Our Staff
Lane Smith
Executive Director
info@unityfortworth.org
Lane Smith has attended Unity Fort Worth since summer 2017 and became involved early on as an enthusiastic volunteer for the YFM, music, and tech teams. She now serves the community as a full-time staff member, managing the day-to-day operations as Executive Director. Lane has a background in Electrical Engineering and has had a lifelong interest in technology and systems design, teaching herself a variety of skills which she applies to create efficient systems and processes that help Unity Fort Worth do more with its small staff. Lane gravitates toward leadership & administrative roles through which she can express her unique creativity to serve others by fostering greater ease, joy, and connection. In addition to serving as Executive Director, she co-leads the UFW tech team, is a den leader and the webmaster in her kids’ Cub Scout pack, and serves on the executive board of her local PTA. Lane is a student of Unity teachings and enjoys taking SEE courses to deepen her spiritual understanding and practice, when she can squeeze them in around a busy, joyful home life with her husband, two sons, and three pets.
Larisa Cherkasov
Music Director
music@unityfortworth.org
Larissa Cherkasov received a Master’s Degree with honors in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Baku State Conservatory (former USSR). In 1990, Larissa and her family were forced to leave their homeland. She has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, and has appeared as a guest artist in summer festivals throughout the Soviet Union, Europe, U.S. and Canada. Larissa and her husband, Eugene, are founders of the Wedgwood Chamber Music Series, and together have conquered the hearts of audiences worldwide. Larissa is Music Director at Unity Fort Worth, former adjunct professor at TCU, and teaches privately.
Janette Jordan
Youth & Family Ministry Director
Janette has been involved in the Unity movement for 10 years. She has served as a Unity Youth & Family Ministry Director for 7 years. She has a Master of Social Work, with 27 years’ experience counseling adults, families, and children. Janette has extensive experience in education and child development. Janette is currently taking SEE Courses to become a Certified Spiritual Educator (CSE), and a Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT). In her free time, she enjoys playing the cello and piano, spending time with her daughter and son-in-law, and enjoying her two toy poodles.
Ben Skinner
Facilities & Security
facilities@unityfortworth.org
Ben Skinner has attended Unity Fort Worth, TX, since 2018. After spending 15 years in Information Technology, he joined the UFW team as the Facilities Manager in 2019. Ben is a native Fort Worthian who graduated from Paschal High School and enjoys disc golf and playing the guitar.