I have had a heart for God since childhood. I practiced as a chiropractic physician for 19 years. In 2005 I began teaching at Palmer College, where I met my sweet husband, Stephen. Throughout life I have searched for the Truth in multiple religions. It became evident that it is ALL Truth. We discovered Unity around 2010. We were coming home. We attended regularly and were married by Rev. Carmen in 2012.
Since that time, we have been members of Unity. With Stephen’s passing, the Unity community has been lovingly supportive. I feel called to contribute more by serving on the Board. I have a lifetime of experience in leadership and building relationships. I bring skills in communication, problem-solving, and visioning. I also am insightful, compassionate, and understanding. I am honored and consider it a privilege to serve on the Board.
Originally from Connecticut, Deborah and her husband Ron Guilmette joined the Unity of Daytona Beach church family in 2013. As a climax to her 17-year career in the behavioral health field, Deborah was executive project manager for the planning, fundraising and building of a new treatment facility in the Daytona Beach area. Deborah joined the Board of Trustees “to serve my community.” She envisions our church as “a joyful community that continues to grow and bring more and more people together. As more people gather on a positive path for spiritual living, that joy is amplified and spread throughout the world.” Deborah adds, “My passion is learning. Through self-study, being taught, experience, and group-study I can gain a better understanding of this journey called living.”
I was a member of Unity Church in Warren, Michigan before moving to Florida in the mid-1990s. I re-entered the spiritual world of Unity in early 2017 when I began attending Unity of Daytona Beach after a long hiatus. I felt as though I had come back home and soon became a member. I am a lifelong student of Unity and hunger for knowledge and experience that enhance my spiritual growth. My work as a probate paralegal affords me the opportunity to apply Unity teachings as I lead those who have lost a loved one through the probate process, which is very fulfilling to me. I am conscientious and of sound character. I believe integrity is its own reward — to do the right thing even when nobody is looking — and bring those character traits to serve the Board of Trustees.
I found Unity of Daytona Beach when I moved to the area in 2012. I knew immediately I had found my church family. I am committed to the church and the Unity principles. From the very beginning, I have taken every class that Rev. Carmen and Rev. Teresa have led, and my life has changed significantly. I bring financial skills, prosperity principles, a team mindset and marketing/social media skills to our Board of Trustees. I am dedicated to our growth and spiritual nourishment of the community.
I have been an active member of this church for about 12 years and have joyfully served on the Healing Team, Prayer Chaplain Team, Outreach Team, Beautification Team, Platforming Team, and I have been honored to provide the Sunday message from time to time. I earned a master’s degree and an administrative degree, opening the way to serve as a secondary administrator and a district-wide director of curriculum and instruction. Over the years I served as a president of my local education association, served on the state board of Alaska Education Association, and lobbied at the state and local levels for education, as well as human and civil rights. I have served on the board for Big Brothers/Big sisters, United Way, Optimist Club, and my Homeowners’ Association.