Welcome Laura Nelson - new Team Leader on our Hospitality Kitchen Team.
Laura worked as a computer programmer/manager and after 25 years, retired and moved from NJ to NC in 2008.
Most of her life she was an active member of the Methodist Church and taught Sunday school. She explored Taoism, New Thought and the Spiritualist Church which utilized mediumship. After moving here, she was able to realize her dream of creating a hobby farm with horses. The horses were not only her companions but also assisted people to resolve emotional challenges when using Equine Facilitated learning.
She visited various churches and in 2009, began attending Unity of Mills River, feeling it was a wonderful fit for her. In 2013, she was hired as the Financial Administrator, holding that position for 3 years. During that time, a search began for a new Sr. Minister and participated in selecting Rev. Darlene Strickland. Desiring to have more time to focus on her farm and offer horse therapy, she left the position.
In 2015, after completing training, Laura served as a Prayer Chaplain for many years. She spent 5 years with the Outreach Program, Feed the Kids. She assisted team leader, Geri Conley with planning, shopping for food and coordinating volunteers who, at that time, cooked the meals in the Unity kitchen.
Each year for the Unity Thanksgiving dinner, she would prepare a turkey and in 2018, she coordinated the entire event by scheduling volunteers and ensuring there were enough turkeys and trimmings for everyone.
In 2020, Laura moved to Colorado to assist her daughter with a newly adopted son from foster care. Sadly, he eventually needed long-term care in a mental health facility.
In 2023, she returned to her true home here in the mountains. Laura says, "I totally enjoy all the wonderful new people I am meeting at Unity and am happy to be of service here once again!"