Spotlight on our Speakers

Our contracted 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.

She 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.

Patrick O’Neill has been a valued member of the congregation since 2019.  He has served on the board as President and has been active in the Leadership Ministry.  Patrick is a regular speaker with popular topics on history and social justice.  He served in the Air Force and was the youngest Staff Sergeant in the Pacific Air Force’s.  After the Vietnam War he was Secretary of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War participating in numerous protests that were instrumental in ending the war and saving lives. He now joins No Kings Demonstrations striving to improve our country for the betterment of all.    Patrick got his PhD and worked as an engineer.  He’s been married to Rose for 41 years.  They were married in the Unitarian church of Palo Alto, California.  

Dr. Charles S. Isaacs has been a schoolteacher, a college professor, a community organizer, a Congressional consultant, a social activist, a gambler and an occasional journalist. He has written opinion columns and feature stories for numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times Magazine. During recent decades, he has been a consultant to dozens of non-profit organizations operating in the social justice arena. His recently published work includes fiction, poetry and award-winning non-fiction.

Rose O’Neill has been a very active member of the UUCRT serving in such roles as General Assembly Delegate, Co-Chair of the Sunday Services Ministry, and the Leadership Ministry. She enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband, Patrick O’Neill, and hiking with friends and relatives.  Rose is a repeat speaker and has enjoyed giving talks on Picasso, Prayer, and famous historic local women.

Markly Wilson has been the Director of International Marketing New York State’s Division of Tourism for over 25 years. He previously served as Deputy Secretary General and Director of Marketing for the Caribbean Tourism Organization and as the U.S. Manager for the Tourist Board of Barbados. Wilson also taught Ecotourism at NYU for 6 years. Apart from being the President of our Board of Trustees, Wilson is on the boards of Celebrating the African Spirit , the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism and Big Apple Greeter.