Leadership : Staff
Pam Fodor - Director of Programs
Director of Programs
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I am proud to be a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. Growing up here in the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale affords me many fond memories of being dedicated at the age of six, building a cardboard house in Haunting House, participating in the UU sexuality education course, and of youth group activities.
After graduating from National-Louis University with a degree in Elementary Education I spent ten years teaching various grades, as well as some early childhood classes, in both public and private schools. I began sharing my teaching talents with the church in 1992, teaching all the grade levels including becoming a trained Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Facilitator and Senior Youth Advisor. I also served on the Religious Education Committee, several years as the chair. In 2004 I was hired as the Director of Religious Education. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve here. In the fall of 2013 I accepted the position of Director of Programs. This position allows me the opportunity to work with all the members and friends of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. Overseeing programs for people of all ages, providing opportunities for social action and supporting the work of this community brings me great joy. It is the way I share my knowledge and love of Unitarian Universalism with the world. |
Julia Beckman - Musical Director
Choir Director
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Director of the fabulous Celebration Singer Choir
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Jamie Pastman - Musical coordinator
Music Coordinator
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An accomplished musician, James Pastman resides in Chicago, Illinois. Both a musical artist and hedge fund owner, he enjoys giving back to his community. Notably, James Pastman has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity International, the nonprofit organization that builds homes for those in need in the United States and around the world. James Pastman also contributes to charities in the form of monetary donations and supports the American Red Cross, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and an Alzheimer’s research foundation. James Pastman began his career in music over three decades ago. Since that time, he has worked as a composer, musical director, concert pianist, and keyboard player in collaboration with a number of well-known musical artists. James Pastman’s music has crossed into the film industry as well. In the 1990s, he worked on the musical score for the 1997 film The Last Time I Committed Suicide, which starred Keanu Reeves, Adrien Brody, and Thomas Jane. He also has composed shorter pieces for hundreds of television commercials. James Pastman’s keyboard playing can also be heard on the 1982 Mainstream Records album Rough Draft, which he recorded with his band Apprentice. Critics appreciated the band’s sound and have described its “jazz rock fusion” music as “phenomenal” and “high energy.”
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Cherita Axel - Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager
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Hi my name is Cherita L. Axel, I've been a member of Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine, IL for the last 15 years. I live in Mount Prospect, IL in with my wonderful husband David (Vid), my beautiful daughter Aliana, my cat Zen'r.
I am an imperfect being, struggling at times through life's journey. I am a wife of 21 years a mother of 18 years, a writer by birth, and lost by choice. I am the middle child of seven children; five boys and two girls. I am a self-taught graphics and web designer by profession. I also enjoy Doctor Who, photography and tinkering with computers, inside and out. However, in my heart and soul I am and always will be a writer. I have worked in Marketing since 1999, in multiple capacities including print and web design, email and social media marketing, and search engine optimization. |
