Our Team

SECRETARY & OUTREACH

Doris Hicks is retired after many years as a teacher and school librarian in public schools in north Texas, and as a Youth Services librarian in the Albany, Oregon Public Library System.  She is  currently living in Eugene, Oregon where she is an avid gardener growing fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants, and a puppeteer performing with hand puppets and marionettes.

Doris is also a member of a team from Unity of the Valley in Eugene that meets weekly with incarcerated youth who are transitioning into the next phase of their lives after release from jail.

TREASURER

Alana Syrian is a tax advisor with 9 years of accounting experience. She holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and a Masters of Science in Taxation from Wayne State University. She enjoys the outdoors, music and traveling.

ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOJOURNALIST
NATURE ADVOCATE
TECH SPECIALIST

Ken Mooney is a writer and photographer. He is completing degrees in environmental photojournalism and indigenous studies at Oregon State University.

He worked several years as a proofreader in the publishing industry. Ken holds a black belt in kenpo. He served in the air force overseas and stateside.

In his leisure time he enjoys traveling through natural and built environments. He feels most at home in the Pacific Northwest.

His partner in mischief and good deeds is his fiancée Suzanne. They love to be in nature on long leisurely walks or in a cafe, sipping delicious teas. Ken and Suzanne are looking to adopt a poodle to add another member to their family.

MARKETING

Lisa Bascom is a professional marketer with more than 20 years of experience in the technology, education, and non-profit sectors. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a Masters in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Her volunteer service has included hospitality coordinator for the North Texas Irish Festival, troop leader and council trainer roles in Girl Scouts, PTA Reflections, army family support roles, art program school chair, and many roles in Boy Scouts in support of her two Eagle Scout sons. An Army wife, she enjoys reading, music, the outdoors, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends and as little as possible cleaning.

LEGAL

As both a Partner at LSN Law, and as a Partner at LSN Partners, LLC (a Miami-based government consulting firm), Adele brings a wealth of knowledge and invaluable advocacy, legislative, and management experience to our board at CFTH.

Before joining LSN Law, Adele was the Director of Code Compliance for the City of Miami where she led a department dedicated to promoting the life, health, safety, and general well-being of residents, visitors, and businesses in the city.

Adele received her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from the University of Miami. She is a member of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, the National Association of Women Lawyers, and the League of Women Voters. Adele is an avid reader, wife, and mother of two incredible girls.

BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS

As a professional jazz singer, Rosemary Conte has performed and recorded with some of the world’s greatest musicians. As a teacher of singing and songwriting, Rosemary has enabled her students to become Broadway performers, signed pop artists, busy jazz singers and winners of competitions. Today, in dual careers - singer/teacher and clinical hypnotherapist, she brings another dimension to the art, by helping students gain freedom from creative inhibitions and make positive changes in their lives.

As a life-long artist advocate, Rosemary created and directed the seminal organization for musicians and singers, All Music Inc. and produced its companion publication and live shows. She is one of a handful of original organizers of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Festival.

Caine O’Brien enjoyed a 40-year career in technology companies, in positions ranging from field engineer to CEO.  He has raised venture capital, sold a company to private equity, and is named on four patents.  Since retirement he has mentored startups at the U of O and RAIN Eugene.

Throughout his life, Caine has been passionate about personal growth and inner work, and became a tapping (EFT) practitioner to assist himself and others in letting go of negative emotions and finding new emotional freedom.  He is musical, and enjoys singing and playing instruments, as well as vegetable gardening, woodworking, and the great outdoors. 

Caine supports CFTH as a presenter, musician, and executive advisor.

Darline Jackson is an acclaimed singer and percussionist whose authentic, soul-infused music has been inspiring Pacific Northwest audiences for decades. Beginning her musical journey as a child playing bongos in church, Darline has built a vibrant career performing across wineries, local venues, and community spaces as a lead vocalist and skilled percussionist. Currently a praise team leader at City First Church in Eugene and a featured artist with local bands TOB and My Band, Darline joyfully uses her God-given gifts to touch hearts, foster authentic connection, and bring uplifting energy to every stage she steps on.

Facilitator Mike Meyer, LCSW & CADC, is a leader in mental and emotional health within natural environments, specializing in addiction, relationship, and trauma therapies. With over twenty years of experience, he is a sought-after facilitator offering workshops focused on wellness, coping strategies, and substance use support. Mike is also the creator and host of the award-winning Island Earth Radio, leads weekly creative movement gatherings, produces local folk music concerts, and is an avid kayaker.

Yaz is a holistic educator / facilitator and award-winning multidisciplinary artist with over 15 years of personal practice and professional experience in meditation, breathwork, sensory awareness, movement and embodiment practices. Her work gently weaves breath, somatic and sensory exploration, creativity and mindfulness to help individuals move from overwhelm into presence and balance. Through group classes, workshops and one-on-one sessions, Yaz offers practical, compassionate tools that cultivate inner safety, clarity and self-empowered wellbeing as she is passionate about supporting nervous system regulation and authentic connection through accessible, trauma-informed practices.

Rev. Donna Pouliot has devoted her life to helping others.  Coming from a rich and varied background of military service in the 101st Airborne, serving as a Licensed Practical Nurse, conducting a prison ministry, singing, dancing and learning to be still, Rev. Donna has walked many paths in her career.  These paths eventually led her to become a licensed and ordained minister, a profession that beautifully encompasses all of her skills. 

Kathryn Brunhaver is a Eugene-based cellist, composer, and music educator dedicated to expanding the boundaries of her instrument through classic performance, contemporary innovation, and genre-bending collaborations. A member of the Eugene Symphony and Elsewhere Ensemble, she specializes in new music—frequently composing and premiering works for singing cellist—and performs with the acclaimed Americana band Satori Bob. Alongside her vibrant performance career across regional orchestras and chamber ensembles, Kathryn holds a DMA from the University of Oregon and maintains a thriving private teaching studio, passionate about sharing the joy of music with the next generation.

Christopher Stubbs is an accomplished gospel pianist, organist, and choir director who has been sharing his musical gifts across the Eugene area since age seven. With decades of rich experience—including directing the community-based Inspirational Sounds African American Gospel Choir and accompanying the University of Oregon Gospel Choir—Chris seamlessly blends technical mastery with deep spiritual passion. Today, he continues to delight and uplift local audiences through performance, playing everywhere from the Power House Worship Center to regional wineries, community gatherings, and local venues.

Don Latarski is a celebrated guitarist, composer, and educator who led the guitar studies program at the University of Oregon for decades. Known for his signature fingerstyle technique, versatile jazz-meets-classical style, and engaging teaching approach, Don has authored over 20 instructional books and released 15 studio albums. As the owner, producer, and audio engineer at Crescent Studios in Eugene, he continues to shape the local music landscape through his album releases, film and media compositions, and creative video tutorials.

Tom Titus is a biologist, author, and educator whose writing explores the vibrant, messy interface of the human experience and the natural world. A scientist with over thirty peer-reviewed papers, Tom bridges empirical knowledge and storytelling to create narrative "love songs" that deeply connect us to the land. He is the author of Blackberries in July: A Forager’s Field Guide to Inner Peace, leads the inspirational workshop Writing from the Inside Out, and shares his passion for nature, foraging, and reflection through his active blog.

Donna O’Neil, E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher), has been teaching yoga and leading yoga retreats since 1995, and sharing her voice and music since l987.  Her blend of gentle yoga, meditation and music help to bring body, mind & spirit together as one.

As a trauma survivor-turned-thriver, this practitioner turns decades of lived recovery experience into compassionate, personalized healing modalities. Overcoming complex early trauma, anxiety, and neurodivergent challenges, they transformed their own journey into a courageous, creative life—and now help others do the same in far less time. By curating a customized menu of evidence-based tools and trauma-informed techniques tailored to each individual, their goal is to guide clients beyond survival mode so they can break free from old patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and truly thrive.

Zana Zeigler, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in Eugene, Oregon, dedicated to diminishing suffering and fostering psycho-spiritual wholeness. Holding master's degrees in Fine Arts, Divinity, and Human Development and Counseling from Vanderbilt University, Zana integrates a rich background in religion, gender, and creative arts into her clinical practice. With extensive experience in community mental health and specialized eating disorder care, she utilizes advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), existential therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients navigate life's challenges and achieve deep personal healing.

Katie is a singer, songwriter, and group song leader dedicated to creating music for personal healing, human connection, and transformation. As the lead vocalist of KT and the Love Notes, her heartfelt songwriting draws inspiration from nature and relationships to leave listeners with music often described as "a big hug." Alongside performing at local residential care facilities, Katie writes and teaches original a cappella part songs that are sung by community choirs across the country, inspiring warmth, emotional depth, and collective joy wherever her music travels.

Rev. Sherry Lady has been a member of Unity of the Valley since 1986. After retiring from a 30 year career in Education, she attended Unity School for Religious Studies where she received her ordination. Sherry was the Senior Minister at Unity of Ashland for 7 years. At Unity of the Valley she has served as Associate Minister as well as directing our Youth and Family Ministry, coordinating Adult Education, and being Unity’s drama director. As Co-Senior Minister, she supports the leaders of these same ministry areas or––in the case of Adult Education––leads it herself. Along with church activities, she finds enrichment through family activities, writing, the theater, and being with friends.

Paul is a legendary woodwind player, music educator, and philanthropist whose decades-long career includes touring and recording with icons such as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Smokey Robinson. After a prolific career as an LA studio musician performing on major TV and film scores, Paul relocated to Lane County, where he became a beloved staple of the local arts community. Today, Paul brings joy to regional audiences through performances with the Rainy Day Blues and Willamette Jazz Societies, supports local charities, plays with Unity of the Valley, and teaches private woodwind lessons to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Rev. Inge Tarantola was born and raised in Germany. After a career in accounting, Inge discovered her passion for ministry and in 1988 Unity of the Valley became her church home. She served on the board of Trustees and as Director of the Prayer Ministry and Taize Healing Prayer Ministry. In 2000, she pioneered a brand new Unity church in Roseburg, became Unity of the Valley’s Associate Minister in 2012, and in 2013 joined our newly formed Ministerial Team as Co-Senior Minister. Healing prayer and meditation have been part of her daily spiritual practice for many years. Inge also finds joy and spiritual renewal in the great outdoors and in her garden.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and retired nurse, this practitioner brings decades of compassionate care and community service to Connecting from the Heart. Deeply involved with Unity of the Valley in Eugene for over 30 years, her focus centers on youth education and volunteering with "Reach Out," a ministry supporting local incarcerated teens. She also dedicates her time to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and The Trevor Project, channeling her personal journey and deep love for her family into advocacy, mental health support, and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth across the community.

Géna Duel has been a student and teacher of the Power of Women’s Joy classes for 20-plus years. Having walked this journey herself, she has discovered dynamic and creative tools to help people move through life’s ups and downs rather than remaining stuck in the difficulties they present. Her passion is sharing these tools and inspiring others to discover the power of joy in their own lives.

 Christopher Stark is a violinist with over 20 years of deep roots in the Eugene-Springfield music scene. A graduate of the University of Oregon (BM) and the DePaul Music Conservatory (MM), Christopher’s extensive classical training includes studies under renowned concertmasters and participation in elite national chamber music festivals and masterclasses. Today, he is a vibrant presence across Lane County’s performing arts community, frequently appearing on stage with premier ensembles including Orchestra NEXT, the Eugene Concert Choir and Orchestra, and the Eugene Symphony.

AUDIO/VIDEO DIRECTOR

Ryan Zimmer is an experienced audio and video production specialist with over two decades of experience capturing live events across Oregon. From running his own production company to engineering sound for local venues, wineries, and festivals, Ryan has built a reputation for seamless live recording and production. Today, he serves as a key member of the Connecting from the Heart team and works as the Audio/Video Director at Unity of the Valley, managing both in-person sound and live streaming. Ryan is passionate about using his technical talents to spread uplifting material and strengthen community connection.

AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION
RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Kacey Howell is a computer technology specialist and key member of the Connecting from the Heart team, contributing his skills to both audio/video production and grant writing. A native Oregonian, Kacey earned his Applied Baccalaureate degree in Information Systems from Western Oregon University, blending a lifelong passion for technology with a natural talent for teaching others how to navigate their electronic devices. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Kacey enjoys using his technical expertise to share uplifting content, while spending his free time cooking, playing games with friends, and following Formula 1.

Cassandra Lee is a Registered Nurse and compassionate care advocate who has dedicated her life to bringing comfort and healing to those in need. With a diverse healthcare background spanning general medicine, cardiac care, and hospice, Cassandra enthusiasm for patient-centered care ensures every individual feels seen, heard, and acknowledged. Drawing on decades of personal experience with addiction recovery and family support systems, she brings deep empathy and practical wisdom to her work. An avid outdoor enthusiast, crafter, and mother, Cassandra lives in Oregon, where she finds joy in nature and spreading optimistic encouragement.

AUDIO PRODUCTION

Patrice DeVincentis is an audio engineer, electronic musician, classically trained composer, and music technology educator with decades of experience in digital music production. With three music degrees from Westminster Choir College, Temple University, and Boston University, Patrice served as Music Director for Unity By the Shore and has credits on over 300 published projects through her studio, Sonic Surgery. A pioneer in early MIDI performance and a seasoned multi-keyboardist, she seamlessly bridges technical audio mastery and artistic expression to inspire and uplift through music.