Our UUCL Team
Rev. Charlie Tyler
Pastoral Minister
Charlie is a native of Clearwater, Fla. Early in his childhood his father moved the family several times. He can claim Charlotte, Jacksonville, Greensboro, and Cincinnati as home. He graduated from high school in 1971 and started his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati. He transferred to Morehead State in Kentucky to play soccer but an injury kept him out after the season. He transferred to The University of South Carolina in 1973 and graduated from there with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1976.
Charlie began his post grad work in Reformed Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1981. He served 2 Presbyterian churches in South Carolina from 1981-2012. In 2013 Charlie began preparation for Hospice Chaplaincy at Atlanta Medical Center and began hospice work in Bluffton later that year. Charlie currently serves as the Chaplain for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
The pride and joy of his life is his two daughters, Betsy and Katie. Both are married and each have three children. If you have an hour he'll be happy to brag on them for that time period.
Charlie continues to delight in the mind and spirit expanding principles of Unitarian Universalism and the fabulous people of UU Lowcountry.
You can schedule an appointment for pastoral counseling with Charlie by contacting uucl.office@gmail.com.
Pastoral Minister
Charlie is a native of Clearwater, Fla. Early in his childhood his father moved the family several times. He can claim Charlotte, Jacksonville, Greensboro, and Cincinnati as home. He graduated from high school in 1971 and started his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati. He transferred to Morehead State in Kentucky to play soccer but an injury kept him out after the season. He transferred to The University of South Carolina in 1973 and graduated from there with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1976.
Charlie began his post grad work in Reformed Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1981. He served 2 Presbyterian churches in South Carolina from 1981-2012. In 2013 Charlie began preparation for Hospice Chaplaincy at Atlanta Medical Center and began hospice work in Bluffton later that year. Charlie currently serves as the Chaplain for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
The pride and joy of his life is his two daughters, Betsy and Katie. Both are married and each have three children. If you have an hour he'll be happy to brag on them for that time period.
Charlie continues to delight in the mind and spirit expanding principles of Unitarian Universalism and the fabulous people of UU Lowcountry.
You can schedule an appointment for pastoral counseling with Charlie by contacting uucl.office@gmail.com.
Rev. Manuel Holland
Minister Emeritus
Manuel sends his love to the all in the congregation.
He would appreciate notes or cards. If you would like to contact Manuel please email uucl.office@gmail.com for more information.
Minister Emeritus
Manuel sends his love to the all in the congregation.
He would appreciate notes or cards. If you would like to contact Manuel please email uucl.office@gmail.com for more information.
George Kanuck
Co-President
George is a retired Public Health Advisor residing the Lowcountry since 2007. He and his wife, Cheryl, who married in 2001, have been active members of UUCL since 2010.
George served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966, in part during the 1962 the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University, in Washington DC, majoring in Communications and Political Science. His career path began with the U.S. Customs Service from 1970 to 1977, the National Institute on Drug Abuse from 1977 to 1985, and finished as a Senior Public Health Advisor with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration from 1985 until his retirement in 2006.
Upon his move to the Lowcountry George became interested in acting as a Social Justice Advocate on behalf of the local immigrant community. In 2010, he helped form the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition. The Coalition aims to educate, inform, communicate, and advocate for the local Latino population. George has in the past served as the UUCL Social Justice Chair and for two years as Treasurer.
Co-President
George is a retired Public Health Advisor residing the Lowcountry since 2007. He and his wife, Cheryl, who married in 2001, have been active members of UUCL since 2010.
George served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966, in part during the 1962 the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University, in Washington DC, majoring in Communications and Political Science. His career path began with the U.S. Customs Service from 1970 to 1977, the National Institute on Drug Abuse from 1977 to 1985, and finished as a Senior Public Health Advisor with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration from 1985 until his retirement in 2006.
Upon his move to the Lowcountry George became interested in acting as a Social Justice Advocate on behalf of the local immigrant community. In 2010, he helped form the Lowcountry Immigration Coalition. The Coalition aims to educate, inform, communicate, and advocate for the local Latino population. George has in the past served as the UUCL Social Justice Chair and for two years as Treasurer.
Laura McFadden
Co-President
Laura spent the last 16 years of her career in her home town of Madison, Wisconsin and moved to South Carolina in 2018, her husband Rick’s home state. Laura lived in Atlanta for 16 years where she and Rick met before they moved their family to Wisconsin in 2001.
Laura worked as.a program administrator and business analyst in the Legal and Human Resources departments of The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. In Madison, she was an energy forecaster/analyst and solar liaison for customers’ rooftop solar and wind turbine installations for Madison Gas and Electric.
It was Laura’s sister who introduced her to the Unitarian Universalist church. When she and Rick decided to move to South Carolina she googled UU churches in the communities they were considering. The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lowcountry was among the top reasons for moving to Sun City Hilton Head. They started attending the church shortly after moving here, and they haven’t looked back.
Laura and Rick have one son in Minneapolis, Minnesota and one son and two grandsons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Laura enjoys working with people to achieve common goals. She approaches projects with a “what do we need to do to get it done” mindset.
Co-President
Laura spent the last 16 years of her career in her home town of Madison, Wisconsin and moved to South Carolina in 2018, her husband Rick’s home state. Laura lived in Atlanta for 16 years where she and Rick met before they moved their family to Wisconsin in 2001.
Laura worked as.a program administrator and business analyst in the Legal and Human Resources departments of The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. In Madison, she was an energy forecaster/analyst and solar liaison for customers’ rooftop solar and wind turbine installations for Madison Gas and Electric.
It was Laura’s sister who introduced her to the Unitarian Universalist church. When she and Rick decided to move to South Carolina she googled UU churches in the communities they were considering. The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lowcountry was among the top reasons for moving to Sun City Hilton Head. They started attending the church shortly after moving here, and they haven’t looked back.
Laura and Rick have one son in Minneapolis, Minnesota and one son and two grandsons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Laura enjoys working with people to achieve common goals. She approaches projects with a “what do we need to do to get it done” mindset.
Gary Stiles
Vice-President
Gary arrived on Hilton Head Island in June 2018 on a live-aboard sail boat with his wife Jan. In 2015 they retired from a health care practice in New Hampshire, sold their property, and sailed south without a destination in mind but following the clues life offered along the way. They both have vast knowledge and experience in health care and spirituality and enjoy being involved in this warm inclusive community.
For over 20 years Gary worked professionally as an Advanced Craniosacral Therapist treating a variety of physical, emotional and energetic issues in his private practice and 3 days a week working per diem at a brain injury hospital.
Gary previously lived in a spiritual community for 15 years and practiced a lifestyle of Self Knowledge, with one of the key principals being Service. He also has a variety of technical, computer, and mechanical skills that he brings to the UUCL community.
Gary’s experience is that when individuals in a community are respected and honored for who they are and what they have to bring they are at peace within themselves and there is peace in the community.
Vice-President
Gary arrived on Hilton Head Island in June 2018 on a live-aboard sail boat with his wife Jan. In 2015 they retired from a health care practice in New Hampshire, sold their property, and sailed south without a destination in mind but following the clues life offered along the way. They both have vast knowledge and experience in health care and spirituality and enjoy being involved in this warm inclusive community.
For over 20 years Gary worked professionally as an Advanced Craniosacral Therapist treating a variety of physical, emotional and energetic issues in his private practice and 3 days a week working per diem at a brain injury hospital.
Gary previously lived in a spiritual community for 15 years and practiced a lifestyle of Self Knowledge, with one of the key principals being Service. He also has a variety of technical, computer, and mechanical skills that he brings to the UUCL community.
Gary’s experience is that when individuals in a community are respected and honored for who they are and what they have to bring they are at peace within themselves and there is peace in the community.
Lynne Curtis
Secretary
Lynne grew up in Parma, Ohio, attended high school in Ohio City and graduated from Kent State University with a degree in education. She taught high school in Parma, Ohio, Defiance, Ohio, and North Royalton Ohio, in the English departments. Her expertise was in American Literature, Theatre and Shakespeare. She was also Director of the Drama Department and English Department Chair the last 5 years of teaching. She directed 21 Dramas and 22 Musicals. Working with High School students was a wonderful experience and a true inspiration for her.
Her family spent two years in California where the family worked in the Entertainment Industry as Specials and in commercials. Lynne's husband was a college professor and a playwright. His plays were performed at many theaters in the country and off-Broadway and one of his plays was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Their lives were filled with theater.
They vacationed for 18 years on Hilton Head Island which prompted them to move to Sun City when Lynne retired in 2002. Her husband passed in 2012 after a long struggle with Multiple Schlerosis. Lynne is very active in the Democratic Club in Sun City and found a delightful haven when she was introduced and joined UUCL, a congregation filled with loving and special people.
Secretary
Lynne grew up in Parma, Ohio, attended high school in Ohio City and graduated from Kent State University with a degree in education. She taught high school in Parma, Ohio, Defiance, Ohio, and North Royalton Ohio, in the English departments. Her expertise was in American Literature, Theatre and Shakespeare. She was also Director of the Drama Department and English Department Chair the last 5 years of teaching. She directed 21 Dramas and 22 Musicals. Working with High School students was a wonderful experience and a true inspiration for her.
Her family spent two years in California where the family worked in the Entertainment Industry as Specials and in commercials. Lynne's husband was a college professor and a playwright. His plays were performed at many theaters in the country and off-Broadway and one of his plays was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Their lives were filled with theater.
They vacationed for 18 years on Hilton Head Island which prompted them to move to Sun City when Lynne retired in 2002. Her husband passed in 2012 after a long struggle with Multiple Schlerosis. Lynne is very active in the Democratic Club in Sun City and found a delightful haven when she was introduced and joined UUCL, a congregation filled with loving and special people.
Carol Stephens
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past President
Patricia Friedman
Treasurer
Treasurer
Tom Duff
Member-at-Large
Tom Duff grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and after graduating from college and divinity school, went to medical school. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the Univ. of Virginia, which included a year of training in Plymouth, England. Thereafter he joined the neurosurgical faculty at the University of Wisconsin, where he engaged in clinical practice, teaching, and research. In 2016 he and his wife Megan, who had been members of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, moved to Hilton Head Island, where, among other things, he continues his interest in art and fiction writing; she her interest in teaching English as a second language and in liberal undertakings; and they their joint love for their children from previous marriages, for taking their dog Finn to the beach, and for tennis--where whenever on opposite sides of the net he has yet to win a game.
Member-at-Large
Tom Duff grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and after graduating from college and divinity school, went to medical school. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the Univ. of Virginia, which included a year of training in Plymouth, England. Thereafter he joined the neurosurgical faculty at the University of Wisconsin, where he engaged in clinical practice, teaching, and research. In 2016 he and his wife Megan, who had been members of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, moved to Hilton Head Island, where, among other things, he continues his interest in art and fiction writing; she her interest in teaching English as a second language and in liberal undertakings; and they their joint love for their children from previous marriages, for taking their dog Finn to the beach, and for tennis--where whenever on opposite sides of the net he has yet to win a game.
Carla Golden
Member-at-Large
Carla Golden has been a member of UUCL since November 2015. She is wife to Chad, mother to Bella, guardian to Coco, Houdini, and Magic, a massage therapist, and nutritionist. She is passionate about human rights, animal rights, and environmentalism. Carla leads the monthly Palmetto Plant Eaters Club which meets at UUCL. Raised free of organized religion, Carla organically found her way to UU by way of befriending many community members through social justice, holistic health, environmentalism, and conscious living who all happened to have UUCL as a common thread. Carla enjoys reading, podcasts, running, swimming, walking the beach, and commuting by bicycle as often as possible.
Member-at-Large
Carla Golden has been a member of UUCL since November 2015. She is wife to Chad, mother to Bella, guardian to Coco, Houdini, and Magic, a massage therapist, and nutritionist. She is passionate about human rights, animal rights, and environmentalism. Carla leads the monthly Palmetto Plant Eaters Club which meets at UUCL. Raised free of organized religion, Carla organically found her way to UU by way of befriending many community members through social justice, holistic health, environmentalism, and conscious living who all happened to have UUCL as a common thread. Carla enjoys reading, podcasts, running, swimming, walking the beach, and commuting by bicycle as often as possible.
Linda Grady
Member-at-Large
Linda retired in 2007 from a career in teaching. A native of Pittsburgh, she attended parochial schools for twelve years and followed the religious traditions of her parents and grandparents. Later, as an adult, Linda began to question many of the church’s doctrines and teachings. She felt a disconnect between the church and her life. Her search for a meaningful church community began in earnest when she met and married Wes Grady and they retired to the Lowcountry of S.C.
"We feel truly fortunate to have found a place at UUCL and the members here have become our friends. Its seven principles ring true in our hearts and we are happy to call it "home". Wes once asked me how I found it so easy to make the leap from being a Catholic to being a Unitarian. My answer came quickly. 'Perhaps it's because Catholicism was chosen for me, but I chose Unitarianism'."
Member-at-Large
Linda retired in 2007 from a career in teaching. A native of Pittsburgh, she attended parochial schools for twelve years and followed the religious traditions of her parents and grandparents. Later, as an adult, Linda began to question many of the church’s doctrines and teachings. She felt a disconnect between the church and her life. Her search for a meaningful church community began in earnest when she met and married Wes Grady and they retired to the Lowcountry of S.C.
"We feel truly fortunate to have found a place at UUCL and the members here have become our friends. Its seven principles ring true in our hearts and we are happy to call it "home". Wes once asked me how I found it so easy to make the leap from being a Catholic to being a Unitarian. My answer came quickly. 'Perhaps it's because Catholicism was chosen for me, but I chose Unitarianism'."
Ann Harrison
Director of Religious Education
Ann Elisabeth Titus was born on January 27, 1959 in Newburyport, MA. to Ron and Donna Titus. She was raised in New England and is the oldest of 4 - Ann, Ellen, Kate and John. Ann is a 5th generation Unitarian Universalist.
She graduated from High School in New Bedford, MA. in 1977 and from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1981 with a BS in Nursing.
Ann has two daughters, Emily (1987) and Joanna (1990). Emily lives in Neptune City, NJ and is married to Ryan Cornell. Joanna lives in Charleston, SC with her boyfriend, Zach Bjur.
Ann moved with her girls to Hilton Head Island in 1996. They began attending the Unitarian Fellowship right away. In 1997, Ann became the Director of Religious Education and has been an active member of UUCL since then. She became credentialed as a UU religious educator in 2012. She also works at the Cypress Continuing Care Retirement Community and managed the Cypress Home Health Agency and the Cypress Clinic for years.
Ann and her husband Peter Kandis live on Hilton Head with Miss Kitty (the cat). She enjoys reading, biking, going to the beach and working in the garden.
Director of Religious Education
Ann Elisabeth Titus was born on January 27, 1959 in Newburyport, MA. to Ron and Donna Titus. She was raised in New England and is the oldest of 4 - Ann, Ellen, Kate and John. Ann is a 5th generation Unitarian Universalist.
She graduated from High School in New Bedford, MA. in 1977 and from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1981 with a BS in Nursing.
Ann has two daughters, Emily (1987) and Joanna (1990). Emily lives in Neptune City, NJ and is married to Ryan Cornell. Joanna lives in Charleston, SC with her boyfriend, Zach Bjur.
Ann moved with her girls to Hilton Head Island in 1996. They began attending the Unitarian Fellowship right away. In 1997, Ann became the Director of Religious Education and has been an active member of UUCL since then. She became credentialed as a UU religious educator in 2012. She also works at the Cypress Continuing Care Retirement Community and managed the Cypress Home Health Agency and the Cypress Clinic for years.
Ann and her husband Peter Kandis live on Hilton Head with Miss Kitty (the cat). She enjoys reading, biking, going to the beach and working in the garden.
David Inserra
Congregational Administrator
Born in New England and raised in the Catholic tradition, David married a fifth generation UU (Ellen Titus). Since then they have lived the adventure of life, love and change. After packing up their belongings, David and Ellen moved away from the cold north to where they now call home - Hilton Head. Since arriving on the island they quickly found a home at UUCL. David has been on the UUCL AV team and continues to be an advisor to the group. He also spent many years chairing the Membership Committee. He is passionate about his position as UUCL Congregational Administrator, and continues to do what he can can to keep the Seven Principles alive.
Congregational Administrator
Born in New England and raised in the Catholic tradition, David married a fifth generation UU (Ellen Titus). Since then they have lived the adventure of life, love and change. After packing up their belongings, David and Ellen moved away from the cold north to where they now call home - Hilton Head. Since arriving on the island they quickly found a home at UUCL. David has been on the UUCL AV team and continues to be an advisor to the group. He also spent many years chairing the Membership Committee. He is passionate about his position as UUCL Congregational Administrator, and continues to do what he can can to keep the Seven Principles alive.
John Sheppard
Music
Born and raised in Trenton, N. J., John spent much of his life in Virginia after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He taught high school English for some years, after which he pursued his love of cooking becoming a sous-chef for several restaurants. Before moving to South Carolina he spent 16 years at the Bistro R in Richmond.
John, already a talented pianist, studied organ and served at several churches, doing so for 18 years for two episcopal churches in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents lived with him in their last years after he came to South Carolina in 2005. John has pursued singing and playing piano at UUCL for 12 years to present.
Music
Born and raised in Trenton, N. J., John spent much of his life in Virginia after graduating from the College of William and Mary. He taught high school English for some years, after which he pursued his love of cooking becoming a sous-chef for several restaurants. Before moving to South Carolina he spent 16 years at the Bistro R in Richmond.
John, already a talented pianist, studied organ and served at several churches, doing so for 18 years for two episcopal churches in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents lived with him in their last years after he came to South Carolina in 2005. John has pursued singing and playing piano at UUCL for 12 years to present.