Here are electronic versions of the Annual Meeting Welcome Letter, the 2026 Agenda, Candidate Bios, the 2026 Vision/Budget, and Minutes from the 2025 Annual Meeting. There will be printed copies available at the meeting on February 15, 2026.

The Nominees for the Board of Directors are Listed Below

Jeff Allman

Hello. I came to Unity after I moved back to my native Roanoke in 1984 and found myself spiritually hungry at the time. I did not want to go back to a traditional Christian church, but I started attending URV when I heard about it from a friend. The spiritual principles presented by Unity spoke to a place in me from which my spiritual hunger arose, but I could not consciously articulate.

I am finishing my first term serving on the Board of Directors and it’s been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I’ve attended all monthly Board meetings, taking minutes at each meeting and providing them to Board members. I served as the liaison between our bookstore, Inner Journey, and the Board. Another gratifying aspect of my service was taking suggestions and comments from congregants, both written and verbal, and relaying them to Board members. I participated in Board elections, including an important one where we decided how to be the best stewards of a bequeath from a late congregant. I also served as a Board representative for select Sunday services.

My vision for our church is for it to continue to be the loving and inclusive community it has long been. I would like to expand some of the ideas for varied services and other plans that Luz and the Board have proposed, as well as our being of service to the greater Roanoke community. Also, my hope is that our church would get to the point where we are on solid footing financially.

I serve as one of seven co-owners in our psychotherapy practice as well as being active in my 12-step group's monthly planning meetings. Doing so has given me experience in collaborating with others on financial, programming, and personality issues. If voted in as a Board member, I would look forward to working with each of you to make our spiritual community the best we can be.

Thank you!

Rhonda Banner

I am honored to be considered for the Board of Directors at Unity of Roanoke Valley. Over the past thirteen years, I have been blessed to serve this spiritual community in many ways, including as a Prayer Chaplain, a Board of Directors member, an Usher, and a co-leader of the Prosperity Team, where we successfully raised over $8,000 for the church last year. I currently serve as the Sunday Service Coordinator and Platform Assistant, supporting our minister and ensuring that our Sunday services run smoothly, joyfully, and with a strong spiritual foundation.

My professional background includes a B.A. in Communications, a Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, and decades of experience in HR, Sales, Marketing, and business development. I am also a Certified Michaelangelo Life Coach and have spent over 20 years as a certified yoga instructor, guiding people toward inner peace, better health and wellness, stress reduction, and a deeper connection with their Higher Self.

I care deeply about people, animals, and the sacred work of service. I am an advocate for those who need a voice, and I receive immense joy from uplifting and empowering others. My listening and analytical skills, along with my ability to communicate across cultures and backgrounds, help me build bridges, nurture relationships, and support spiritual growth in our community.

At my core, I am approachable, compassionate, and genuinely interested in hearing your ideas—because you matter, and your voice can help shape the future of our church family. I bring 110% to everything I do, and I would be honored to continue serving Unity of Roanoke Valley with love, integrity, and a heart fully dedicated to our shared spiritual journey.

Andrew D. Fisher

I am Andy Fisher, a member of Unity of Roanoke Valley since 2021. I relocated here from Denver, Colorado where I had been a member at Unity on the Avenue (UOTA) for nearly 20 years. While at UOTA, I served a two-year period on its Board and also served as a prayer chaplain. Prior to that, I had first discovered Unity and learned its valuable principles at Unity Orlando beginning in 1991.

When I decided to accept a new position in Roanoke, I knew little about the area. So, one of my first priorities when planning my move was to research the nearest Unity church. I was excited to find URV and set my intention to attend and have this spiritual community be at the center of my connection and exploration of my new chosen home. Since first attending URV starting in the Fall of 2020, I have served as an usher and active member of the Spiritual Care Team. I've enjoyed participating in many Spirit Circles including recently hosting one in my home in southwest Roanoke County. In addition, I have enjoyed volunteering in special events such as Body Mind Spirit Fest, World Day of Prayer and the Christmas Candlelight service.

I am living with my longtime friend and companion Bill Hessler. I work at Lewis Gale Medical Center as a nuclear medicine technologist. My interests include kayaking, hiking with my dog Heinz and attending live music performances and arts and craft shows. I also enjoy dabbling in many crafts including marquetry, quilting and photography.

Kathy Murphy-Stephenson

My name is Kathy Murphy-Stephenson, and I have been a member of Unity of Roanoke Valley for nine years. I was first drawn to Unity through the warmth and authenticity of its congregants, and after attending my first service, I knew

I had found my spiritual home.

Throughout my time at Unity, I have served in several roles, including Chaplain on the Spiritual Care Team, volunteer with youth activities, participant in the Community Yard Sale, by-laws committee, and Team Leader for IN-Reach. These opportunities have helped me support our community while deepening my own spiritual journey.

My daily spiritual practice includes reading, meditation, prayer, and journaling, and I regularly attend the Wednesday meditation meetings. These practices reinforce my commitment to Unity principles of love, peace, and oneness.

Professionally, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, retired from management at Carilion. I now

supervise Master Social Workers pursuing clinical licensure and volunteer as a supervisor for BSW

and MSW interns. These roles continue to strengthen my leadership, mentoring, and team-building

skills.

I have also held leadership positions with several Roanoke Valley organizations, including the Adult

Care Center, the Roanoke Valley SPCA, and the Mental Health Association. Additionally, I was the

president of my HOA for 2 years and served as board member of the National Association of Social

Workers Virginia Chapter for 23 years and served 2 terms as president. Volunteer service has long

been an important part of my life, and these experiences have given me a strong foundation in

collaboration and organizational stewardship.

I believe I could be an asset to the Board by bringing together my professional leadership

background, extensive volunteer service, and deep commitment to Unity’s spiritual principles. It

would be an honor to help support the ongoing growth and harmony of our community.

In faith and service,

Kathy Murphy-Stephenson

Carol Stockton

Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to serve our Church as an alternate member of the BOD. As such, I attended and participated in every meeting, voting if someone was absent. I learned so much through this experience that I humbly ask to be considered as a full member of the BOD.

Throughout 2025 I have:

• Served as the Liaison for the Sunday Service meeting with Janice Cusano and the AV team to the BOD, giving and receiving feedback each month before the Board meetings

• Attended all board orientations and trainings

• Served as the Board Rep after Sunday Service

• Attended the Unity Worldwide annual meeting and voted with the majority to endorse one Unity

• Coordinated The First Sip & Paint event with my husband from which we received very positive feedback and plans for another in the future

• Participated in the annual yard sale, the BMS festival, and the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

• Served as a reader for the Christmas Eve Service

Currently I am working with the Gratitude Flowing Ministry and planning events that will truly increase communication honoring the multi generations and growing diversity of our Beloved Congregation.

Margie Sutherland

Formerly from Chicago, I am a member of Unity of Roanoke Valley (URV) and I quickly immersed myself in the life of the church.

I bring a profound depth of spiritual experience to the Board. In addition to serving as a Prayer Chaplain, a YFM volunteer for the Uniteens, and part of the Music Ministry, I am also a Reiki Master Teacher and trained Shamanic Practitioner. I have led women’s circles, taught classes on how to retrieve a power animal and offered reiki to those who feel called to it. This background grounds my leadership experience in prayer, energetic awareness, and commitment to the values of Inclusivity and Gratitude.

I also offer the Board a vital skill set: over 25 years of experience helping companies save millions of dollars. I believe I can provide significant cost savings to URV. I work in Indirect Procurement, in other words, a “Professional Shopper” for companies needing to buy services, facilities management, construction and technology. I evaluate bids from various contractors and companies, negotiating costs. I am eager to apply servant leadership and stewardship to the church’s operations to ensure sustainable growth while reducing expenses where needed.

For fun I enjoy hiking with my dogs, Lola and Floyd. You may have seen them at this year’s yard sale and the picnic at Alta Mons. I also love to paint and sing. I paint on drums (see right image) every once in a while and sell them in my Etsy shop.

Drawn to the Unity by its mission to inspire positive change and acceptance of all spiritual paths, I have deepened my spiritual understanding through Unity education, including the Spiritual Abundance class in 2024, contributing and providing prayer with my fellow chaplains in URV’s Spirit Circle.

I strongly believe that URV is a beacon of love and acceptance in the wider Roanoke community. I have already presented some ideas to the election committee and am excited to provide my expertise, leadership as well as hold a class or two. I am honored to be considered for the Board of Directors and looks forward to serving the membership with a loving and spirit-centered heart.