Board of Directors
Who We Are
Our story began when our founder wanted to answer a fundamental question – what kind of legacy do I want to leave? And if it could only be one thing – what would it be? The answer: Love.
So, where do you start when it comes to delivering a message of love? It came down to building and fostering an environment where individuals could share who they were in a vulnerable, authentic place without judgment. The idea was to be able to have people hear the "other" side in a heartfelt and meaningful way. The foundation of this message has led people to connect and understand each other on a human level — a vital step to fulfilling our vision where love wins.
Raymond Ussery
Board Member, Executive Director
A creative, trusted eCommerce executive with more than twenty years of B2C/B2B experience. Husband, father, grandfather. Liberal democrat, thinking about becoming a Quaker. Fan of the Civil Rights Act of '64, martial artist, #Seahawks @wherelovewins #opinionsaremyown #thelightofmyancestors raymondussery.com
Ren Ussery
Board Member, Treasurer
My personal mission is that we are all free to be. I'm a proud tree-hugger and a Seahawks fan. I work in small business finance, and am a yoga enthusiast, dog mom to Jake and Lucy, and gardener. I'm honored to work with this group which contributes to the healing of our world.
Terri Gilbert
Board Member
Neuroscientist and Science Communicator by training. Now that my three children are grown, my next phase of life includes exploring my relationship with nature, exploring non-ordinary reality, and finding links between science and spirituality. My purpose in life is that all people experience being profoundly connected.
Scott Houghton
Board Member
Experienced Operations and Facilities Manager with a diverse sales and customer service background. Husband, Father and practitioner of QiGong.
Tonie Palermo
Board Member
A former team leader for Back on My Feet, and an active volunteer in my church, I love people and believe everyone matters. I believe that love will bring peace and unity to our world. My wife and I love the outdoors; we are moms to some amazingly cute fur babies; and I strive to show compassion to all living things.
Dave Cocks
Board Member
Helping others grow and thrive was the best part of my career in hospitality and I want to continue this now that I am retired. I am a conservative and a lean towards the Republican party. I fully enjoy retirement -- fly fishing, sports car club, road trips, but mostly, I am blessed with living down the street from my daughter, son-in-law and grandkids.
Melissa Petrini
Board Member
Wife, Mother of Six, Autism and Down Syndrome Advocate, problem-solver, avid reader, home-educator, dental office financial manager, writer, singer, Conservative, and Christian. I’m passionate about building relationships/connections and making my community a better place for all.
Ruth Gerhard
Board Member
Serial Entrepreneur. Master fire builder. Camper. Ocean swimmer. Reader. Lover of words, pictures, and great big ideas that require both to be expressed well. I live at the ocean with my partner. I love being outside and learning new things constantly. I am a huge fan of people and appreciate challenging my brain to listen to different perspectives. (She/her)
Although many people love the name, some have told us they decidedly do not. For them, the word “religion” is a big stop sign, beyond which they will not pass. We understand. Many folks have suffered, some horrifically, in their dealings with a church. Others simply don’t trust the institution of religion, or haven’t found themselves welcomed there. Whatever the reason, we understand “religion” can be trigger.
Is it our intent to trigger? Absolutely not. But we do want to boldly put forth the idea of love AS a religion. In other words, living love, the way some live their faith. “Love is my religion” is meant to include people of all faiths, as well as those who don’t practice a religion. We are supporting the idea that love could be one's religion. Obviously here we’re using the term in the non-literal way, as "a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance." (Oxford dictionary)
So there you have it. It’s meant to get people’s attention and it’s meant to include all. We hope you experience that.