About Us
Rev. Sharon Connors
Rev. Sharon Connors, an ordained Unity Minister since 1987, began her ministry here at Unity Spiritual Center in September 2019. Before moving to Sun City, she had served ministries in Florida, San Francisco, San Diego and at Unity World Headquarters. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Unity Worldwide Ministries as well as Unity Regional Boards and community Boards.
She has authored six books, Heaven Now: A Quest for Meaning and a Beautiful Life (Amazon); Spiritual Cliff Notes: Empowering Ideas to Create Your Best Life (Amazon); Adventures in Resilience: Ignite the 12 Powers in You to Create a Radiant Life (Unity Publishing); Adventures in Prayer: Praying Your Way to a God You Can Trust (Bantam); a children’s book, Adventures in Prayer: The Magic of Discovery (Westbow Press); and a journal, Seasons of Inspiration. Her articles have been published in Daily Word, Unity Magazine and local newspapers.
Rev. Sharon is a Certified Life Coach whose clients include Executives, Boards of Directors and Leadership Teams. She holds a BA in Spanish & Education from Michigan State University and an MA in Vocational Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Additionally, she is a certified Handwriting Analyst and certified Conversational Leadership Coach.
Her hobbies include dancing, tennis, golf, pickle-ball and clarinet. She has two adult children and three grandsons—all the lights of her life.
Our Spiritual Leaders.
Board of Trustees.
Board President
Mackey Essary
Mackey is our Mack-of-all-trades. She has been a member of Unity Spiritual Center since 2005. This is her fifth term on the board over the years. She has served as a prayer chaplain, manages the facilities, volunteers at all of our events and takes care of us all in general.
Trustee
Darlene Hubard
Darlene has been a member of Unity Spiritual Center since 2018. She has worked in various counseling roles. In addition to education, she has worked as a dental assistant and sales rep. Darlene has served our church as an usher/greeter, office assistant, and on special events.
Board Vice President
Alan Fields
Alan spent his career in the hospitality industry, including being on staff at the Kennedy White House, GM of Four Seasons Restaurant NYC, serving as Food & Beverage Director at the Helmsley Palace Hotel and as GM of David Rockefeller's private club. He has 3 daughters and now lives with his life partner, Barbara Hadley, who serves with him as an Ambassador to USC.
Trustee
Cathy Filppone
Cathy was born in Scarsdale NY but after she married her husband Charlie's job moved them and their three sons all over the US, England and Guatemala. In 1990 Cathy & Charlie started their own business, which Cathy took over when Charlie passed. After retiring, she discovered Unity Spiritual Center and has blessed us with her many beautiful flower arrangements.
Board Secretary
Barbara Layton
Barb came to Unity as a long-time student of “A Course In Miracles” and is a current devotee of “A Course of Love”. She is grateful for Unity’s acceptance of all paths to God. A year-round resident of Sun City, she helps with the library, kitchen, book store and events.
Alternate Trustee
Paul Martodam
Paul has been a member of USC for 9 years. For over 40 years he led community organizations, primarily Catholic Charities. He has served on local, state and national boards promoting best practices and advocacy to achieve social justice. Paul and Linda have been married for 54 years; they have 5 children & 7 grandchildren.
Board Treasurer
Stan Shawl
Stan has a background of serving on a church board (treasurer), two hospital foundation boards, and a long tenure on a Rotary Club board. He has a masters degree in financial services, holds a Chartered Life Underwriters and Financial Consultants certification, is a retired Naval Flight Officer, college instructor, family farm manager, and insurance agent. He was the freshman Crew Coach at UC Berkeley and was a US Rowing referee. He and his wife Billie live in Surprise.
Music Team.
Worship Leader & Music Director
Mollie Kidari test
When Mollie Kidari plays the piano, she steps out of the way and lets the music come through her allowing her to become the instrument. She believes music is spiritual communication with Spirit.
Guest Soloist
Cerise Patron
Cerise Patron is an award-winning inspirational singer, songwriter, speaker, and spiritual leader whose transformative voice and message have uplifted audiences for over two decades. Her music has been featured in independent films and her powerful song ”Who We Become” just won a 2026 Empower Positive Music Award. Her fifth studio album, Unchained was produced by acclaimed artist Daniel Nahmod and showcases her signature blend of contemporary spiritual music and authentic storytelling.
Guest Soloist
Norma Owens
Norma is a professional singer, relocated here from Washington State. She performs around the valley with various groups, and has graced the stage at The Nash as well as many other venues.
Choir Director
Melvin Johnson
Melvin is a consummate musician with a background of touring the world with his former group, Eros, including being inducted into the Las Vegas Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is also sought after recording engineer by many famous musicians. His studio was patterned after Quincy Jones' studio. He graciously helped form the choir here at Unity and has been with us for over 8 years.
Guest Celloist
Sharon Nauman
Sharon has performed with the Phoenix Symphony, Prescott Pops, West Valley Symphony & the Arizona Broadway Theater. Sharon traveled nationwide, playing 10 years of road shows with Perry Como, Natalie Cole, Henry Mancini, and Julie Andrews. Her concerts include performances for CBS’s "Sunday Morning" and in such acclaimed places as Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. Currently, she is the music director for Bravo!-West Valley String Society & the Phoenix Cello Choir.
Guest Soloist
Walt Richardson
Walt is known as "the Godfather of the Tempe music scene" and continues to this day performing, teaching, encouraging, and donating his time. His popularity in Arizona continues to grow with the advisory council overwhelmingly voting him into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Saxophone
Lonze Reynolds
Lonze moved to Phoenix from Detroit, MI in 2007. He has been playing the saxophone since he was in middle school, and studied classical as well as jazz improvisation at Knoxville College of Music. Lonze is a gifted musician (very much in demand!) that currently plays in many venues, including the Nash. He also teaches music in the Metro Phoenix area as well as on-line.
Guest Soloist
Sharon Nauman
Lisa sings with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus, with which she has had the privilege to perform in Carnegie Hall in NYC and cathedrals in Vienna, Austria. Lisa also shared the stage with music legend Andrea Bocelli and film composer (and former Oingo Boingo front man) Danny Elfman. Lisa has been a guest artist at Unity since 2024.
Guest Soloist
Shelly Ward
Shelly has a passion for creating music that connects with people. Every song she performs reflects her personality, creativity and love for the art.
Guest Soloist
Nina Lewis
Nina began at a very young age singing in the church choirs in New Jersey, and very soon after was given the opportunity to direct all the choirs. She is the lead vocalist of the band, Soul Groove, who plays at various venues in the valley. Her soulful gospel style is evident in her voice and Spirit filled energy,
United Spiritual Center Choir Members
Mission Statement
To teach and demonstrate spiritual principles that inspire people to live their greatest life through discovering Spirit within.
Vision Statement
Advance spiritual growth in our community and our world by expressing love for all, acceptance of all and service to all.
Faith Statement
There is only One Presence and One Power in the Universe… God the Good, Omnipotent!