Board Meetings
The River of Grass Board meets on the third or fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in our worship space. Please check the congregational calendar to confirm the date each month. A Zoom link can be made available as well.
Our meetings are open to members and friends. If you would like to attend our meeting as a visitor, contact Leana Bresnahan at president@riverofgrassuu.org.
Our meetings are open to members and friends. If you would like to attend our meeting as a visitor, contact Leana Bresnahan at president@riverofgrassuu.org.
River of Grass Board of Trustees
2024-2025
Leana Bresnahan, President
Raised in the Protestant faith tradition, Leana became a Unitarian Universalist when she attended her first UU worship service in 1984. Leana and her husband Ken were members of two other UU congregations, in Monterey, California and in Manassas, Virginia, before moving to South Florida in 1997. They are proud to be Charter Members of River of Grass. Leana is a long-time chair of the Membership Committee and two-time co-chair of the Annual Pledge Drive. She has also served on the Service, Social Justice and Green Team, Nominating Committee, and is a long-term enthusiastic member of the River of Grass choir. She formerly served as Trustee and as Vice-President of the Board of Trustees.
Leana recently retired from a twenty-six-year career working with military and security forces in Latin America to institute human rights training and policies. She is happy to now have more time to devote to River of Grass. She is the proud mom of three amazing daughters and now is over the moon happy to have two grandsons. Leana finds inspiration in worshipping at River of Grass, delight in being in community with so many amazing people, and strength to work toward transforming herself to help transform the world. She firmly believes that the world would be a better place if there were many more Unitarian Universalists in it and is committed to doing what she can to make that so.
Contact Leana at: president@riverofgrassuu.org.
Raised in the Protestant faith tradition, Leana became a Unitarian Universalist when she attended her first UU worship service in 1984. Leana and her husband Ken were members of two other UU congregations, in Monterey, California and in Manassas, Virginia, before moving to South Florida in 1997. They are proud to be Charter Members of River of Grass. Leana is a long-time chair of the Membership Committee and two-time co-chair of the Annual Pledge Drive. She has also served on the Service, Social Justice and Green Team, Nominating Committee, and is a long-term enthusiastic member of the River of Grass choir. She formerly served as Trustee and as Vice-President of the Board of Trustees.
Leana recently retired from a twenty-six-year career working with military and security forces in Latin America to institute human rights training and policies. She is happy to now have more time to devote to River of Grass. She is the proud mom of three amazing daughters and now is over the moon happy to have two grandsons. Leana finds inspiration in worshipping at River of Grass, delight in being in community with so many amazing people, and strength to work toward transforming herself to help transform the world. She firmly believes that the world would be a better place if there were many more Unitarian Universalists in it and is committed to doing what she can to make that so.
Contact Leana at: president@riverofgrassuu.org.
Maureen Lundell, Vice President
The search for a liberal, progressive church with great children's religious education led Maureen to River of Grass 17 years ago. Maureen, her husband, Brit and their four children have enjoyed many, many great classes, events and services at River of Grass - both in real life and online at this point.
Maureen has co-chaired Membership, Caring and Worship Committees and has volunteered on Facilities, Capital Campaign, Auction, New Home Team, Annual Budget Drive, Reflections newsletter, internal financial review, and anything related to a/v, decorating or food preparation.
A Registered Dietitian, Maureen has worked in food service and clinical dietetics for hospitals and long term care facilities, as well as for the Broward School District in the Health Education Department. As a UU, Maureen believes that River of Grass provides nourishment for minds and souls with all that the congregation offers.
Contact Maureen at vicepresident@riverofgrassuu.org.
The search for a liberal, progressive church with great children's religious education led Maureen to River of Grass 17 years ago. Maureen, her husband, Brit and their four children have enjoyed many, many great classes, events and services at River of Grass - both in real life and online at this point.
Maureen has co-chaired Membership, Caring and Worship Committees and has volunteered on Facilities, Capital Campaign, Auction, New Home Team, Annual Budget Drive, Reflections newsletter, internal financial review, and anything related to a/v, decorating or food preparation.
A Registered Dietitian, Maureen has worked in food service and clinical dietetics for hospitals and long term care facilities, as well as for the Broward School District in the Health Education Department. As a UU, Maureen believes that River of Grass provides nourishment for minds and souls with all that the congregation offers.
Contact Maureen at vicepresident@riverofgrassuu.org.
Ahysa Boutron, Treasurer
Ahysa Boutron, our dedicated Treasurer, brings a wealth of experience and passion to our congregation. With a Master's degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University, Ahysa is deeply committed to education and community.
Her journey in education has been diverse, from serving as the Clinical Experiences Coordinator at the Fischler School of Education to owning and operating an Engineering For Kids franchise, where she nurtured a love for STEM subjects in young minds. In 2017, Ahysa founded Alta Career Academy, showcasing her leadership and commitment to empowering future generations.
Within our congregation, Ahysa has shared her talents as a Faith Development teacher and usher. Her role as Treasurer reflects her attention to detail and responsible financial stewardship.
Contact Ahysa at treasurer@riverofgrassuu.org.
Ahysa Boutron, our dedicated Treasurer, brings a wealth of experience and passion to our congregation. With a Master's degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University, Ahysa is deeply committed to education and community.
Her journey in education has been diverse, from serving as the Clinical Experiences Coordinator at the Fischler School of Education to owning and operating an Engineering For Kids franchise, where she nurtured a love for STEM subjects in young minds. In 2017, Ahysa founded Alta Career Academy, showcasing her leadership and commitment to empowering future generations.
Within our congregation, Ahysa has shared her talents as a Faith Development teacher and usher. Her role as Treasurer reflects her attention to detail and responsible financial stewardship.
Contact Ahysa at treasurer@riverofgrassuu.org.
Andy Bunce, Secretary
Raised by a Lutheran mother and a non-practicing, Catholic father, I came to UU due to a chance opportunity to attend a Christmas service at the UU in Baltimore, Maryland around 2004. I was so impressed by the spiritual vibe that I committed myself to look up the UU's when I returned to South Florida.
I joined the UU in Miami in 2006 and was active in Religious Education there, introducing my two children to the faith after a divorce. Upon moving to Broward, I became involved with ROG UU in 2017 and found my voice and my heart in the Choir. Drifting away during the Covid years, I was warmly received again in 2022 joining the Men's Group. When the position of Board Secretary opened in 2024, I proudly stepped into the opportunity.
I am a practicing Clinical Psychologist with a thriving practice in Pembroke Pines. My practice helps those in need of "second chances" to recover from addictions and some of life's other difficult challenges. I have recently taken an interest in the role of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist, a method of psychotherapeutic transformation involving psychedelic medicine.
An avid reader, baseball enthusiast, and golfer I cherish the deep conversations and warm fellowship I've found at the ROG UU.
Contact Andy at secretary@riverofgrassuu.org.
Raised by a Lutheran mother and a non-practicing, Catholic father, I came to UU due to a chance opportunity to attend a Christmas service at the UU in Baltimore, Maryland around 2004. I was so impressed by the spiritual vibe that I committed myself to look up the UU's when I returned to South Florida.
I joined the UU in Miami in 2006 and was active in Religious Education there, introducing my two children to the faith after a divorce. Upon moving to Broward, I became involved with ROG UU in 2017 and found my voice and my heart in the Choir. Drifting away during the Covid years, I was warmly received again in 2022 joining the Men's Group. When the position of Board Secretary opened in 2024, I proudly stepped into the opportunity.
I am a practicing Clinical Psychologist with a thriving practice in Pembroke Pines. My practice helps those in need of "second chances" to recover from addictions and some of life's other difficult challenges. I have recently taken an interest in the role of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist, a method of psychotherapeutic transformation involving psychedelic medicine.
An avid reader, baseball enthusiast, and golfer I cherish the deep conversations and warm fellowship I've found at the ROG UU.
Contact Andy at secretary@riverofgrassuu.org.
Andrew Meit, Trustee
In 1958 Andrew was born in Louisville KY; due to Rubella he was a premie baby with many disabilities and lived in an incubator for many months. Though he dealt with those disabilities he embraced art when young and later enjoyed puzzles, stage magic, and chess. Libraries delighted him.
Due to brain damage, he struggled with learning; he self-taught himself art and studied at the Cleveland Art Institute; and later at the Cleveland Playhouse. Eventually, in 1984, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with minors in Philosophy and Mathematics from Stetson University. Scholarly interests are in Martin Buber, imagination, creativity, Judaism, Ancient Near East history, and world religions, science/math. He is truly a lifelong student.
In his teens he was a locksmith apprentice and stage magician and later worked at used bookstores. From the late 1980s to the late 1990s he did programming, testing software, designing user interfaces, and tech support; computer graphics design for well-known tech companies, and created typefaces.
During the same time period, he was part of the Independent Living Movement and served on the boards of the Center for Accessible Living as well as the Center of Independent Living board of Broward.
He has lived in Ohio, Arizona, Texas, and Long Island; and spent time in London and Mexico.
From childhood on, Andrew has striven through study, discipline, and creative exploration to turn his given disabilities into well-made art and scholarship that inspires and celebrates beauty, hope, and truth.
His mottos: Love wisdom to create wise love; choose life, create hope, nurture love, wrestle knowledge.
Contact: board@riverofgrassuu.org
In 1958 Andrew was born in Louisville KY; due to Rubella he was a premie baby with many disabilities and lived in an incubator for many months. Though he dealt with those disabilities he embraced art when young and later enjoyed puzzles, stage magic, and chess. Libraries delighted him.
Due to brain damage, he struggled with learning; he self-taught himself art and studied at the Cleveland Art Institute; and later at the Cleveland Playhouse. Eventually, in 1984, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with minors in Philosophy and Mathematics from Stetson University. Scholarly interests are in Martin Buber, imagination, creativity, Judaism, Ancient Near East history, and world religions, science/math. He is truly a lifelong student.
In his teens he was a locksmith apprentice and stage magician and later worked at used bookstores. From the late 1980s to the late 1990s he did programming, testing software, designing user interfaces, and tech support; computer graphics design for well-known tech companies, and created typefaces.
During the same time period, he was part of the Independent Living Movement and served on the boards of the Center for Accessible Living as well as the Center of Independent Living board of Broward.
He has lived in Ohio, Arizona, Texas, and Long Island; and spent time in London and Mexico.
From childhood on, Andrew has striven through study, discipline, and creative exploration to turn his given disabilities into well-made art and scholarship that inspires and celebrates beauty, hope, and truth.
His mottos: Love wisdom to create wise love; choose life, create hope, nurture love, wrestle knowledge.
Contact: board@riverofgrassuu.org
Audrey Stang, Trustee
Growing up, I regularly attended a Congregational church on Long Island, New York. I participated regularly in services and attended Sunday school until I was old enough to teach it. I was also involved in youth fellowship groups as a teen.
After leaving home for college, I became virtually “unchurched” until my husband, Aaron, and I found River of Grass about 20 years later. Our introduction to River Grass was through the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program, for my daughter. At that time, Aaron & I were still working - Aaron in music publishing and performing- me in various social services jobs related to health, dependency issues and juvenile delinquency. I retired from Broward’s Children’s Services Council almost years ago and have been pursuing other passions since - gardening, yoga & meditation, traveling and hanging out with my smart, funny grandson!
These days, the River continues to be an important part of our lives. I am so grateful for the wonderful women in my Covenant Group! Aaron and I continue to enjoy services and singing in the River of Grass Choir. And now my grandson is attending OWL!
Contact: board@riverofgrassuu.org
Growing up, I regularly attended a Congregational church on Long Island, New York. I participated regularly in services and attended Sunday school until I was old enough to teach it. I was also involved in youth fellowship groups as a teen.
After leaving home for college, I became virtually “unchurched” until my husband, Aaron, and I found River of Grass about 20 years later. Our introduction to River Grass was through the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program, for my daughter. At that time, Aaron & I were still working - Aaron in music publishing and performing- me in various social services jobs related to health, dependency issues and juvenile delinquency. I retired from Broward’s Children’s Services Council almost years ago and have been pursuing other passions since - gardening, yoga & meditation, traveling and hanging out with my smart, funny grandson!
These days, the River continues to be an important part of our lives. I am so grateful for the wonderful women in my Covenant Group! Aaron and I continue to enjoy services and singing in the River of Grass Choir. And now my grandson is attending OWL!
Contact: board@riverofgrassuu.org
