Unity of New York - Board Of Trustees

Steve Bogard first came to Unity in 1995 in search of a New Thought Home. When Unity of New York was founded with Paul Tenaglia as Minister, he was there to be a part of that new beginning. Steve has had a lengthy career in Theatre including Broadway and Regional credits; Sky Masterson Guys and Dolls, Dr. Jekyl Jekyl and Hyde, Adam/Noah Children of Eden to name a few. He now owns a Construction Company, Bogie & Cy The House Guys, in Maplewood NJ where he creates beautiful new spaces. Steve has been a member of Spiritus for nine years and is delighted to be a board member.

Laverne has been blessed to be a student of Unity teachings for almost 25 years and has attended Unity of New York since its first year, where she serves as a Chaplain, a member of Voices In Unity, and a member of the Finance Committee.

Having lived in New York City for 30 years, she is a native of North Carolina, and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University School of Law. She has worked as an attorney for financial institutions for over 30 years, with her most recent position being Vice President and Corporate Secretary of TIAA-CREF.

Her activities beyond her legal career in financial institutions cross a wide spectrum and include cultural development and preservation, minority and women's concerns and volunteer service delivery, where she has volunteered, served on and chaired several boards.

"Unity, as a philosophy, totally supports who I am and nurtures my growth as a human and spiritual being. It is a privilege for me to serve on the Board of Unity of New York."

Michele Mattia-Melis was drawn to Unity of New York on November 5, 2006 and knew she had found her spiritual home from the moment she walked through the door. In 2007, she became a member and began to give of her time as a volunteer during Sunday services. Michele was blessed to serve as the Volunteer Coordinator from 2009-2010 and loves being a part of the Social Media Team and a facilitator for the Quest ~ a journey of spiritual rediscovery. There's no greater feeling that giving back to where you're spiritually fed!

It was Unity of New York's silent retreat in February of 2007 that significantly changed her life and the manifestation of her divine dreams launched into action. Michele left a technology company she had owned for 11 years to start Life Design, a creative life coaching and creative strategies practice specializing in the areas of life, career, business and social media, with a strong focus on our Life's Dash ~ that precious time between arrival and departure from this world so many of us take for granted. Her mission is to inspire, co-create and support all of the possibilities her clients are courageous enough to demand! Michele is a writer, blogger, inspirational speaker and lecturer, but most importantly she is living what she loves.

Previously from Unity of Ottawa, Canada, where she was very involved in the music program, Fran feels blessed to have been with Unity of New York since November 2004, serving in volunteer positions such as Musical Outreach, the Choir and the Stewardship Committee. A certified management accountant by profession, she is currently employed as an SAP system specialist with the United Nations Children?s Fund (UNICEF). Previously employed with, and now retired from, the Canadian Federal Government, Fran served on many Boards of Directors, such as the Financial Management Institute of Canada (National and Capital chapters) and in many other diverse volunteer positions of non-profit and profit organizations over the years. She describes herself as a perpetual student of spirituality and music, both of which bring great joy and gratitude to her life. During her time with Unity of New York, Fran has experienced and witnessed much growth in spirituality and life skills, especially through our retreats, services and classes. She feels privileged to be a member of the Board of Trustees.

Lou Olivieri was born and raised in New York City and boasts about being a true New Yorker. A graduate of New York University School of Business Administration, Louis first started his career as a Government Bond broker on Wall Street for 19 years. He has honed his entrepreneurial skills owning several businesses through the years and is currently the President of his own Concierge and Ticket Service servicing all metropolitan areas... especially here in NYC. First introduced to UNITY thought in 2002 by a friend, Lou became a member of Unity of New York in 2006. "When I first walked into the Subud on 29th Street, I knew that I found my Spiritual home! I was blown away by the service, the message and the community of people. The message about my worthiness to receive good constantly resounds with me and my service on the Board and to all at Unity of New York is an expression of my sincere gratitude of my willingness to see my good, share it and exhibit its Loving Existence."

Robert has attended Unity of New York since 2003 and has been a Member since 2006. He is currently a Unity Prayer Chaplain and a member of Voices in Unity. Robert is an actor and lyricist, and a member of Actors' Equity, SAG, AFTRA, the Dramatists Guild and the BMI Musical Theater Workshop. He has also worked as a fundraiser for such groups as Carnegie Hall, Brooklyn College, and the Sierra Club and currently serves as Associate Director of Business Development at the Better Business Bureau. From 1998 to 2002 he was on the Board of a non-profit social services organization in New York City, including one year each as Treasurer, Vice Chair and Chair. Robert LOVES Unity and is thrilled to have this opportunity to serve! Yay God!