Unity of New York: A Spiritual Center for Creative Living - Ministers & Staff

Claire is a founding board member of Unity of New York and is a Licensed Unity teacher. Claire spent over 25 years working in public health and social work to stem the HIV/AIDS pandemic both here in New York and in several countries in Africa. She also spent many years in the theatre on stage, in film, commercials and voice over work. Claire is currently a seminarian at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and will be ordained in June 2011. Claire loves facilitating the Unity Women's Circle and teaching Unity classes.

Jeanmarie Eck, MFA was raised in New York and Florida, and continues to gain inspiration from the balance of the energy of the city with the tranquility of the tropics. A lifelong performing artist, her professional career has taken her from Europe and off-Broadway to leading roles in regional theatres from Texas and all the way up to Minnesota. She also worked for over five years as a merchandising manager for Broadway shows. In 2003, she began her journey into Unity and New Thought teachings with Rev. Paul Tenaglia at Unity of New York. She is a Licensed Unity Teacher Candidate, Prayer Chaplain, Singer with Voices in Unity, and is currently in her first year in the Masters of Divinity Program at Unity Institute. She writes a blog exploring the works of Eric Butterworth entitled Questing for Truth: A Butterworth Blog. She holds an MFA from the University of Mississippi, where she taught Acting, Public Speaking and Dance, and a BA in Theatre and Music from Rollins College and she is a member of Actors' Equity Association. Jeanmarie is happy to be the newest addition to the Unity staff as our full-time Office Assistant starting in January 2011.

As the founding Director of Music Ministry at Unity of New York, Britt’s work has received praise from around the world. He is the director of Spiritus vocal ensemble, in which he is also an original member, as well as the Unity New York choir, Voices In Unity. He has produced and directed numerous concerts and events at Unity of New York and beyond. Britt also played a key role in the creation and publishing of the inspirational book and accompanying CD, Badge of Courage (written by Barbara Raven, read by Oscar-winning actress Patricia Neal, music by David Friedman, sung by Spiritus.)

After wearing lots of hats in many different phases of life, Britt finally realized that the passionate thread of his life since childhood was music.  It’s what has always come naturally to him.  Busy earlier in life as an athlete and musician, Britt didn’t really begin his career as a performer until after attending college, first at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, and later at the University of Florida in his home state.

Britt is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. As an actor, he has performed and originated numerous leading roles in musicals and straight plays from Off-Broadway to regional and dinner theatres around the country to national tours. His work has included film, television, cabaret and recordings. As a commercial print model, Britt’s likeness sometimes pops up in the most unlikely places. You might spot him anywhere from a bank to an airplane; from a bus to a billboard.

“Although my career is what brought me to New York, the moment I arrived many years ago, it was clear that I was home. As the Director of Music Ministry at my spiritual home, Unity of New York, I am living proof that we really can create what we want in our lives. I am truly honored to be the leader of these amazing groups of talented individuals. As my favorite mystic Meister Eckhart pointed out in the 13th century, ‘if the only prayer we ever said is Thank You, that would suffice.’ So I fervently say, Thank You, God!”

see also: SpiritusNYC.com

Lou Olivieri was born and raised in New York City and boasts about being a true New Yorker. A graduate of New York University School of Business Administration, Louis first started his career as a Government Bond broker on Wall Street for 19 years. He has honed his entrepreneurial skills owning several businesses through the years and is currently the President of his own Concierge and Ticket Service servicing all metropolitan areas... especially here in NYC. First introduced to UNITY thought in 2002 by a friend, Lou became a member of Unity of New York in 2006. "When I first walked into the Subud on 29th Street, I knew that I found my Spiritual home! I was blown away by the service, the message and the community of people. The message about my worthiness to receive good constantly resounds with me and my service on the Board and to all at Unity of New York is an expression of my sincere gratitude of my willingness to see my good, share it and exhibit its Loving Existence."