You may nominate Chapel members, or volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors yourself, by completing this nomination form (click here) or by adding a name to the list on the bulletin board at the Chapel.
Nominations must be received and confirmed with the candidate no later than 1pm on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, in order to appear on the ballot.
Scroll down to review information on ballot distribution and voting (below the list of candidates).
Nominations must be received and confirmed with the candidate no later than 1pm on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, in order to appear on the ballot.
Scroll down to review information on ballot distribution and voting (below the list of candidates).
Candidates for 2025 Board of Directors
Biographical summaries or candidate letters provided by each candidate for publication here, as we get to know them more before the election.
President: Dawn Byrd
Vice President: Elizabeth Rodriguez
Treasurer: Barb Moen
Secretary: Susan Bauer
Directors at Large (3 Positions):
Vice President: Elizabeth Rodriguez
Treasurer: Barb Moen
Secretary: Susan Bauer
Directors at Large (3 Positions):
- Lashannon Armistead
- Antonia Hicks
- Sue Jarek
- Susan Martens (write-in candidate)
- Lori Walter
2025 Candidate: President
Dawn Byrd is the current president of the Board of Directors. She began attending the Metaphysical Chapel of Life in 2012 and became a member in December 2014. She served as Secretary of the 2019 Board of Directors. She has also been a speaker and has assisted with various activities at the Chapel.
Dawn worked more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry as an Account Executive, District Sales Manager, Regional Manager Government and Hospital Accounts. She was Director of Managed Care with a chain pharmacy co-op.
Having an interest in hypnosis for many years herself she learned many doctors and medical professionals also appreciated the benefits hypnosis offers. Dawn began
her studies and received her ACHE (American Council of Hypnotist Examiners) certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She was certified as a Consulting
Hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Dawn was also certified as an NLP practitioner and Life Coach by NATH (National Association of Transpersonal
Hypnotherapists). She was a presenter four times at NAH Annual Conferences and received the NATH 2013 Significant Clinical Contribution award.
Dawn has appeared as an expert guest multiple times on Doc Gallagher’s KAAM radio show to discuss hypnosis. She served two terms as President of a regional chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists. While she works with all hypnosis clients, she is especially drawn to pain management and phobia release.
She is an Ordained Minister registered with the Universal Life Church.
Dawn worked more than 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry as an Account Executive, District Sales Manager, Regional Manager Government and Hospital Accounts. She was Director of Managed Care with a chain pharmacy co-op.
Having an interest in hypnosis for many years herself she learned many doctors and medical professionals also appreciated the benefits hypnosis offers. Dawn began
her studies and received her ACHE (American Council of Hypnotist Examiners) certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist. She was certified as a Consulting
Hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Dawn was also certified as an NLP practitioner and Life Coach by NATH (National Association of Transpersonal
Hypnotherapists). She was a presenter four times at NAH Annual Conferences and received the NATH 2013 Significant Clinical Contribution award.
Dawn has appeared as an expert guest multiple times on Doc Gallagher’s KAAM radio show to discuss hypnosis. She served two terms as President of a regional chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists. While she works with all hypnosis clients, she is especially drawn to pain management and phobia release.
She is an Ordained Minister registered with the Universal Life Church.
2025 Candidate: Vice President
Elizabeth Rodriguez says:
I have been a member of the chapel for about 17 years (since July of 2007). I have recently started presiding, am part of the hospitality committee, became a Laying on of Hands (LOH) healer at the Chapel in 2022, support the pre-Sunday Services healing ministry, and now would like to become more involved as a board member.
I came to America from England when I was 20 yrs old. My husband at the time was Air Force. We lived in Brooklyn (New York), North Carolina, and Georgia, before going overseas to Germany, and traveled extensively. I moved to VA in 1992 after Divorce. I have three amazing girls, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am a petsitter & currently have 12 cats. My life partner takes care of them when I am away. I love to travel and he makes that possible. God willing, I still have many places I would like to visit.
I enjoy being around like minded people. I have studied under Loretta Klecz & Rev. Jenny Seeley for Psychic Development & Healing, and Nan Keenan & Laurie Seeley for Shamanic Practitioner training. I am looking forward to continuing to learn different spiritual modalities.
I have been a member of the chapel for about 17 years (since July of 2007). I have recently started presiding, am part of the hospitality committee, became a Laying on of Hands (LOH) healer at the Chapel in 2022, support the pre-Sunday Services healing ministry, and now would like to become more involved as a board member.
I came to America from England when I was 20 yrs old. My husband at the time was Air Force. We lived in Brooklyn (New York), North Carolina, and Georgia, before going overseas to Germany, and traveled extensively. I moved to VA in 1992 after Divorce. I have three amazing girls, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am a petsitter & currently have 12 cats. My life partner takes care of them when I am away. I love to travel and he makes that possible. God willing, I still have many places I would like to visit.
I enjoy being around like minded people. I have studied under Loretta Klecz & Rev. Jenny Seeley for Psychic Development & Healing, and Nan Keenan & Laurie Seeley for Shamanic Practitioner training. I am looking forward to continuing to learn different spiritual modalities.
2025 Candidate: Secretary
Susan Bauer (currently serving as Director at Large) joined the Chapel of Life in 1987 after attending chapel services and classes starting in 1985. She transferred her membership to the Metaphysical Chapel of Life in 2019 after returning to the Peninsula and is currently serving on the Chapel’s Board of Directors. Susan retired from the Department of Defense as an Army civilian after 35 years of service. In her roles as a manager or supervisor she combined her skills and knowledge as an analyst, problem solver, mentor, and coach along with her spiritual focus to bring positive vision and energy into every project or situation.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master’s in Public Administration, is a graduate of the Army Management Staff College and completed Dept of Defense Executive Training. Her most treasured recognition is from The Church of Enlightenment as “Healing Practitioner.”
Susan has been a practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu®, an energy harmonizing modality since 2001. She is a Cayce Certified Life Coach, a National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, practices BodyTalk® “Brain Balancing”, Accunect® Emotion Releasing Techniques, and is a dowser. She most enjoys receiving and sharing self-help information.
Susan wishes everyone a personal connection with The Source.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master’s in Public Administration, is a graduate of the Army Management Staff College and completed Dept of Defense Executive Training. Her most treasured recognition is from The Church of Enlightenment as “Healing Practitioner.”
Susan has been a practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu®, an energy harmonizing modality since 2001. She is a Cayce Certified Life Coach, a National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, practices BodyTalk® “Brain Balancing”, Accunect® Emotion Releasing Techniques, and is a dowser. She most enjoys receiving and sharing self-help information.
Susan wishes everyone a personal connection with The Source.
2025 Candidate: Treasurer
Barbara Moen (currently serving as Treasurer) first came to the chapel in April of 2008 when she attended the Psychic Fair. It had such a profound effect on her that she spent the rest of the afternoon driving the backroads of Smithfield in deep contemplation of what was taking place inside of her. She didn’t know what it was but she knew that her life had changed.
She began attending services and classes and officially joined the chapel on August 3rd, 2008. It wasn’t long before she was “encouraged” to run for the treasurer’s position in the upcoming election. She began her commitment to the board in January, 2009. Little did she know that this would be a lifetime commitment.
Barbara had previous experience as the untitled treasurer with the Tidewater United Church of Christ in Virginia Beach. TUCC was a new church start at that time and met in schools and various other places until they were able to purchase land and build their own church building. Barbara assisted the pastor in counting the offering and keeping track of donators for tax purposes. Her duties were not as extensive as her current ones but it did provide a solid foundation to build from.
Barbara is a proud veteran of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with credit for 26 years of service. She also retired from the Department of Defense as an Army Civilian after 27 years of service. She was responsible for the maintenance of both aircrew and aircraft survival equipment and first aid kits as well as the property book NCO (noncommissioned officer) for thousands of dollars of equipment.
She began attending services and classes and officially joined the chapel on August 3rd, 2008. It wasn’t long before she was “encouraged” to run for the treasurer’s position in the upcoming election. She began her commitment to the board in January, 2009. Little did she know that this would be a lifetime commitment.
Barbara had previous experience as the untitled treasurer with the Tidewater United Church of Christ in Virginia Beach. TUCC was a new church start at that time and met in schools and various other places until they were able to purchase land and build their own church building. Barbara assisted the pastor in counting the offering and keeping track of donators for tax purposes. Her duties were not as extensive as her current ones but it did provide a solid foundation to build from.
Barbara is a proud veteran of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army and retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with credit for 26 years of service. She also retired from the Department of Defense as an Army Civilian after 27 years of service. She was responsible for the maintenance of both aircrew and aircraft survival equipment and first aid kits as well as the property book NCO (noncommissioned officer) for thousands of dollars of equipment.
2025 Candidates: Directors At Large
There are three positions for Director at Large on the Board. Members may vote for up to three candidates.
2025 candidates are listed below in alphabetical order by last name.
Lashannon Armistead
Antonia Hicks
Sue Jarek
Susan Martens (write-in candidate)
Lori Walter
2025 candidates are listed below in alphabetical order by last name.
Lashannon Armistead
Antonia Hicks
Sue Jarek
Susan Martens (write-in candidate)
Lori Walter
Lashannon R Armistead currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors. She is a passionate and devoted Wholistic practitioner, whose life's purpose is to empower individuals to awaken to their true selves and unlock their full potential. A true seeker and mystic, Lashannon has held a lifelong affinity for all things spiritual and metaphysical. Her profound connection to the Divine, fortified by the wisdom and guidance of her elevated Ancestors, along with a tapestry of deeply impactful life experiences, has set her on a transformative journey to discover ancient,
time-tested wellness therapies and the profound healing arts.
Through her own personal healing and profound transformative growth, it became abundantly clear that every lesson and insight Lashannon has learned and gathered was a gift intended primarily for her own self-realization. As an embodiment of Divine Love, she extends this same message to all those whom she is Divinely assigned to guide, generously assisting individuals on their path to becoming the very Center of their own Universe.
Lashannon dons many hats, each with a unique and vital role. She is Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Wife, embodying the rich tapestry of human relationships. She is the Priestess, the Oracle, the Counselor, the Spiritual Hygienist, and the Sacred Witness, guiding souls through their life journeys. Lashannon is a Coach, a Healer, an Educator, a Student, a Novice, an Adept, and a Master, symbolizing her ever-evolving commitment to learning and growth.
In Lashannon's diverse array of roles, her extensive education and training shine brightly as ... (read full bio here).
time-tested wellness therapies and the profound healing arts.
Through her own personal healing and profound transformative growth, it became abundantly clear that every lesson and insight Lashannon has learned and gathered was a gift intended primarily for her own self-realization. As an embodiment of Divine Love, she extends this same message to all those whom she is Divinely assigned to guide, generously assisting individuals on their path to becoming the very Center of their own Universe.
Lashannon dons many hats, each with a unique and vital role. She is Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Wife, embodying the rich tapestry of human relationships. She is the Priestess, the Oracle, the Counselor, the Spiritual Hygienist, and the Sacred Witness, guiding souls through their life journeys. Lashannon is a Coach, a Healer, an Educator, a Student, a Novice, an Adept, and a Master, symbolizing her ever-evolving commitment to learning and growth.
In Lashannon's diverse array of roles, her extensive education and training shine brightly as ... (read full bio here).
Antonia Hicks
My name is Antonia Hicks. I recently officially became a chapel member on October 10, 2024, but my first encounter began on January 18, 2024, with my first morning meditation. I have had the pleasure of attending a large amount of zoom events hosted by the chapel and they all are very important to my spiritual growth.
I like putting my work where my love is, and I have a wealth of experience under my belt to share. (From catering events for up to 300 people with a $300 budget and 2 helpers, to being an ordained minister for quite a few years—and having some tech knowledge, I have even run a girl scout troop with 50 girls and only 1 other parent. I am a professional Mom with children 37, 36, 34, 33, and 3 granddaughters (10, 5 and 4). More than anything this is about my spiritual YES and trusting the universe to lead the way.
I have been supported by many in the chapel as I am currently going through the awakening process~ The Love and support that I received has been life changing and I really want to be a part of this beautifully spiritually cultivated group, as I know the love is life-changing.
I believe that this beautifully ornate group of loving spirits can change the world by the love it is cultivating at the chapel, and I would love to be a part.
Below is a statement that I have adopted, for it gives the clearest picture of who I am!
“I am unconditional Love made visible in motion on purpose!”
Intentionally with Reverence,
Antonia
My name is Antonia Hicks. I recently officially became a chapel member on October 10, 2024, but my first encounter began on January 18, 2024, with my first morning meditation. I have had the pleasure of attending a large amount of zoom events hosted by the chapel and they all are very important to my spiritual growth.
I like putting my work where my love is, and I have a wealth of experience under my belt to share. (From catering events for up to 300 people with a $300 budget and 2 helpers, to being an ordained minister for quite a few years—and having some tech knowledge, I have even run a girl scout troop with 50 girls and only 1 other parent. I am a professional Mom with children 37, 36, 34, 33, and 3 granddaughters (10, 5 and 4). More than anything this is about my spiritual YES and trusting the universe to lead the way.
I have been supported by many in the chapel as I am currently going through the awakening process~ The Love and support that I received has been life changing and I really want to be a part of this beautifully spiritually cultivated group, as I know the love is life-changing.
I believe that this beautifully ornate group of loving spirits can change the world by the love it is cultivating at the chapel, and I would love to be a part.
Below is a statement that I have adopted, for it gives the clearest picture of who I am!
“I am unconditional Love made visible in motion on purpose!”
Intentionally with Reverence,
Antonia
Sue Jarek
I have been attending the chapel since 2023 and became a member in 2024. I’ve been volunteering at the chapel for several months, as an intuitive reader at the monthly psychic fairs and giving messages to chapel attendees after Sunday service, both in person and via Zoom.
I enjoy volunteering at the chapel, as it aligns with my desire to serve others on the spiritual path. It allows me to share my unique abilities in a meaningful way, while contributing to the chapel community, which values acceptance, openness, growth and spiritual exploration.
I have been in the nursing field for many years. I currently work as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing spiritually-infused psychiatric care and psychotherapy to clients across the lifespan. I also work as a certified energetic practitioner and intuitive healer.
See Chapel reader bio here.
I have been attending the chapel since 2023 and became a member in 2024. I’ve been volunteering at the chapel for several months, as an intuitive reader at the monthly psychic fairs and giving messages to chapel attendees after Sunday service, both in person and via Zoom.
I enjoy volunteering at the chapel, as it aligns with my desire to serve others on the spiritual path. It allows me to share my unique abilities in a meaningful way, while contributing to the chapel community, which values acceptance, openness, growth and spiritual exploration.
I have been in the nursing field for many years. I currently work as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing spiritually-infused psychiatric care and psychotherapy to clients across the lifespan. I also work as a certified energetic practitioner and intuitive healer.
See Chapel reader bio here.
To vote for Susan Martens, write her name in the 'other' line for Director at Large.
Susan Martens says:
I learned of the Chapel from Carl when he came to Memorial Spiritualist Church in
Norfolk on a Psychic Fair day. I was doing Trager healing sessions at the fair. Carl explained where the Chapel was so I decided to attend. I immediately fell in love with it. Perhaps a year or so later (July 2019) I joined the church.
I have been involved in Spiritualism since 1970 when I met my late husband who attend a Spiritualist church. In 1972 we were married in a Spiritualist church in Norfolk. We attended numerous classes in the church. We also held meditation and study classes in our home.
Through the church I was lead into various healing modalities. I became a massage therapist and studied Trager (a movement education modality) for many years.
Professionally I worked as a Social Worker for approximately 45 years.
I have greatly enjoyed the services at the church; the various classes including the healing classes held at the church by Rev. Reva Stewart prior to the pandemic as well as the fellowship and the welcoming atmosphere.
I have not done volunteer services at the church as I have 1 to 1-1/2 hour commute to attend; so I was thankful for the zoom services that have provided more opportunity to attend.
I feel that being a member at large on the board would be an opportunity to give back for all the joy and growth the chapel has provided me.
Susan Martens says:
I learned of the Chapel from Carl when he came to Memorial Spiritualist Church in
Norfolk on a Psychic Fair day. I was doing Trager healing sessions at the fair. Carl explained where the Chapel was so I decided to attend. I immediately fell in love with it. Perhaps a year or so later (July 2019) I joined the church.
I have been involved in Spiritualism since 1970 when I met my late husband who attend a Spiritualist church. In 1972 we were married in a Spiritualist church in Norfolk. We attended numerous classes in the church. We also held meditation and study classes in our home.
Through the church I was lead into various healing modalities. I became a massage therapist and studied Trager (a movement education modality) for many years.
Professionally I worked as a Social Worker for approximately 45 years.
I have greatly enjoyed the services at the church; the various classes including the healing classes held at the church by Rev. Reva Stewart prior to the pandemic as well as the fellowship and the welcoming atmosphere.
I have not done volunteer services at the church as I have 1 to 1-1/2 hour commute to attend; so I was thankful for the zoom services that have provided more opportunity to attend.
I feel that being a member at large on the board would be an opportunity to give back for all the joy and growth the chapel has provided me.
Lori Walter
Hello,
I am Lori Walter and have been a Church Member since January 2023. I heard about the Church through Rev. Jenny Seeley whom I had met during a class she was having at another facility in Norfolk back in the Winter of 2022. After hearing about the Church, I was anxious to know more about it, especially the Church being so close to where I currently reside. She then sent me a Newsletter and upon hearing the In-Person Services were starting back up in Jan 2023, I decided to join!
I started my membership by taking a class taught by Rev. Jenny to become an approved Laying on of Hands Healer at the Chapel, and regularly serve as a pre-services healer on Sunday mornings.
I have been going through a very tumultuous time in my life, and the welcomed feeling I got when joining the Chapel has helped me focus and stay centered on my new journey. Joining the Chapel has also helped me get back in touch with being a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner® (HTA), which I have had to put on hold for a few years due to my current full-time job demands. I was approached by the Board back in the fall of 2023 to volunteer my HTA skills during the monthly Psychic Fairs (more on that in my healer bio below). In my new journey, I have also branched out to learn Reiki for people and animals, have taken a Master Dowsing Class and a Soul Realignment® Class. I very much enjoy partaking in classes that are offered at the Chapel and see it as a way to learn new skills to grow both mentally and spiritually.
What I do like most of the Metaphysical Chapel of Life is that I’m not told “this is how you need to be,” but instead am permitted to be who I am while at the same time being allowed to freely pursue MY journey!
I am grateful for having been asked to consider participating as a Director At Large and do hope that I can bring skills I have learned to help others at the Chapel on their journeys!
Namaste,
Lori
See Lori's healer bio here.
Hello,
I am Lori Walter and have been a Church Member since January 2023. I heard about the Church through Rev. Jenny Seeley whom I had met during a class she was having at another facility in Norfolk back in the Winter of 2022. After hearing about the Church, I was anxious to know more about it, especially the Church being so close to where I currently reside. She then sent me a Newsletter and upon hearing the In-Person Services were starting back up in Jan 2023, I decided to join!
I started my membership by taking a class taught by Rev. Jenny to become an approved Laying on of Hands Healer at the Chapel, and regularly serve as a pre-services healer on Sunday mornings.
I have been going through a very tumultuous time in my life, and the welcomed feeling I got when joining the Chapel has helped me focus and stay centered on my new journey. Joining the Chapel has also helped me get back in touch with being a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner® (HTA), which I have had to put on hold for a few years due to my current full-time job demands. I was approached by the Board back in the fall of 2023 to volunteer my HTA skills during the monthly Psychic Fairs (more on that in my healer bio below). In my new journey, I have also branched out to learn Reiki for people and animals, have taken a Master Dowsing Class and a Soul Realignment® Class. I very much enjoy partaking in classes that are offered at the Chapel and see it as a way to learn new skills to grow both mentally and spiritually.
What I do like most of the Metaphysical Chapel of Life is that I’m not told “this is how you need to be,” but instead am permitted to be who I am while at the same time being allowed to freely pursue MY journey!
I am grateful for having been asked to consider participating as a Director At Large and do hope that I can bring skills I have learned to help others at the Chapel on their journeys!
Namaste,
Lori
See Lori's healer bio here.
Elections for our 2025 Board of Directors will be held by absentee ballot (electronically) and in-person (paper ballots).
Online Voting: Monday, November 18th - Saturday, November 30th, 2024
- A link to your electronic ballot will be emailed to all current members of the Metaphysical Chapel of Life, via our newsletter delivery system. Only members (those who've completed the membership form and received their membership certificate) will receive this special newsletter with the link to the electronic ballot. Please ensure you receive our weekly newsletter and will not miss this email that will go out in the same manner on Monday, November 18th. If you need to update your email address or other contact information, please email us at [email protected].
- Chapel Members who have not cast an electronic ballot online will have the opportunity to complete a paper ballot during Chapel services on Sunday, December 1st, 2024.
For information on our elections, go to
https://www.mchapeloflife.org/elections
https://www.mchapeloflife.org/elections
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The Metaphysical Chapel of Life is tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) as a church and your donations may be tax-deductible.
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