Our Spiritual Co-op

Rev. Arlene Meyer serves as the Minister of Record for Unity Center of Norwalk. In addition, Arlene is a motivational speaker, life consultant, and author who has been inspiring and empowering people for more than 30 years. Drawing on her personal journey of transformation—from addiction, illness, and debt to health, peace, and prosperity, she helps individuals, couples, and groups envision and live more fulfilling lives.

Before entering ministry, she co-founded Vision Farms Meditation Center and Savannah Ceremonies, offering spiritual services and ceremonies. As a life consultant, Rev. Arlene supports those navigating major life transitions—such as recovery, retirement, or personal reinvention—through coaching, workshops, and retreats rooted in spiritual principle and soul purpose.

Ordained at Unity Village in 2003, she served as minister at Unity of Rockdale, Unity of Savannah, and Unity of Orange County, where she led dynamic growth and community engagement. She is also the author of Seven Days to Becoming a Vegetarian and Finding Your Way: 52 Messages to Guide You Through Life’s Ups and Downs.

Rev. Arlene’s mission is to enlighten, inspire, and empower others to live in alignment with compassion, joy, and love. She lives by the quote from George Eliot: “It is never too late to be what you might have been,” a truth she encourages others to embrace at every stage of life.

Rev. Theresa Crisci is an Interfaith, Interspiritual Minister ordained from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. She is also a Licensed Unity Teacher through Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute.

Theresa has had her own health and wellness business since 1994 – Total-Balance Life Choice. Her business is predominately corporate clients and their employees, providing chair massage, empowerment workshops, and other stress reduction and empowerment tools.

In addition to her wellness business, Theresa is a Life Celebrant, officiating weddings and celebrating all of life's transitions. For more information, visit TLCCeremonies.com.

Kenneth Gartman is the Music Director at Unity Center of Norwalk, directing our services and our choir – Joyful Noise. He also produces musical events and workshops and hosts a monthly community Open Mic night that has been ongoing since 2013. Kenneth has been performing and directing music in spiritual communities for over 35 years.  

Kenneth moved from Texas to New York City in 2000 to pursue a career in musical theatre. In addition to his work at Unity Center of Norwalk, Kenneth was the founder and director of the Magnolia Room, a local cabaret that featured performances by Broadway talent.  He has a vibrant professional career as a singer/performer, music director, and vocal coach. His credits include local, regional, national and international performances. For more information, visit www.KennethGartman.com.

Betsy Woods Brooks serves as the Board President. She first visited Unity Center of Norwalk in 2012 and felt as though she had come home! She resonates with the positive, practical, and progressive approach to spirituality that Unity offers and respects the fact the Unity honors the universal truths in all religions.

Betsy is the founder of Simple Wisdom Energy Healing, is a Reiki Master Teacher, a certified mind-body skills instructor through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and a Mindful Outdoor Guide certified through the Kripalu School for Mindful Outdoor Leadership. Her website is https://simplewisdomenergy.com/.

Previously she had a 30-year career working as a communication and change management consultant for various HR consulting firms. She holds a B.S. degree in Marketing and Management from Sacred Heart University, is certified in video production from Fairfield University, and holds a Six Sigma green belt.

As the President of the Board of Trustees at Unity Center of Norwalk, Betsy is passionate about sharing the life-transforming Unity teachings with those who are seeking to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others.

Michelle Krepak is a spiritual seeker. She began her exploration as a a teen at boarding school where she was confirmed in the school chapel. When she married and had children, she joined Quaker Meeting and she learned the importance of meditation and social justice. In her thirties, Michelle lived at the Dai Basatsu Zen, Kong-ji for several months where she studied and practiced Zen Shiatsu and Zen Buddhism. This experience led to learning various body work and meditation practices.

In 2017, Michelle found Unity. She felt moved and aligned with the community and the practical principles. Singing in the choir became a spiritual and joy-filled experience. As a prayer chaplain, she feels honored to hold a space for prayer.

Michelle has a BA from NYU in Art History which led to her first career as an Art Dealer. She then married and began her 30 year career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Michelle earned her MSW from Fordham University. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor and worked in a community agency. Currently, she is semi-retired and has a small psychotherapy practice. She enjoys traveling with her husband, children and grand boys. Michelle is hooked on pickleball, paints and enjoys hiking with her dogs.


Manja Ferguson serves as the Board Treasurer. She was first introduced to Unity by a friend in January 2019. It took just one Sunday service, and she knew she had found her spiritual home. Unity’s teachings and messages resonated with her immediately and have been a tremendous support in her life.

Manja has a Master’s degree in Global Development and Peace. Her career has included being a part of a startup to serve the geriatric population, where she managed operations including training and managing caregivers for 7 years.

Since 2022, Manja has served as Unity’s bookkeeper. Her attention to detail, organizational and administrative skills, as well as passion for good financial stewardship led her to join the Board of Trustees as Treasurer in 2023. She enjoys serving on the Board of Trustees as well as leading the Hospitality Ministry.

Manja’s interests include practicing yoga, cooking, hiking, crocheting and puzzling. As a lifelong puzzle enthusiast, Manja competed in her 1st speed puzzling competition in 2023.

Christina Lake serves as the Board Secretary. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of South Florida and a Master’s in Science from Columbia University with a degree in Social Work. She has been working as a licensed clinical social worker full time since 1989. She attends workshops regularly in communication, negotiating and active listening.

Christina has attended Unity since 1993 when it was meeting out of a local school auditorium. She has been called "the plant lady" for many years as she was caring for the plants at Unity. She has also participated in the hospitality committee and was a member of the Joyful Noise choir.

Christina has enjoyed raising and spending time with her family, three grown daughters and husband Chip. She also enjoys Hot Yoga and all kinds of music. She finds Unity of Norwalk to be a very positive and inspiring community that has helped her grow spiritually in her daily life. 

Kevin has been a member of Unity for 14 years and enjoys the community worship on Sunday, serves as a greeter, and participates in fundraisers and other collaborative community events. Kevin has been a social worker for 15 years since graduating from Fordham University in 2014. He holds a bachelor of sociology from the State University of New York at Purchase. He is also certified as an Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and holds a Specialty Certificate in Co-occurring Disorders. He has been certified by Esocen at the Associate level to utilize progressive tools of meditation and breathing techniques to compliment traditional therapeutic treatment services. Kevin has worked in the human service field for over 25 years and has always been a champion for human rights and social justice. 

Carol Dubs serves as our Financial Director. She has been involved with Unity Center of Norwalk since 1999 as a member, Treasurer, and Financial Director. A Connecticut licensed CPA and QuickBooks ProAdvisor, she enjoys helping non-profits and small businesses get financially organized and align their finances with their dreams.


Michael Stimma serves as the Creative Director. Since 2013, Micheal has found a spiritual home at Unity Center of Norwalk, where he is deeply grateful to contribute to the church's journey towards love.

He is a proud graduate of The New York School of Interior Design and currently works in the fields of Interiors and Furniture design.

When he's not busy transforming spaces or lending a hand, you can find Michael dreaming of hiking trails, pitching tents under the stars, or unwinding on his favorite beach.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Michael finds sanctuary and tranquility within the walls of Unity Center of Norwalk, a sacred space where he feels truly alive.

Miranda Agosto is Unity’s Office Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and serving as the primary point of contact for our members and visitors.

Deb has been a member of Unity of Norwalk since 2013, but originally found Unity in 1989 in Bridgeport as a single mom of two sons seeking a positive, Spiritual way in which to raise her children. Deb is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an active private practice in CT, has been a student of A Course In Miracles for many years, and currently enjoys singing with the UCN choir, Joyful Noise. As a singer/songwriter she often combines her connection to Spirit in the songs she composes.

Raissa has been a Unity member since 2005, a Chaplain and Platform Assistant at UCN, a Reiki Master and Vibrational Sound Massage Practitioner. A Broadway actress/singer and concert and cabaret headliner, she is a regular soloist at Unity Center. She and her husband are passionate about dog rescue and have fostered more than 50 dogs in the last 5 years.

Theresa is an ordained Interfaith Minister. She is also a Licensed Unity Teacher and has been a member of Unity since 2010. She was the Board Treasurer for Unity for four years, has been Platform Assistant since 2012, and serves as a volunteer in many positions. She is a passionate truth finder and prayer practitioner.  As an Interfaith Minister, Theresa loves co-creating and facilitating weddings as well as many other life cycle ceremonies and rituals.

Michelle Krepak serves as the Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Unity Center of Norwalk. Michelle is a Licensed Massage Therapist and earned her MSW from Fordham University. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor and worked in a community agency. Currently, she is semi-retired and has a small psychotherapy practice.