Governance

Mary Botts

President

Mary and her husband, Dale, began attending UUCF in 1993. We did not become members until 2005 when someone realized we had never signed the membership book. Mary’s involvement started with Choir, and she became more involved over the years. She has worked on many committees and currently heads the small group ministry program. Mary was instrumental in maintaining the database we used for our Service Auctions for 8 years. She served on the Nominating Committee for 2 years before transitioning onto the board of trustees. This is her community, and the more involved she has been the more she loves being part of it. Mary & Dale live in Fullerton and have two grown children.

Patrick Mannion

Vice President of Operations

I have been a member of UUCF since 2022 and a congregant since 2016, holding positions on several teams and chairing the Hospitality, Engagement and Safety committees. I believe the greatest thing about UUCF is our broad array of activities, classes and the many opportunities we have to be in community with each other. At UUCF I offer meditation and improv classes and am a facilitator of the Men's Group. I live in Westminster with three cats and my wife Wendy who is currently the minister of Santa Clarita’s UU congregation. 

Debbie Reback

VP of Finance

I have been attending UU congregations since 2010. I became a member of the UU Congregation of Anaheim where I served as Secretary to the Social Justice committee and member of the Board of Trustees. In 2016 my husband Bruce and I became members of the UU Congregation in Fullerton. I have facilitated Chalice Circles, chaired the Caring and Milestone committees and served on the Board of Trustees as a Member at Large for two years. I currently serve as the VP of Finance of the Board of Trustees.
I am a retired educator living in Orange with my husband. We are delighted to be part of UU Fullerton. 

Ellie Searl

Secretary

Ellie and her late husband, UU Minister Rev. Ed Searl, began attending UU congregations in the early 1970s. While Ed served churches in Ohio and Illinois, Ellie worked in education as a teacher, school counselor, and instructional supervisor. Along with her husband, she was very involved in UU activities and assisted in a variety of church functions. She currently works as a free-lance book and eBook designer. Ellie moved to Brea, CA, in 2021 and began attending UUCF in 2023, where she is a member of the Caring Committee and serves as a facilitator of the Writing Group. She's honored to be a member of UUCF, a community of welcoming people.

Sherlan Neblett 

Trustee at Large

Sherlan started attending UUCF in 2010 along with her mother, Ruth.  They both became members in 2011 and Sherlan quickly became involved with the congregation, joining the Stewardship Committee.  After a few years, she was elected to the board, serving for four years followed by two years as president.  Living in Fullerton with her goofy cockapoo, Winston, Sherlan is currently involved in the League of Women Voters North Orange County and enjoys crocheting and working with stained glass.  She retired from the LA County Agricultural Commissioner's Office in 2013 as a Deputy Commissioner.

Janice Paton

Trustee at Large

Janice's journey with Unitarian Universalism began in 2010, sparking a connection that deepened significantly when she joined the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fullerton (UUCF) in 2016 and became a member two years later. Her commitment to the UUCF community is evident in her enthusiastic participation. From her early involvement in small groups to her current role—serving a second term on the UUCF Board of Trustees. She has also acted as a greeter, worked the welcome table, and facilitates a small group.
Outside of her UUCF involvement, Janice works part-time as a substitute teacher. She also cherishes her friendships and enjoys spending quality time with those she holds dear. A long-time resident of Orange County, spanning almost four decades, Janice has cultivated deep roots within the community. She values the opportunities for connection and growth provided by UUCF, particularly the intimate setting of small groups. These groups, she believes, offer an invaluable way to build meaningful relationships and truly get to know the members of our congregation on a deeper, more personal level. Janice considers her affiliation with UUCF to be a significant source of personal enrichment.

Mark Umbriaco 

Trustee at Large

Mark began attending UUCF in 2012 with his husband, Patrick. In dedication to the UU affirmation, Mark began volunteering on numerous committees at UUCF. The congregation soon elected him to serve on the Board of Trustees and appointed him as Board Secretary. He is currently in his second term as a member-at-large. Mark has served three terms as the Board of Trustees' President—once for two consecutive one-year terms and again in 2024/2025. A lifelong resident of Orange County, Mark also actively participates in the Japanese tea ceremony and was honored with the tea name So-Ki by the Urasenke Grand Master in Kyoto, Japan. He is a member and representative of the Urasenke Tankokai Association of Los Angeles. Mark's interest in wine enables him to serve as a Wine Cellar Master at Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa in Anaheim, where he is responsible for the care and preservation of an extensive, world-class inventory.