Meet the Nominees for the Member Board of Trustees

The following members have been nominated for the Member Board of Trustees.  Ballots will be sent to all members via email on Monday, June 15.  To help you make a decision as to which candidate(s) to support, a list of nominees with a short biography for each appears below. In addition, please join us for our Member Meeting on Sunday, July 21 at 8pm ET in the Awakening Together Sanctuary Home, where each candidate will be given an opportunity to address the membership.

Listen to Meet the Nominees Meeting Here

Nominees

Susan Bacon

I grew up with a Christian Science mother, an Episcopal father, and attended a Southern Baptist school all at the same time—it seems awareness of God’s presence in life was clearly part of an early plan, as were life-long questions about different belief-systems. After college, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church and eventually became involved in leadership positions in several parishes, including service on two church vestries, Director of Education, active participation on the board of a community homeless program, lay ministry, and various other contributions. I learned a lot from observing and questioning ego while in these roles—and inherently longed to discover my authentic Self in community.

Later, I turned away from the politics of organized religion to spend time studying non-dual teachings such as Richard Rohr, the Buddhist tenets, ACIM, Gina Lake… all essential bridges to inner stillness and truth.  My interest in Awakening Together began when a spiritual mentor pointed me toward Gentle Healing in 2017, from which I’ve recently graduated after 3+ years of honest, daily devotion. I‘ve also been involved in the MPP curriculum and have nearly completed the coursework and class time.

My vocation before retirement was as a teacher and administrator in a variety of socioeconomic settings.  Working with children, their parents, and meeting them where they are is one of the greatest gifts of this lifetime.  I’ve been married for 32 years to a wonderful man, have 3 grandchildren, and share space with a 16-year old dog named Panda, who lives an extremely charmed life.

Kelly Barber

I consciously began a spiritual path at age 23, when I was divinely led to the beautiful grace of 12 steps for an alcohol issue.  I am so grateful for that program as it has taught me so very much about honesty, having an open mind and being willing to grow spiritually.  Early in recovery, I was introduced to the writings of Emmett Fox, then ACIM and later on Way of Mastery. I have gone through periods of being an absolute sponge when it comes to reading, and then times when I back off and let it all percolate.

I work for a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  I have been with this company for 33 years, starting as a technician in one of our group homes, and then managed that group home for 10 years.  In 2006 I received my bachelor’s degree in human resource management, and became the HR Manager in charge of recruitment, training and benefits.

I became an Awakening Together ordained minister in February of 2016.  Since that time I have led gatherings, held a sanctuary spot where we read Way of Mastery, and now I am in gentle healing year two as well as part of Movie Watchers group.  I absolutely love the way my MPP experience has shown me how to see the Truth in just about anything I am reading, watching or listening too.  I am grateful to be a part of this organization and am happy to be of service in any capacity I am called to.

Doreen Bonnet

Doreen became consciously aware of her spiritual journey in her mid 20s when the book, “Spiritual Growth”, by Sanaya Roman, appeared in her life.  Little did she know this book would change the trajectory her path would take. Since then, she has been a seeker of spiritual truth with a goal of raising the consciousness of humanity.  She has  a BA in Communication/Public Relations and is a graduate of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts with an emphasis on Asian Bodywork Therapy.  She is also a graduate of Inner Visions Institute of Spiritual Development. Doreen was elected to the Member Board of Trustees in July 2017.

Doreen currently serves on the Member Board of Trustees and has served on our Ministers Association Subcommittee during her tenure on the board. She has been acting chair of that committee since December 2019 and has recently agreed to officially chair that committee.

Meg Reinhart