“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do.” How can you translate this quote, attributed to Unitarian … read more.
Spotlight on our Speakers
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Our Resident Minister, Rev. Diane Diachishin graduated and was ordained by All Faiths Seminary in NYC in 2022 . She taught music for 30+ years in private and public school systems. She has been an active member of the UUCRT for 25 years, wearing many hats. Diane has been Chair of Pastoral Care, served as VP and Secretary to the Board, and Chair of Sunday Service Ministry. Shen facilitated the study and practice of Compassionate Communication for several years, and currently facilitates the monthly Soul Matters group. Diane considers herself a life- long Unitarian. From the age of four, summer vacations were spent with her family and her Star Island community, at an ongoing retreat for UU’s of all ages, which still continues to be a source of renewal and inspiration for her. Diane is passionate about her family, playing music, hiking, and travel.
Pat Lamanna is a folk singer-songwriter and a member of the UU Fellowship of
Poughkeepsie. Richard Mattocks is a retired environmental scientist and a member of the Poughkeepsie Friends Meeting.
Keith Jordan is a long-time member of the UUCRT and has served in various leadership capacities in the congregation. He has worked as a mental health professional for 40 years and is active in mental health organizations in the
Hudson Valley. He is currently in private practice as a a couples therapist. He is the creator of a unique app called the Couples Therapy Assistant, which is an AI chatbot for couples’ therapists to use with their clients to enhance the value of their therapy in between sessions.
Rev. Pamela Patton is the Assistant Minister of All Souls NYC. Formerly the
Director of Congregational Ministries, Pamela was ordained by the All Souls
congregation in October 2024. Pamela is both a Unitarian Universalist and a Buddhist, and founded the Buddhism and Mindfulness program at All Souls. She has been involved with All Souls for 30 years. Her own spiritual practice is in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and her dharma home is Shantideva Center in Brooklyn. Pamela holds a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological
Seminary, and she has clinical chaplaincy experience at various NYC hospitals, The Jewish Theological Seminary, and the NY Zen Center for Contemplative Care. She also holds an M.A. in Education and Computing from Teachers College and a B.S. in Mathematics from Tufts University.
Elizabeth Mehling has been a member of the UUCRT since 2020. She is an active member of the Sunday Service Ministry, the Leadership Ministry, and the Green Committee. A filmmaker by trade, she produced a historical documentary for the UUCRT’s 150th anniversary, alongside longtime members such as Verne Bell. Outside of filmmaking, she is also engaged with the Social-Emotional Wellness group within the nonprofit group We The People Warwick. She is extremely passionate about environmental causes and is consistently seeking ways to reduce our impact on Mother Earth.
