Unity of Palmyra Staff

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

Jackie McNeill, Office Manager
Jackie is delighted to be serving Unity of Palmyra as our Office Manager. She previously managed a local Sherwin-Williams for nearly a decade, gaining experience in customer service, finance, sales, and human resources. She is the proud mother of a precocious almost-six-year-old, Cassie Lee. She loves kayaking, training dogs (and their people), gardening, and renovating her small homestead.

Janie Womack, Music Director
Born into a musical family in small-town Texas, singer/songwriter Janie Womack is a self-taught guitarist, but her first love is singing. She’s participated in a wide variety of musical projects over the years, including musical comedy, choral and ensemble work, and many different acoustic projects.  Her style is acoustic, and her delivery is straight & true.  In 2012, she released her first full-length CD of original music, “Songs in the Key of J.”  Janie donates her time and talent to fund-raising efforts for non-profit agencies, including the American Cancer Society.  After many musical adventures, Janie has settled into a duo with percussionist and vocalist Jody Echterling, who’s an amazingly talented, self-taught musician in her own right. They both feel they were born to perform together!  Janie and Jody perform at various venues around the Central PA area.  Their repertoire includes “music of many colors” including originals, blues, country, ballads, folk, Americana, and even old standards. 
 
“Music is a powerful element – it touches people at such a deep level.  It never ceases to amaze me how intensely gratifying it is to experience the energy exchange between performer and audience, and it’s true no matter what side of the footlights you’re on.  It’s my heart and soul.”

Gwen Ward, Licensed Unity Teacher
Born and raised a Buckeye in Darke County, Ohio, I lived just miles from where the great Annie Oakley roamed as a young woman.  I learned many things from this woman’s mission, always aim high.  I graduated with honors from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  Directly from Ohio I moved to Washington, D.C. to begin my teaching career.  At the same time, my mother guided me to take a Foot Reflexology course.  After 7 years in Washington, D.C. I longed for a smaller town atmosphere and had camped several times in Jonestown, PA.  I found a job serving the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council as the Lebanon County Field Executive and moved to Lebanon in February 1990.  I love Lebanon County!  I found my wife in this county.  Becky and I have been together since 1994.  During the time I worked for the Girl Scouts I amassed a large number of certifications and a Ph.D. as a Naturopathic Doctor all while working my reflexology business part-time.  In 2007, I was part of a council staff downsize and it was one of the best things life handed me.  I took my part-time business to a full-time business in less than 6 months.  I now teach and certify people in Foot Reflexology and Full Body Reflexology.  Both courses are nationally certified. 
In 2014 Becky and I became foster parents.  First to Samantha, who is still one of our greatest teachers, even though she left our home in 2015.  Then in September 2016, we met the love of our lives, Cheyane.  We adopted Cheyane in August 2017.  We are still licensed foster parents, but are not active at this time.

Unity Church has been a part of my life since I was in high school, even though I was unaware at the time.  My Mom subscribed to The Daily Word and I began to read it.  Later, after moving to Lebanon County, I was surprised and delighted to find a Unity Church so close.  I love the worship space here, the people, and of course the Unity Principles.