Welcome to Unify Sedona,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to our Unify Sedona… a rainbow alliance website! We formed our charitable non-profit in 2018 with a mission to Promote Acceptance and Celebrate Diversity through Education and Collaboration for the greater community at large. Our board is comprised of people from all walks of life: gay, lesbian, non-binary, straight/cisgender and transgender.
Through education and collaboration comes understanding that we are all much more alike than we are different. When we were approached by the Arizona Community Foundation to discuss building unity through diversity, we were energized. We came together to strengthen our community.
We are in the seeds of great change and want to promote positive momentum surrounding human rights and dignity for everyone in an inclusive community. Following this premise, we have adopted these Four Pillars when we formed this alliance:
Through education and collaboration comes understanding that we are all much more alike than we are different. When we were approached by the Arizona Community Foundation to discuss building unity through diversity, we were energized. We came together to strengthen our community.
We are in the seeds of great change and want to promote positive momentum surrounding human rights and dignity for everyone in an inclusive community. Following this premise, we have adopted these Four Pillars when we formed this alliance:
As you can see, we continue with hard work ahead of us. Please join us in our journey to make this world a better place for everyone..
Jan Montgomery, President
Barry Maketansky, Vice president
Tracey McConnell, Secretary
Jan Montgomery, President
Barry Maketansky, Vice president
Tracey McConnell, Secretary
Board of Directors
Jan Montgomery (She/Her)
President
Jan has a long and successful history of educating children and teachers. Her varied roles as teacher, supervisor, counselor, principal and director of student services in urban, suburban and rural settings have brought her broad experience and depth of understanding the crucial issues that face children in our diverse society. She earned a BS in Ed., MEd in Administration and Psychology, and is a Professional Fellow in Community Management from Case Western Reserve University. Jan has lectured in universities in China, Japan, Central America and the United States to help professional educators learn how to assess, address and serve children’s unique and differentiated needs. In England, she presented a scholarly paper at Oxford University. Jan moved to Sedona in 2005 and is a founding member of Northern Arizona Restorative Justice. She has worked with the local public schools and is a founding member of Unify Sedona...a rainbow alliance where she served as secretary and is current president. Jan is trained in Heart Centered Hypnotherapy and her interests include child and animal welfare, reading, lifelong learning and relaxing with family and friends.
President
Jan has a long and successful history of educating children and teachers. Her varied roles as teacher, supervisor, counselor, principal and director of student services in urban, suburban and rural settings have brought her broad experience and depth of understanding the crucial issues that face children in our diverse society. She earned a BS in Ed., MEd in Administration and Psychology, and is a Professional Fellow in Community Management from Case Western Reserve University. Jan has lectured in universities in China, Japan, Central America and the United States to help professional educators learn how to assess, address and serve children’s unique and differentiated needs. In England, she presented a scholarly paper at Oxford University. Jan moved to Sedona in 2005 and is a founding member of Northern Arizona Restorative Justice. She has worked with the local public schools and is a founding member of Unify Sedona...a rainbow alliance where she served as secretary and is current president. Jan is trained in Heart Centered Hypnotherapy and her interests include child and animal welfare, reading, lifelong learning and relaxing with family and friends.
Barry Maketansky (He/Him/Dad)
Vice President
Actively involved in the non-profit community across the Verde Valley, Barry is Vice President and a founding member of Unify Sedona’s Board of Directors. He is a founding member and board advisor for Northern Arizona Restorative Justice and serves on the board of the Sedona International Film Festival. Raised in New Jersey, he did his undergraduate work at Michigan State university and has continued his graduate studies in the non-profit and philanthropic areas. Much of Barry’s work has included the defense of endangered species against extinction, special expedition cruises in the Amazon and varied ecological studies for national Geographic in Mexico and Central America. Barry’s interests include the environment, animal welfare, theater and social justice.
Vice President
Actively involved in the non-profit community across the Verde Valley, Barry is Vice President and a founding member of Unify Sedona’s Board of Directors. He is a founding member and board advisor for Northern Arizona Restorative Justice and serves on the board of the Sedona International Film Festival. Raised in New Jersey, he did his undergraduate work at Michigan State university and has continued his graduate studies in the non-profit and philanthropic areas. Much of Barry’s work has included the defense of endangered species against extinction, special expedition cruises in the Amazon and varied ecological studies for national Geographic in Mexico and Central America. Barry’s interests include the environment, animal welfare, theater and social justice.
Tracey McConnell (She/Her)
Secretary
Tracey comes to Unify Sedona as a founding member with 30 years' experience in community building and organizing. She's worked as a nonprofit consultant for Yavapai County as well as statewide nonprofits including the Verde Valley Sanctuary, Arizona Myeloma Network, Prescott Area Leadership, Arizona Business & Education Coalition, and First Things First. Tracey has also served as a philanthropic advisor for the Arizona Community Foundation; projects director and coordinator for Youth Count; project director for Arizona State University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management; and volunteer coordinator for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. An Arizona native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Communication from ASU. Tracey grew up in Phoenix and moved to this area more than 20 years ago. She raised her son in Chino Valley, Prescott, and Cottonwood. Most recently she served as an advisor to the Unify Board of Directors. Tracey's interests are social justice, serving vulnerable populations, the LGBTQ+ community, facilitating positive collective change for tough social issues.
Secretary
Tracey comes to Unify Sedona as a founding member with 30 years' experience in community building and organizing. She's worked as a nonprofit consultant for Yavapai County as well as statewide nonprofits including the Verde Valley Sanctuary, Arizona Myeloma Network, Prescott Area Leadership, Arizona Business & Education Coalition, and First Things First. Tracey has also served as a philanthropic advisor for the Arizona Community Foundation; projects director and coordinator for Youth Count; project director for Arizona State University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management; and volunteer coordinator for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. An Arizona native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Communication from ASU. Tracey grew up in Phoenix and moved to this area more than 20 years ago. She raised her son in Chino Valley, Prescott, and Cottonwood. Most recently she served as an advisor to the Unify Board of Directors. Tracey's interests are social justice, serving vulnerable populations, the LGBTQ+ community, facilitating positive collective change for tough social issues.
Marie Helt (She/Her)
Secretary
Marie is a longtime educator with multiple degrees In languages and literature as well as a Ph.D in Applied Linguistics. She has trained teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Germany, Egypt and the United States. In retirement now, her focus is on women’s education and safety, LGBTQ advocacy and voter rights and education. Marie is serving as treasurer for Unify Sedona. She has also served on the board of University Women of Sedona and the board of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Verde Valley. She volunteers at Twice Nice, which supports the Verde Valley Sanctuary. Marie is a founding member of Unify Sedona and has loved Jazz since 7th grade.
Secretary
Marie is a longtime educator with multiple degrees In languages and literature as well as a Ph.D in Applied Linguistics. She has trained teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Germany, Egypt and the United States. In retirement now, her focus is on women’s education and safety, LGBTQ advocacy and voter rights and education. Marie is serving as treasurer for Unify Sedona. She has also served on the board of University Women of Sedona and the board of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Verde Valley. She volunteers at Twice Nice, which supports the Verde Valley Sanctuary. Marie is a founding member of Unify Sedona and has loved Jazz since 7th grade.
James Dunne (He/Him)
Jim is a founding member of Unify Sedona and has been an educator since 1960. Retired now, he continues his love of assisting students. Starting out in vocal music, he earned a Masters and Ph.d and was a college professor for 30 years. Jim has served on the board of the International Nanny Association. He is a lover of the Arts: music, theater, dance and film. As a member and contributor, Jim has made an impressive addition to our board. His Unify goal is to represent the issues around health and aging that are faced by our elder population , especially marginalized groups in Northern Arizona. Thanks to Jim, we were able to initiate an endowment fund through the Arizona Community Foundation.
Jim is a founding member of Unify Sedona and has been an educator since 1960. Retired now, he continues his love of assisting students. Starting out in vocal music, he earned a Masters and Ph.d and was a college professor for 30 years. Jim has served on the board of the International Nanny Association. He is a lover of the Arts: music, theater, dance and film. As a member and contributor, Jim has made an impressive addition to our board. His Unify goal is to represent the issues around health and aging that are faced by our elder population , especially marginalized groups in Northern Arizona. Thanks to Jim, we were able to initiate an endowment fund through the Arizona Community Foundation.
Samyo Shannon (He/Him)
Samyo Shannon is a long time resident of Sedona and has strong interests in international cultures. He has always been involved with Fine Arts and Design. Samyo has worked as an event planner and on décor for many local organizations, including the Sedona International Film Festival, Verde Valley Sanctuary and Verde Valley Caregivers. Samyo is a passionate supporter of human rights in all forms and has been involved as a contributor with the formation of Unify Sedona since its beginning. He feels the importance of promoting and educating our greater community about LGBTQ rights and issues.
Samyo Shannon is a long time resident of Sedona and has strong interests in international cultures. He has always been involved with Fine Arts and Design. Samyo has worked as an event planner and on décor for many local organizations, including the Sedona International Film Festival, Verde Valley Sanctuary and Verde Valley Caregivers. Samyo is a passionate supporter of human rights in all forms and has been involved as a contributor with the formation of Unify Sedona since its beginning. He feels the importance of promoting and educating our greater community about LGBTQ rights and issues.
Lou Helt (He/Him)
Lou joined the board in May, 2021. Lou is an Arizona native, having grown up in Flagstaff and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a major in German and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Although he currently resides in Portland, Oregon, his passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy in AZ is lifelong, and he is thrilled to be able to contribute to Unify Sedona as a remote board member. Lou is the former vice-president (and interim president) of Northern Arizona Pride Association, former president of PRISM, NAU's LGBTQ student organization, and currently runs a Transgender Employee Resource Group (ERG) and operates as a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador in the tech sector in Portland, Oregon. In his spare time, you can find Lou exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest or hiking around Northern Arizona.
Lou joined the board in May, 2021. Lou is an Arizona native, having grown up in Flagstaff and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a major in German and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Although he currently resides in Portland, Oregon, his passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy in AZ is lifelong, and he is thrilled to be able to contribute to Unify Sedona as a remote board member. Lou is the former vice-president (and interim president) of Northern Arizona Pride Association, former president of PRISM, NAU's LGBTQ student organization, and currently runs a Transgender Employee Resource Group (ERG) and operates as a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador in the tech sector in Portland, Oregon. In his spare time, you can find Lou exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest or hiking around Northern Arizona.
Carolyn Martin (She/Her)
Carolyn’s journey began with a childhood immersed in the arts. Singing, dancing, acting, and playing the trumpet consumed her middle and high school years. Starting college at the University of Missouri as an aspiring music teacher, she realized that she wanted to broaden her horizons. She was guided to become an optometrist. This path led her to The University of Alabama at Birmingham for a phenomenal education in optometry and culture. Ever wanting to know more, she continued her training with a residency at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. This too provided more lessons in the social sciences. The next 20 years were spent in various modes of practicing eye care, gleaning the virtues and shortcomings of each. Those two decades culminated in the opening of the Eye Boutique of Sedona, a mindful eye clinic in service to humanity. Joining Rotary International in 2016, Carolyn found an avenue to help promote peace among people. She is currently president of the Rotary Cub of the Sedona Village. She says it is a privilege to join UnifySedona’s Board as it embodies what she has come to know over her life’s journey: we are all ONE.
Carolyn’s journey began with a childhood immersed in the arts. Singing, dancing, acting, and playing the trumpet consumed her middle and high school years. Starting college at the University of Missouri as an aspiring music teacher, she realized that she wanted to broaden her horizons. She was guided to become an optometrist. This path led her to The University of Alabama at Birmingham for a phenomenal education in optometry and culture. Ever wanting to know more, she continued her training with a residency at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. This too provided more lessons in the social sciences. The next 20 years were spent in various modes of practicing eye care, gleaning the virtues and shortcomings of each. Those two decades culminated in the opening of the Eye Boutique of Sedona, a mindful eye clinic in service to humanity. Joining Rotary International in 2016, Carolyn found an avenue to help promote peace among people. She is currently president of the Rotary Cub of the Sedona Village. She says it is a privilege to join UnifySedona’s Board as it embodies what she has come to know over her life’s journey: we are all ONE.
Charles (Chuck) Spence
Chuck joined the Unify board in September of 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in the non-profit arena. He earned a Phd in psychology at Michigan State University and served in the capacity of college chancellor in several states. He has been active in helping boards meet their missions in effective and measurable ways, and has a strong commitment to strategic planning. Chuck is a founding member and was elected president of Continuos Improvement Quality Network. He relocated to Sedona in 2018 and has become active with Northern Arizona Restorative Justice as well as serving on the board of directors at the Sedona Arts Center.
Chuck joined the Unify board in September of 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in the non-profit arena. He earned a Phd in psychology at Michigan State University and served in the capacity of college chancellor in several states. He has been active in helping boards meet their missions in effective and measurable ways, and has a strong commitment to strategic planning. Chuck is a founding member and was elected president of Continuos Improvement Quality Network. He relocated to Sedona in 2018 and has become active with Northern Arizona Restorative Justice as well as serving on the board of directors at the Sedona Arts Center.
Advisors to the Board
Suzie Shomaker (She/Her)
Suzie came to Sedona from New York City, where she enjoyed a long career as a performer, singer and songwriter. She started the non-profit Sedona Performing Arts Alliance to support the performing arts in our local area.. Suzie was instrumental in the opening of the Studio Live venue in Sedona and loves watching how live performance can connect communities and lift the young while energizing the adult community. She believes in adhering to a strong belief that the performing arts are crucial to the fabric of every community and continues to advocate to that end. Suzie is a founding member of Unify Sedona and sees the value in the inclusion of all LGBTQ and Allies to effect positive change in our community.
Suzie came to Sedona from New York City, where she enjoyed a long career as a performer, singer and songwriter. She started the non-profit Sedona Performing Arts Alliance to support the performing arts in our local area.. Suzie was instrumental in the opening of the Studio Live venue in Sedona and loves watching how live performance can connect communities and lift the young while energizing the adult community. She believes in adhering to a strong belief that the performing arts are crucial to the fabric of every community and continues to advocate to that end. Suzie is a founding member of Unify Sedona and sees the value in the inclusion of all LGBTQ and Allies to effect positive change in our community.
Mar Chang (She/They)
Student Advisory Member
We welcome Mar Chang to the Unify Sedona board as our first Student Advisory member. She attends Verde Valley School in Sedona and is on track for an International Baccalaureate Diploma. A former dancer, she finds her passion in equestrianism and community service. Mar is a founding member and president of Rotary International’s Interact Club at her school. When not at school, she enjoys a good book, skiing, hiking, and cooking. Mar is honored to bring a youth perspective to the Unify Board.
Student Advisory Member
We welcome Mar Chang to the Unify Sedona board as our first Student Advisory member. She attends Verde Valley School in Sedona and is on track for an International Baccalaureate Diploma. A former dancer, she finds her passion in equestrianism and community service. Mar is a founding member and president of Rotary International’s Interact Club at her school. When not at school, she enjoys a good book, skiing, hiking, and cooking. Mar is honored to bring a youth perspective to the Unify Board.