Board of Trustees

To Contact The Board of Trustees

Please send an email to [email protected] with the subject:
For the UVC Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees includes our Senior Minister, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 2 Trustees & a Unity World Headquarters Representative.

President:
Debra Powell

Registered member of UVC for 5 years and has attended multiple Unity churches.
Strong foundation in Unity principles.
A personal history of proven planning, organization, and management skills in a myriad of areas, including weekly volunteering in UVC office.

“Being of service to a spiritual center like UVC with core values of sharing love and compassion and the mission
of inspiring spiritual growth and abundant living
aligns with my life goals."
Board term expires 2026

Vice President:
Linda Rae Chappell

Linda is a Unity Native, first arriving on campus in 1955 at the age of eight. She has previously served on the UVC Board from 2015-2021 as Secretary and then Vice President. Three of her passions are serving Sisters of Myrtle, hosting Small Groups throughout the year, and volunteering in Spirit School. Linda Rae is a business entrepreneur (cheerleading camps) and lives Unity principles everyday. “Service is gratitude made visible."
Board term expires 2025

Treasurer:
Dennis Smith

Dennis has been attending UVC since 2008 and has been active in the community as former President of The Men of Unity and leader of the Adopt-A-Highway Program for many years. He is retired military ( 20 years of active federal service) attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He graduated from Senior Service College and spent 2007 in Iraq as a peace keeper in action. He is currently self-employed as the CEO of his residential rental property business. He brings to the Board a unique skillset he has developed from his diverse background. Including a Masters in Strategic Studies and his experience of being a managing partner of local apartment complexes. “I am happy to have made so many friends at UVC. I love UVC & want to contribute to the leadership.”
Board term expires 2026

Secretary:
Teresa King

UVC member since 2023
A member of Sisters of Myrtle Fillmore, volunteering at multiple events
Attends book studies, classes, Open Mic, and the Women’s Retreat
Assistant controller of a family-owned construction company for 10 years

“Doing my spiritual work means trusting my instincts and saying yes to classes, experiences and adventures that may take me out of my comfort zone to be challenged and grow. It means doing the work that keep me feeling centered, grounded and in the flow."
Board term expires 2027

Trustee:
Bonita Paulson

Bonita has attended UVC for three years and has volunteered in the office for much of that time archiving scatterings and logging SpiritSchool check in records into our database. She is willing to make this commitment to the Board of Trustees because she has evolved through Unity and is confident that she will continue to grow in her capabilities through further service to UVC. Bonita has had a 45-year career as an administrator in higher education institutions, in medical/hospital/ insurance and in the housing industry as a leasing manager. She served as secretary, treasurer and president of the board of directors on Stonecrest Subdivision in Blue Springs.
Board term expires 2025

Trustee:
Adam Johnson

UVC member since 2018
Volunteers in Spirit School and after-service fellowship organization
Attends book studies, classes, and a Unity Retreat (2023)
Professional photographer and online resale business

“I feel that UVC is my spiritual community, my spiritual family, my spiritual home. I feel committed to the welfare of the church and am passionate about the message, power of connection, and fostering of Unity consciousness.”
Board term expires 2027

Minister:
Rev. Erin McCabe

Rev. Erin McCabe brings a refreshing style to our Unity Movement. Ordained in 2005, Rev. Erin spent two years on the road with her message and soul-filled music traveling to over 50 Unity centers from coast to coast before serving for 5 years at Unity of Montclair. In 2011, she began serving as the Senior Minister & CEO of Unity Village Chapel. Rev. Erin serves on the Association for Global New Thought on the Advisory Leadership Council led by Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith. She is the Founding Director of AGNT Speaks and Campaign for Consciousness. She is a singer-songwriter and has released multiple music and meditation CDs.

Unity Representative:
Rev. Mark Fuss

Unity Worldwide Headquarters: Director, Outreach & Engagement

Ordained a Unity minister in 2009, Rev. Mark Fuss has served Unity for more than a decade in several different roles. Mark started his Unity career at the Unity Village Bookstore and Coffee Shop while also being enrolled in school at Unity Institute® and Seminary. After his graduation he became Director of Admissions and Continuing Education for Unity Institute, and then moved into the Development Department in 2016. He also served as senior minister of Unity Spiritual Center in Springfield, Missouri, from 2010–2011. Before coming to Unity, Mark spent more than 20 years in retail management at the district and regional level.

Mark has a Diploma in Unity Ministry from Unity Institute and Seminary and is completing an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising through the Lake Institute for Philanthropy and Duke Divinity School.

As a Board, we practice:
Love
Integrity
Gratitude
Visionary Innovation
Unity

BOT Commitment
Pledge

BOT Commitment Expectation

Sex Offender
Policy

Inclement Weather & Evacuation Preparedness

We care about the safety of our congregation. Since Missouri sometimes experiences snow, ice, and tornadoes, we have prepared for inclement weather and evacuation for proper storm shelter. Please review the documents and video for more info!

Evacuation Procedures

Inclement weather policy

Evacuation Map

Storm Shelter Map