Meet Us
Our Story
“I think you can learn to be brave and to trust. Sometimes it takes a while. Spiritual Soul Center didn’t just happen. I had to stay awake and be open to where life was guiding me to be. Over the last few years I practiced following the direction I was receiving from within and trusting that something bigger than me was happening. I seemed to wander…but now realize that the wandering was part of getting to right where I am now. The Spiritual Soul Center was born by letting go and following the urge to be all I came here to be. It was born because the people I invited to participate and get it off the ground brought an energy to it that would not be stopped. I am dedicated to growing this movement because I know we can make a difference, a real and positive difference…together. Grow, Serve, Transform. Here we go!”
Rev Paula
Rev. Paula Zabkar, Spiritual Leader
Paula is a passionate teacher and inspiring speaker who walks her talk. She believes in using ancient and contemporary wisdom as a guide to living spiritually in present life circumstances. Her highest prayer is to inspire you to live an extraordinary life!
She was previously the Spiritual Leader at Unity Spiritual Life Center in Durham, NC and Interim Spiritual Leader at Unity of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC.
Paula has a Bachelor’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics, is a Licensed Unity Teacher and Life Coach.
Board of Directors
Rev Paula Zabkar, Spiritual Leader and Board President
I am excited to introduce our board. Spiritual Soul Center is fortunate to have this dedicated group of people to help guide our work and support this community as it grows and evolves into all it can be. I am grateful for their commitment and the unique gifts each brings to this important work.
Renee Wells, Treasurer
I have been fortunate to watch Spiritual Soul Center grow from an idea, shared with a handful of friends, to a thriving community of people who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. I’m grateful for the teachings and the acceptance, love and dedication of every member at SSC. It is my pleasure to serve the Spiritual Soul Center community.
Chris Gralton
I’ve been focused on my personal growth journey since 2010. Since then I have participated in numerous meditation retreats and workshops that have helped open my eyes to the importance of practicing loving kindness and gratitude as part of my daily living. Once I found SSC I knew this was a community I wanted to be part of, a community I wanted to continue to grow, spiritually, with. I am extremely grateful to be part of this community and to serve in whatever way I can.
Stephanie Sharon
I came to Spiritual Soul Center with an open heart and simply observed. Over time, I found a community that honors each person’s unique spiritual journey while gently pointing toward a deeper truth that is lived more than explained. That freedom to explore, question, and grow resonated deeply with me and has been a source of grace in my own life. When the inner prompting to serve arose, it felt natural to say yes. I hope to offer my creativity, integrity, and willingness to serve in ways that support the Center’s vision and contribute to its continued growth. I look forward to learning, collaborating, and serving with humility, grace, and gratitude.
Kim Hetzer
My discovery of Spiritual Soul Center was purely happenstance, luck, serendipitous – however you want to label it, I feel grateful to have found it. I was truly amazed and moved by my first experience… and maybe, also felt a little naive that I didn’t know a place like SSC existed. I left there that first day (and every visit since) feeling so uplifted and full of love and hope. The people, the music, the meditation, and the wisdom and thoughtful messages from Rev. Paula are all just ‘feel good’ stuff. Every aspect of my life is grounded in love and acceptance and finding SSC was like finding home. I truly feel that my soul belongs there. So, yes, being a part of the SSC community and serving on the board is a great honor and I am excited about the opportunity to grow, evolve, and thrive alongside the Spiritual Soul Center.
Musicians
Our musicians are unique, talented and diverse. They provide original music, acoustic accompaniment for meditation and popular tunes to inspire and raise the vibration of our Sunday service. One thing for sure…you will not be disappointed!
Our music coordinator is the talented Anna Mann. She coordinates all the music and guest artists. If you are interested in playing with us on Sunday, please email her at annamann910@gmail.com. Check out our calendar page to see who will be with us in the coming weeks.
Nathan Gerry
Nathan is a singer-songwriter whose music weaves together humor and heart. Inspired by Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, and Dave Matthews, Nathan seeks to capture the breadth of human experience and resiliency through catchy and introspective indie rock.
Jared Michael Cline
Driven by a passion for music and performance, Jared Michael Cline always delivers, and when he does, it usually involves a simple, yet honest, performance. As an active performer, musician, and songwriter in Wilmington, NC, Jared Michael Cline aims to connect with his audiences on a level that digs deep below the surface of each and every person in attendance. Citing his influences as “life, love, and pain”, he has no problem using his pen to address thoughts and feelings that are essentially taboo, or plainly, unspoken.
Perry Smith
Perry Smith is a multi instrumentalist who gravitates toward a world beat sound. Having played music for most of his life he has found that music is the perfect means to communicate clearly and with love.
Soul-R Fusion
Soul-R Fusion’s music is a mix of acoustic rock, soul, blues, jazz, funk, and folk. Clever and heartfelt lyrics, rhythmic guitar, and rustic vocals combined with otherworldly fretless bass lines create unique songs that radiate positive energy and never lose the groove.
Rog Davis
Over the past four decades, Roger Davis has provided the Port City with a sensational serving of musical talent. Whether performing for a crowd of weekend brunch-goers, a public gallery event, or the occasional night venue, Roger “Rog” Davis holds his melodic roots in the Wilmington area and remains a well-respected performer/composer within the local jazz community. A founding teaching artist of DREAMS, Rog still loves sharing his gift with new generations of musicians.
Nimara Snyder Gillcrist
Music has always been a huge part of Nimara’s life; she grew up singing in Samoan and English with her family & learned guitar from her uncles. Her immediate family of 8 often sang along to her mom playing the ukulele in church. Harmony was a must! You can catch Nimara playing out and around Wilmington. Nimara is married to her wife Kristin and they have a daughter Ela as well as a few four legged fur babies.
Wendy Montague
Wendy performs locally with her singing group Deja Vu. When sharing her music her greatest desire is to bring inspiration and joy.
Youth Ed Teachers and Nursery
Mission Statement
We create a loving and joyful learning environment which reminds children they are innately good and one with God. We encourage loving kindness, compassion and listening to the quiet.
We teach the children at SSC because we love it. The inspiration and words of wisdom that are received from our children are both jaw dropping and teary at times. We have the best job in the world since we get to relay the message that they are wonderful, innately good, one with God/Spirit/Oneness/the Nature of the Universe and a gift to all of us. They already know this of course which means there is no struggle within them when they hear these things. Sometimes we study people who have done beautiful and helpful things in the world, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Peace Pilgrim or Wangari Maathai. Sometimes we study qualities within us that we want to cultivate. The lessons are experiential, honoring oneness and individuality at the same time. We have fun as we learn and share loving time together. More information.
Jordi Russo, Youth Ed Director
Jordi has a bachelors in French and international studies from UNCW, she’s a 200 HR certified yogi, self proclaimed creative and undeniable goofball centering her life on gratitude and awe at the world around her. She believes in the power of kindness and a smile. Jordi’s love for working with children has brought her from the nursery to the youth education program at the Spiritual Soul Center where she feels indescribably blessed to have found such a beautiful and inspiring community. She asks that anyone with ideas or a pull to teach not hesitate to reach out the her about becoming more involved with the youth ed program!
Meet Our Teams
Service to our community is a big deal. Each of our teams supports the mission of Soul Center in their own unique way. We appreciate all they do and all they are!
Video Team
We record Sunday services so that our messages can be shared on YouTube and social media to inspire and uplift our community and beyond.
From left: Jayce, Sam, Renee
Logistics Team
We serve by arranging our meeting spaces, moving furniture and tables to accommodate events and overseeing parking to assure easy access for all.
From left: Star, Robert, Lance, Joe, Molly, David
Hospitality Team
We create space for community and connection by offering food and beverages at Sunday service and other events at Spiritual Soul Center. And…we are lots of fun!
From left: Jocelyn, Lori, Laura, Stevie, Melanie
Youth Ed Team
We create a loving and joyful learning environment which reminds children they are innately good and one with God. We encourage loving kindness, compassion and listening to the quiet.
From left: Jordi, Holly, Sydney, Layne, Carey, Alan, Sherry, Stevie, Iris, Bruce, Debby
Service Projects Team
We serve by organizing our community outreach projects and fostering community contacts with the non-profits we serve. Together we make a big difference.
From left: Sherry, Jordi, Diane, Susan, Janette
Welcome Team
We create connection by offering a warm welcome, a kind word and a handshake or hug to all who attend our Sunday service and other events at SSC.
From left: Olivia, Kim, Wendy, Laura, Joe, Kim, Jo Ann, Marla, Maggie, Mel, Jayce
Newsletter Team
We create and edit our weekly newsletter.
From left: Maggie, Diane
Care Team for Rides on Sunday
We offer rides to and from Soul Center on Sundays to folks who are unable to drive.
From left: Mary Ellen, Eileen, Larry, Wendy, Kim, Laura, Chris