imagine Kate, a determined figure in a hard hat, navigating labyrinthine “Superfund Sites” – contaminated landscapes scarred by industrial waste. Here, her mission was more than just cleaning up the mess; it was about bringing people together. Communities, businesses, government agencies – Kate wove these disparate threads into a tapestry of agreement, forging paths forward amidst complex environmental concerns.

But beneath the steely exterior, a spiritual quest was brewing. Though raised Catholic and educated in its traditions, Kate discovered a new resonance in Unity of Melbourne. Drawn by the music and the message, she became a regular, particularly captivated by Reverend Beth’s teachings on “E + R = O” – the transformative power of our response to life’s events.

This newfound spiritual dimension intertwined with her other passions. Gym and yoga classes weren’t just about physical fitness; they were mindful movements nurturing her inner well-being. Each stitch in her sewing projects held a quiet intention, and the pages of history books whispered lessons that transcended time. Even crafting with her grandchildren became a shared exploration of creativity and connection.

Today, Kate Lose carries both legacies within her. The steely resolve of the EPA project manager coexists with the gentle seeker finding solace in Unity’s teachings. In her laughter with her grandchildren, you might glimpse the wisdom of countless negotiations, and in her serene gaze, the echo of a life enriched by spiritual exploration. Kate Lose, a woman who proves that purpose can come in many forms, and that the journey of growth never truly ends.

Bob Schwartztol wasn’t just a maker of labels; he was a builder of connections. His journey began in the world of commerce, co-founding Blue Ribbon Tag and Label, where he saw the power of branding and packaging to connect products with consumers. But Bob’s ambition extended beyond the bottom line. He believed in building bridges, not just labels.

This dedication to connection played out in his active presence within his community. From serving on the board of his homeowner’s association to lending his leadership skills to both Temple Beth Orr and Temple Judea, Bob thrived in collaborative environments. He enjoyed the challenge of setting goals and working alongside others to achieve them, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Recently, Bob discovered a new community that resonated deeply with his values: Unity. Attracted by its positive principles and welcoming embrace of diverse backgrounds, Bob found a space where his own commitment to inclusivity could flourish. His journey within Unity is still unfolding, but one can imagine him, ever the builder, finding new ways to connect and uplift those around him.

While labels may have been his professional canvas, Bob Schwartztol’s true legacy lies in the connections he fostered – within businesses, communities, and now, within the ever-expanding embrace of Unity. He is a testament to the power of collaboration, reminding us that the most meaningful labels we wear are those woven from empathy, shared purpose, and a genuine desire to build bridges, not walls.

Jane joined the Army as a medic during the Vietnam era. Upon finishing her military service, she was employed by Johns Hopkins for three years. She then got involved in the federal government, facilitating energy and environmental programs, as well as serving as a director for a research organization. In retirement, Jane is involved in the health and wellness community as a Certified Clinician in the Brain Chemistry Optimization Program with the Robertson Research Institute. She volunteers in many ways, including serving as Director of Caring for Our Generation, and at Unity of Melbourne, she serves as a Board Member, a Prayer Chaplain, and sings in the choir.

Born on Nantucket, MA and lived in West Falmouth, MA, she received her BS in psychology from the University Of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, and an MS in Science education, Florida Institute of Technology, (Florida Tech, now). She taught for 35 years for Brevard County Schools, including DeLaura Jr. High, Satellite High, Viera High; and those students in a homebound environment.

Cathy first attended Unity of Melbourne June, 2007 and has supported this ministry as a Youth Ed teacher, worked in the bookstore, and volunteers where needed.