UWSI Faculty
Rev Jill Andrews, MA – Jill was ordained in 2004 and began her ministry as a retreat minister and adjunct faculty member with Unity Institute and now with Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. She served two congregations as senior minster and continues to teach and share her love of Unity teachings. Prior to ministry, Jill served as a management trainer and an adjunct professor in management and applied technology.
Rev Dan Beckett, MDiv – Dan earned his M.Div. from Unity Institute and was ordained a Unity Minister in 2016. He has 30 years of experience in the software industry including employee and customer training. He has a passion for understanding and teaching Scriptures and at Unity Institute was an exceptional student in Scriptural Studies.
Rev Richard Bunch, MSFS – Richard was ordained in 2006 after serving five years at Unity of El Paso as Spiritual Leader. He currently is Co-Sr. Minister at Unity of Richmond in Richmond, VA. Richard has experience in corporate training, was President of a multi-corporate organization and developed a grant program for elderly citizens named “Growing Healthier, Wealthier and Wiser” with over 300 participants while at Unity of El Paso.
Rev Martha Creek, PhD – Widely known in New Thought, Martha’s trainings approach deep inner work as an adventure with a sense of curiosity and wonder. A master of the art of right questioning, she calls forth the most stubborn and self-defeating patterns to create a new way of being. Ordained in Religious Science and Divine Science, Martha has served as Great Lakes Unity Consultant, a member of Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute faculty, and is on the board for Affiliated New Thought Network. She has attended Emerson Theological Seminary (Masters and PhD), and Hoffman Institute. She is a Healthy Congregations Facilitator and Trainer. See more at www.MarthaCreek.com.
Bonnie DeMartini LUT, M.Ed – Bonnie has served Abundant Life Spiritual Center, Deerfield, Illinois since 2011. She became a Licensed Unity Teacher in 2014. Her Master’s in Adult Education has afforded her over thirty years of facilitating leadership groups in the areas of personal and spiritual development. Bonnie is a speaker, writer and teacher with expertise in communications and dialogue.
Rev Douglas Duerr - Doug is an ordained Unity minister, certified Life Coach, Yoga instructor and best-selling author. He previously served as the UWM Ministry Leadership Coordinator. As a trainer in the corporate sector of 20 years, his teaching proficiencies and passion for creative programs speak to the hearts and minds of a variety of learners. His inherent use of imagination brings spiritual wisdom into practical life experiences. Doug’s dedication is demonstrated through the individual learners and communities who commit to personal and spiritual development.
Rev Karen Epps - Karen was ordained in 2005, she holds a Masters Degree in Integral Theory and is an SQ21 certified coach. Karen is passionate about Unity teachings, 12-Step, Integral Theory, the Evolution of Consciousness, and Progressive Spirituality. She is heart centered and intentional about co-creating an environment that encourages people to delve deeply into their innate wisdom. Her background includes visioning, spiritual leadership, and retreat ministry. She is Minister at Unity of Pasadena in California and serves on the Unity Southwest Region Board.
Rev Deborah Frownfelter, MS - Deborah is an ordained Unity minister (2006) and licensed Unity teacher (2003). Teaching and education have been the core of Deborah’s professional identity over the last 40 plus years. She has designed innovative curriculum, taught, and mentored others in public schools, college, Unity Spiritual Education and Enrichment and Ministerial & Religious Studies programs, church adult and youth and family education programs, and business and professional settings. Deborah oversaw education in a leadership capacity for 15 years at UWM.
Rev Nickie Golden, PhD – Nickie in weaving together spiritual and psychological principles inviting us to live from the fullness of our divinity. A Unity minister, licensed psychologist, and certified Life Coach with the Hendricks Institute, Nickie has taught a full range of students from first grade to graduate level utilizing teaching methods that promote living from inner guidance. She loves singing bowls, piano, reading books, playing in the ocean, cats and having fun as she can imagine in life.
Rev Lisa Herklotz – Lisa is an ordained Unity Minister (2021) through UWSI. After serving several small Unity churches across Minnesota and Wisconsin, she is currently co-minister with her husband at Unity of Charlotte. She has a natural propensity for teaching and creating a transformative space for others, building on 20 years of experience developing professional curriculum in major corporations, and 15 years as a teacher and guide at a spiritual retreat center based on A Course In Miracles. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and has been trained and practiced in a variety of contemplative practices across faith traditions. She is passionate about sharing the liberating awareness of our Unity principles through classes, talks, and workshops.
Wendy Karr, MA, LUT – Wendy joined the Unity movement in 1984 and received her Licensed Unity Teacher status in 2000. During her studies, she was invited to volunteer at the Unity Village Archives, which allowed her access to many unpublished photos and documents. In addition to facilitating SEE courses, Wendy serves as Adult Education Coordinator for Unity Canada. She has been honoured to serve on UWM ministry teams during the education review and is grateful for the opportunity to be an instructor with UWSI.
Nancy Little, Licensed Unity Teacher (2012), PhD, LPC – A licensed professional counselor since 1980, Nancy enjoyed a 25-year university career, supporting others to achieve their dreams in her roles as faculty member, diversity leader, student services director and counselor. As Spiritual Leader of the alternative Unity ministry, Unity Spirit of Aloha, Nancy offers a unique synthesis of Hawai’ian wisdom teachings and spiritual principles in her Sunday messages and workshops. Nancy holds the distinction of professional membership in National Speakers Association and serves Unity regionally and nationally.
Rev Elizabeth Longo - Elizabeth is the senior at Unity of Fort Lauderdale and was ordained in 2009 through Unity Worldwide Ministries' Field Licensing Program, while serving at Unity on the Bay as their associate minister. She currently serves as a mentor in the ministerial program and is a certified Ministry Skills team consultant. Elizabeth is an inspirational speaker, teacher and life coach trained in Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), mediation skills and non-violent communication.
Rev Betty Martin-Lewis, PhD Betty is the founding minister of Unity SouthShore in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. She has served her current ministry since 2007 and was ordained through Unity Worldwide Ministries' Field Licensing Program in 2016. Her doctoral studies were in the field of organizational development at the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA. She has a background in management and training with various corporations and has taught online courses for two universities. Her joy has always been helping others to find the power and potential within themselves.
Rev Patrick McAndrew, DRS – Patrick was ordained in 1997 and served as an Associate Minister in Columbus, Ohio before becoming Senior Minister at Unity Spiritual Life Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2000. Patrick has served on Unity’s Field Licensing Program and the Licensing and Ordination Team. He has a passion for education and has led dynamic SEE programs in Unity ministries. He is also a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. Patrick earned a Doctorate in Religious Studies in 2017 through Emerson University, In Oakland Ca.
Rev Valerie Mansfield - Valerie is an ordained Unity minister and serves Unity of Louisville as their associate minister. She oversees Administrative, Youth and Family Ministry, Adult Education and Volunteer Ministries. Valerie is a lifelong student of Unity. She is the Co-Director of the Resilient Family Program which serves homeless families and women in recovery creating space for individuals to shift their consciousness and transform their lives.
Rev Mary Elita Masters, MS – Since being ordained in 2002, Mary has served as the senior minister at Unity of Buffalo and provided leadership for the Unity movement as President of the Eastern Region and Chair of the Unity Worldwide Ministries Board of Trustees. Her career prior to ministry was in college athletics as Assistant Commissioner for the Big Ten Conference. Mary has a Master’s Degree in Managerial Communications from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
Rev Myra McFadden- Myra McFadden has served as the senior minister of Unity of Kansas City North since 2011. She currently teaches the pastoral counseling courses for Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute, has taught webinars on mental health for Unity Worldwide Ministries, developed a successful mentorship program for future credentialed Unity leaders, and is the honored recipient of the prestigious Myrtle Fillmore Award for 2021. Myra has served on the UWM Board of Trustees and is currently serving on the Credentialing Team and the Prayer Chaplaincy Team. She has also developed an innovative chaplaincy program utlizing Compassionate Affirmative Prayer, a style of affirmative prayer that blends our humanity and divinity through compassion, wisdom, and faith.
Rev Ray Nelson, MBA and MDiv – Ray is a 2011 graduate of Unity Institute. He was the associate minister at Unity of Minneapolis from 2011 - 2013. Ray is a member of the National Speakers Association and has spoken at Unity ministries and community groups throught the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. He is currently an alternate member of the Great Lakes Unity Regional Board and on the Board of Directors for the House of Ruth, a social service agency serving HIV/AIDS homeless men and women in Louisville.
Mary Norwoozi - Mary Nowroozi is a Licensed Unity Teacher in Youth and Family Ministry at Unity of Fox Valley in Batavia, IL. She assists the Senior Minister as Worship Coordinator, collaborating and implementing new ideas for Sunday Services, and she often facilitates Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) classes and Book Study groups. Her other focus is Youth Ministry where she creates a safe, positive atmosphere where the youth can grow spiritually, cognitively and emotionally though meditation, prayer, music, stories, and role play. Mary is enthusiastic in guiding Unity Truth students of all ages to explore and manifest a deeper, richer understanding of a Spirit-filled life.
Rev. Pamela (Pami) Parker, MS - Pami has been an active participant in the Unity movement since 1974. She is an Interfaith Minister, InterSpiritual Counselor, Spiritual Companion, and Holistic Practitioner who is also serving at UWSI as an adjunct faculty member and eLearning instructional design consultant. Her primary ministry is to be a compassionate guide to those who choose to experience a healthier, happier, and more peaceful way of life.
Rev Aliza Bloom Robinson – Since her ordination in 2000, Aliza has been actively involved in both Church and Alternative Ministry. She has served as Minister in Austin and Dallas, Texas, and Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She was a retreat Minister and SEE teacher at Unity Village. Aliza’s alternative ministry “Divine Awakening” is dedicated to “the transformation of the planet, one soul awakening at a time.” She has written articles, a book, coached churches in transition, and taught ministers how to teach in live online classrooms. 
Rev Ginny Roll – Ginny began her journey towards ministry as a licensed Unity teacher 2001-2005 and later became an ordained minister in 2007. She is currently serving Unity Church of Tidewater in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During her time in ministerial school, she facilitated phone SEE classes, eventually SEE classes on line and currently session C classes at Unity Village as an adjunct faculty member. Her passion for Unity continues to inspire her and others.
Rev. Eliasa Sabogal - MSW, MDiv – Eliasa grew us as a Unity kid, one of the first babies christened at Unity of Joplin. She has spent the bulk of her career working as a civil servant in the social services field for the state of Missouri. She holds a Master Degree in Social Work and an undergraduate degree in Social Psychology. She was ordained in June 2022 and is currently serving as Associate Minister at Unity Southeast in Kansas City. She has a passion for pastoral care, prayer work, youth and family programing and being in service to others. She is excited to be part of team supporting the education, transformation and soul growth of her peers.
Rev Karren Scapple, PhD – Karren was ordained in 2005 has two Master’s Degrees and a PhD from Ohio State U. For the past decade she has been a faculty member at Unity Institute. She taught courses in Death and Dying and the Psychology of Aging at Missouri State University. In addition, Karren has contributed to text books on political science and been published in both scholarly journals and mainstream magazines.
Rev Gary Simmons, ThD - Gary was ordained in 1980. He is author of The I of the Storm, The Soul's Conspiracy, and co-author of The Art & Practice of Living with Nothing and No One Against You. He is also co-founder of the Q Effect, The Q Process, and currently coaches New Thought leaders in transitioning to a mission-centric model of ministry. His formulation of an integral model of ministry has won him personal praise from world renowned philosopher and integral theorist, Ken Wilber. Gary services as co-minister with his wife, Rev. Dr. Jane Simmons, at Unity Spiritual Center Spokane.
Rev Jane Simmons, ThD - Jane is an ordained Unity minister, and holds a Th.D. in Theology from Holos University. Jane served in four Unity centers and as Teen Ministry Coordinator for UWM. She authored I of the Storm for Teens; You Can’t Sleep Through Your Awakening and co-authored, Who Have You Come Here to Be? Jane has served as SEE adjunct faculty at UI, and associate professor at Holos. She is a Certified HeartMath Instructor and the co-minister at Unity Spiritual Center in Spokane, WA with her husband, Rev. Dr. Gary Simmons.
Rev Mindy Tucker – Ordained in 2013, Mindy has a lifetime in Unity and came to leading, teaching and preaching after successful careers in public relations and corporate planning. Her holy purpose is to coalesce ideas of spiritual truth and communicate them in a way that inspires people to take positive action. Mindy’s ministerial experience reaches from her church of origin at Unity Church of Hawaii to include Unity of Greater Hartford and Unity of Wilmington. With a Master’s in Business Administration, Mindy also serves the Unity movement by consulting with church boards and individuals as a resource for Church Finance.
Rev Pat Veenema, M.Div. - Pat is a dynamic minister and facilitator. She founded UWM Alternative Ministry, Unity New Vista Learning Center, a virtual classroom for Unity education. Rev Pat earned a M.Div. and was ordained at Unity Institute & Seminary in 2012, and served as senior minister in the Asheville, NC area before returning home to Durham, NC in 2014. As a professional teacher, she invites students to participate, process, and apply. She likes to remind us: “Transformation takes more than a couple of Sunday sermons per month.” www.newvistalearningcenter.com
Rev Diane Venzera, M.Ed – Diane is an ordained Unity minister (2007), licensed Unity teacher and Certified Spiritual Educator. Diane has served the Unity Movement as an educator, trainer, consultant and curriculum developer for over 20 years. Diane has also served as a youth minister and Regional Education Consultant focusing on growing sustainable youth ministry programs. Her primary work includes mentoring UWSI instructors in online course development, accelerated learning and online course implementation within the Blackboard Learning Platform. Her work provides UWSI students with an interesting, engaging and interactive format for their online Ministerial and SEE courses.
Bruce E. Woodruff, PhD – Bruce is from Kansas City, Missouri and grew up attending Unity Temple on the Plaza. His professional career was spent teaching theatre and directing plays at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS. He holds Master’s Degrees in Theatre and Speech Communication from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph. D. in Theatre from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln . He most recently taught Homiletics and served as Chapel Service Coach at Unity Institute.
