2026 Board Candidates

Voting for the new board members will be at our annual business meeting on Sunday, February 22 at 12:30pm

Carol Sbarge

Carol Sbarge

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I grew up in the Hudson Valley area of New York. My dad was raised Jewish as my grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Kiev, Ukraine. My mom was raised in the Presbyterian Church but we were not raised in any religion growing up.

My parents were more spiritual which I appreciated, but later in life I began seeking a church that was open to all. Unity Atlanta Church turned out to be just that. I’ve been a member of Unity Atlanta for about 15 years.

I would like to serve on the Board of Trustees because I believe Unity Atlanta is positive, accepting place to worship. I also believe it is important to share my enthusiasm about the place to members and people out in the community.

My skills include communication skills after working 39 years as an anchor/reporter. I know how to get messages and ideas out, whether in writing or speaking succinctly. Now- a- days people have short attention spans. A spiritual gift I bring is empathy

My volunteer leadership experience includes being President of North Druid Hills Youth Sports Association. IT is a youth sports organization that focuses on baseball and softball. I also, along with two other women, organized the first PANCAN walk in Atlanta. It is a non-profit that raises money for pancreatic research. I was very interested in helping in that area after my dad dies from pancreatic cancer.

I have at church, participated in the Women’s Circle as well as some study groups and classes.  I went on a women’s retreat a few years ago.

Asked how I hold to principle when my ideas are challenged, I turn to my experience as a reporter. Being challenged by viewers was a constant. My job was to report the on the facts but there are always people who want their view covered more hat the other side. I believe the way to deal with people who always think they are right, is to let them express their views and point out that other views, but accept that everyone is entitled to their beliefs.

I turned conflict into something positive when I was President on the baseball board and I had a parent bully two college age umpires. He treated them terribly so I held him accountable and told him he couldn’t coach anymore if he didn’t apologize and make amends. He did, and after that he became much calmer and actually did do better at the park.

What I value most in life in addition to faith, is family and health.

I tithe because I know it helps to allow this wonderful place to continue. IT also inspires. I believe that others do give. I don’t have anything that I currently participate or do that would be a conflict on the board.

If elected, I do not want to serve as an officer. After doing that for two years with the baseball association, I recognize that was rewarding, but not my calling.

I am someone who wants to participate, share ideas, etc. but not be in charge.

Cecilia  Dixon

Cecilia Dixon

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I have been a member of Unity Atlanta Church for 13 plus years; however, I have been a student of Unity’s teachings since 2004. I stumbled upon Unity when I mentioned to a co-worker at the time that I was heading to New York to see my sister for the last time because she was gravely ill. My co-worker gave me the phone number for Unity’s prayer line and when I called the number, I felt such love and compassion which gave me hope while I was enroute to seeing my sister. Needless to say, my sister had a full recovery and even became a member of a Unity church in New York.

Unity’s teachings brought traditional Christianity to life. Unity was the missing piece of the puzzle that gave me spiritual understanding. The Bible finally made sense.

I am originally from Panama (Panama City, Panama Canal), grew up in the Catholic Church, later became a member of the Baha’i Faith as a teenager, then traditional Christianity prior to Unity. 

I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Panama and a Master’s in Business (Marketing) from Nova Southeastern University.

I landed my first job out of the University of Panama working for the United States Air Force on Howard AFB, Panama. I later migrated to the United States as a young adult and obtained employment at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) serving in various professional capacities. I took early retirement after 21 years of service at MARTA and reinstated employment with the Federal Government, currently working as a Business Analyst/Government Compliance Officer at the Department of Defense (Department of War), in the Acquisition/Procurement field.

I am also an active member of Toastmasters International and have obtained the highest educational level of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). I have served in several leadership roles at the Toastmasters club level (President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms) and at the District Level (Division Director, Area Director, and various committees). 

I have been serving on the Welcome Committee at Unity Atlanta Church for several years, and I am an active student of the Course in Miracles class. I have also attended various classes/groups hosted at Unity Atlanta Church over the years. 

It has been an honor to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for the past three years and would like to humbly continue representing the church body in this role for another term.  I have gained valuable spiritual insight as a Board Member, and I can’t think of a better opportunity where I can continue to offer my work experiences, skills, and education as a servant of God. 

As a Board Member I plan to serve the church body and beloved community in any capacity God sees fit.

Jeff Torbett

Jeff Torbett

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I was led to become a member of Unity Atlanta soon after coming here over 14 years ago. I am honored to be nominated to support Unity Atlanta as a member of the Board of Trustees.

I have an eclectic educational background. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, I furthered my education with a Master’s in Organizational Behavior from Abilene Christian University. Upon Co-oping with Bellsouth during my undergrad, I stayed in the field of Telecommunications my entire career in either an engineering capacity or in the construction realm. Currently, I work as an Area Manager at Future Infrastructure. In saying all of that, I feel that I can bring my project management skills, budget/financial acumen, communication abilities, and people skills to the Board. I’m ready to eagerly serve the Board in whatever capacity I’m needed most. I bring a compassionate heart, active listening skills, along with a peaceful attitude to do my best to serve Unity Atlanta.

My leadership skills span from being a Unity Atlanta Sunday school teacher for the 4th & 5th graders, to being on the Strike Team for Radiation Response in the Medical Reserve Corps (which I have been a volunteer in for 14 years), to going through the CERT program (Citizens Emergency Response Training) to being a volunteer with the Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Gwinnett, after going through the initial program. I recently went through Gwinnett 101 in which we learned all the different aspects of running a county of over 1 million people in the realm of budgets, the planning department, Gwinnett DOT, Water & Sewage, Fire & Police, etc. I have also volunteered for the MS society and the American Suicide Prevention Society.

I really enjoy the rich training that we get here at Unity Atlanta and at other venues that have led to my spiritual growth. A few of the courses that really changed the way I view the world were Stretton Smith’s 4T Prosperity Program, Mary Morrisey’s Prosperity Plus, Why Not be Rich by Martha Guidici led by Rev Jenn, The Quest & Living Authentically taught by Jan Gurr, A.R.E. (Association for Research & Enlightenment), Subconscious Mind Training by Mitzi Crall, and courses on the Enneagram (which focuses on spiritual development) – among others…too many to name. They enabled me to get in touch with the God within me and to be present in all situations as much as possible. This has provided a great grounding feeling that has produced loving behaviors, feeling more connected to Spirit and led by my intuition.

This training has helped me to check in when I feel challenged and ask what is mine here to learn. All the while knowing that God works all things together for good of those who love him (Rom 8:28)

The things that I value most in life are my family, my loving wife Marsha, the ability to work, my spirituality, Unity Atlanta, and to have a grateful heart for all that I have.

What touches my heart most when it comes to giving to Unity Atlanta Church is that I have been abundantly blessed and want to give generously to support this wonderful community of truth seekers, the amazing staff, and the congregation. I am grateful this church brings us together to help make our walk a little easier and to remind us that we are not alone and that we have each other.

Jo Paquette

Jo Paquette

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I have been a devoted member of Unity Atlanta Church for the past three years, and during this time my spiritual life has expanded in ways I never imagined before finding this community. Unity Atlanta has been a place of deep learning, healing, and transformation for me, and it continues to support my commitment to continual spiritual growth, which is the value I hold most-dear in my life.

Throughout my three years at Unity Atlanta, I have actively participated in many classes, trainings, and study groups. Each experience has helped strengthen my understanding of spiritual principles and deepen my connection with God. These teachings have guided me to live with greater awareness, compassion, and faith, and they continue to influence how I show up in my daily life and in service to others.

When life becomes challenging and circumstances feel overwhelming, I turn inward to my divine center. Reconnecting with God reminds me of what truly matters and restores my sense of peace and clarity. I have unwavering faith that God is everywhere, present in every situation, and actively working for good. This faith grounds me, gives me hope, and allows me to move forward with trust and confidence. I also have a deep and sincere faith in what Unity Atlanta stands for and the spiritual principles it teaches.

In addition to my spiritual commitment, I bring strong practical experience to the Board of Trustees. I am an optimistic and solution-oriented person with proven leadership abilities. I have owned two businesses in the past, which gave me valuable experience in responsibility, decision-making, accountability, and organizational management. I am currently preparing to launch a bookkeeping business at the beginning of the year, further strengthening my skills in financial stewardship, planning, and operational structure—skills that would be an asset to the board.

I am passionate about serving in a way that aligns spiritual principles with responsible leadership. If elected to the Board of Trustees, I would be honored and happy to serve as an officer and contribute at a deeper level. I am committed to supporting Unity Atlanta’s mission, ensuring its continued growth, and helping create a strong spiritual home for all who enter its doors.

Unity Atlanta has played a vital role in my spiritual journey, and serving on the Board of Trustees would be a meaningful way for me to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Kenneth Lee

Kenneth Lee

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Hello Unity Atlanta members. I first because aware of Unity through my fiancé in 1984. She attended the Unity Saint Louis church and thought that the teachings could help me deal with challenges that I was having in my life at the time. I joined Unity Atlanta in 2007 and was elected to the Board of Trustees after that. I resigned from the Board after losing my business partner to an accident and the responsibility of running the company fell on me. I did not leave the church; I just felt that I lacked time for the Board. Reverend John Strickland agreed with my decision but encouraged me to maintain my spiritual practice.

At this time in my life, I recognize the value of a spiritual home and congregants that are willing to help. Life and my work in career management have helped me understand the value of positive thinking and having God as my source and way shower. If elected to the Board this time, I promise that nothing with prevent me from helping Unity Atlanta in any way that I can. My fiancé became my wife, and although we follow different church organizations, we both believe in God, the Creator.

My work career has helped me see the value of believing in the Creator and letting the higher power guide your life. I have been helping employers hire the right people and helping professionals find meaningful employment for over 30 years. That work has put me in front of Boards, senior managers, and workers, as they struggle to meet revenue and profit goals, while maintaining their sanity and spiritual foundation. I participate in several alumni organizations and career development non-profits. I have helped a few congregants with their careers, and plan to continue to do so. Including offering a career workshop within the next 60 days regardless of the outcome of the Board election.

I ask for your vote to the Board of Trustees so that I can contribute everything that I have . . . spirit, education, experience . . . to helping Unity Atlanta serve the community.

All good things . . .