Board of Trustees
Evan Griffith President
Evan joined UKCN in 2012 and has since shared his gifts with us through his participation in our Music Ministry, as a sponsor of our teen ministry, and, most recently, as a chaplain. After careful consideration, Evan made the decision to join our Board and believes contribution an important aspect of humanity, and has determined that his spiritual home is the place to make that contribution.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
He brings many gifts to our Board, including strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as extensive leadership and volunteer experience.
Ed Rippee Vice President
Ed has been a member of UKCN since 2010, and has served our spiritual community through singing in the choir, being a Y.O.U. facilitator, and teaching a Bible introductory class.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Ed's decision to run for the Board of Trustees stems from “A desire to become more involved in the ministerial life of UKCN in order to share my education, training and spiritual desire for growth, to help teach in order to learn twice over, and to lend any expertise I may have garnered from my years as a lay minister as well as a business owner.”
He feels he can serve the Board through his ability to listen, problem-solve and compromise; and also through a love for humanity that allows him to get along with most people and express thoughts in an authentic way.
Ed has previously held leadership roles in real estate organizations, and has served as Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry in the Catholic Church before coming into Unity.
Jennifer Marchand Treasurer
Jennifer is a 4th generation Unity member and has been attending Unity of Kansas City North regularly since 2000 with her two children, Connor and Lindsay. Her Great-Grandmother worked at Silent Unity and taught ministerial classes at Unity Village. Her maternal grandparents were part of Dr. Hilbert’s original congregation when they moved to our current location. UKCN was also Jennifer’s childhood church. Needless to say Jennifer has a very strong connection with Unity Movement and especially Unity of Kansas City North.
Jennifer has served our spiritual home as a Sunday school teacher, Youth Director, Family Friday Coordinator, Minister Counsel Committee, Fabulous Fun Events Committee, Relay for Life Committee, and with the Easy Worship Team. Jennifer believes the opportunity to join the UKCN Board was through Divine Order. She feels she will be able to help make a difference. She says she ‘is right where she is supposed to be’.
Jennifer is a technology manager at UMB Bank and feels her service in different areas in our community and her experience in leadership equips her well to serve as a member of our Board.
Jennifer has served our spiritual home as a Sunday school teacher, Youth Director, Family Friday Coordinator, Minister Counsel Committee, Fabulous Fun Events Committee, Relay for Life Committee, and with the Easy Worship Team. Jennifer believes the opportunity to join the UKCN Board was through Divine Order. She feels she will be able to help make a difference. She says she ‘is right where she is supposed to be’.
Jennifer is a technology manager at UMB Bank and feels her service in different areas in our community and her experience in leadership equips her well to serve as a member of our Board.
Jane Ray Secretary
Jane has been a member of Unity of Kansas City North since January, 1989. She has been a chaplain since 2011, and has also served as a member of the We Care Team, and as a Minister's Angel on Sunday mornings.
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
Jane has been employed by Hallmark Cards for many years, which she states has helped her develop her leadership skills as a facilitator for teaching the computer software system, coordinating outside events and also coordinating meetings and special events internally.
About her decision to run for the UKCN Board, Jane says, "I am motivated to continue learning in new ways. I feel the church needs people who are open to changing and are seeking to bring a higher consciousness into our community and the world in which we live. It will be an experience in which I can learn and grow from other members." Shea adds, "I am good at writing and have strong administrative skills. I am filled with a love of God that is open and receptive to do what is mine to do. I have a desire to serve this community."
Toni Mallams Member-at-Large
Since becoming a member of Unity of KC North in September 2014, Toni has served in various capacities. She has volunteered in the church office on a weekly basis helping to prepare for Sunday services. She has served as a Minister’s Angel on Sunday mornings and is a facilitator with our Y.O.U. Toni organized and handled the purchase and installation of memorial bricks in our meditation garden in 2016.
When considering the question of what motivated her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Toni said, “I truly believe that the loving spiritual community of UKCN is positively changing our world every day. I have loved being a part of this spiritual community and am grateful for the personal growth I am achieving on a daily basis. I enjoy giving back to our community and the world by serving as a committed member of the Board of Trustees.”
When considering the question of what motivated her to serve on the Board of Trustees, Toni said, “I truly believe that the loving spiritual community of UKCN is positively changing our world every day. I have loved being a part of this spiritual community and am grateful for the personal growth I am achieving on a daily basis. I enjoy giving back to our community and the world by serving as a committed member of the Board of Trustees.”
Jacy Navarro Member-at -Large
Jacy Navarro began her spiritual journey with Unity of Kansas City North in 2014 and is lovingly dedicated to our ministry. In addition to serving on the Board, she is a 3rd year Chaplain, the Family Promise Overnight Team Lead, a member of the Unity Leadership Team, the Greeting Team Lead, a Platformer, and she serves in the Youth Ministry.
Jacy feels her experience as an administrative assistant working within a non-profit organization will contribute to her work with the Board. Of her decision to serve in this way, Jacy says, "My passion for the Unity message runs deep. When I am serving, my love and joy is apparent and palpable. I have a firm understanding of our principle and strive every day to grow, learn, and live from those truths inside and outside our church walls."
Jacy is currently enrolled in SEE/MS&RS courses with the Unity Spiritual Institute and is working toward becoming a licensed/ordained minister.
Jacy feels her experience as an administrative assistant working within a non-profit organization will contribute to her work with the Board. Of her decision to serve in this way, Jacy says, "My passion for the Unity message runs deep. When I am serving, my love and joy is apparent and palpable. I have a firm understanding of our principle and strive every day to grow, learn, and live from those truths inside and outside our church walls."
Jacy is currently enrolled in SEE/MS&RS courses with the Unity Spiritual Institute and is working toward becoming a licensed/ordained minister.
The Board of Trustees holds an open meeting the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Adult Education Classroom. If you have an item you would like to have included on the agenda, please submit it to the Board President or email the church office (Marcia@unitykcnorth.org) no later than the 2nd Tuesday of the month.