Unity of Palmyra Council Members

We are so grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm of our leadership!

Linda Raber, President
I found Unity of Palmyra in 2014, quite by accident.  After leaving the United Methodist Church, I was looking for a more positive and inclusive place to worship.  I attended my first Unity service and never left.  I was drawn to this loving and accepting congregation right away.  I taught for 35 years in the Palmyra area School District and have been retired for the last 10 years.  I volunteer at the local food bank, The Caring Cupboard, and enjoy working with people of all ages.  In my spare time I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, watching sports on TV, and spending time with my dog Maddie.
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Steve Gingrich, Vice President
My wife and former council member Elaine and I found Unity when we moved to Palmyra in 2012.  I was
born and raised in Palmyra and moved to New York for four years to live with Elaine and our 3
daughters.  We were both on a new spiritual path and the Unity principles appealed to us.

I owned and operated, along with my sister Laura, a retail store called Pastimes, located in Palmyra until
moving on from that in 2019 a)er 30 years. I still sell miniature scenery products online and attend
miniature gaming conventions to sell product that I make.  I am an avid sports fan and enjoy playing various board and role playing games with my friends. I also enjoy working out and exploring my world with our dog Vinny, my family or alone.

Jeff McFarland, Treasurer
Jeff has a long history with Unity, including board service in two other ministries, training in Unity Peacemaking, and workshops and retreats pertaining to Integral Church Leadership and Creating the Beloved Community. He has a passion for working creatively and collaboratively with and within groups and believes that, as he helps bring out the best in others, he says “Yes!” to a fuller expression of his own wisdom and talents.

During his work career, Jeff served as a congressional staff member, a nonprofit association executive, and a life and organizational coach. Now retired, he enjoys doing what is most important to him. Jeff is married to his wife, Judy, and is blessed with three adult children, two adult stepchildren, and four grandchildren.

Jeff came to Unity of Palmyra two years ago, became a member last fall, and has enjoyed volunteering with the teens, participating in numerous book groups, working with the Spiritual Social Activism Team, and co-presenting workshops on The I of the Storm and Learning to Have Difficult Conversations.

Stephanie Dobroski, Secretary
Stephanie lives in the city of Lebanon, and grew up in Lebanon County. She has worked in mental health for many years and currently has her own private practice, Mindful Counseling Services, located in Cornwall. 

Stephanie has one son who lives in Philadelphia with his girlfriend, they are both some of her favorite people.  Her parents live close by in a retirement community. Stephanie has a lifelong passion for social justice, spiritual growth and music. Unity is the spiritual home she has been seeking forever. Stephanie shares her home with two rescue dogs and one love bird, who is “the good child.”

Helene Gaydos
My name is Helene Gaydos and I became a member of Unity of Palmyra in 2021. I have been searching for a community of fellow believers my whole life and feel like I am finally home. I have been married for 25 years and have 3 teen-aged boys.
Serenity Space is a wonderful area where I practice massage, and I also work at a spa in Hershey. 
I look forward to learning and growing on council and offer my talents and creativity in whatever way it is needed. I have a great love of adventure and would like to be instrumental in arranging creative spiritual workshops and outings to further Unity's vision and mission.

Vicki Smith
I have been a member of Unity of Palmyra from 2003. I have served on just about every committee and/or volunteer opportunity there is including Sunday school, council, greeter, Daily Word reader and most recently Source of Light and Platform Assistant.
I have recently retired as a Human Resources executive spending almost 40 years in the profession.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and an MBA from Eastern University.
I reside in Palmyra with my little puppy Gracie.