University Team

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Dr. Masters has built from his decades of loyalty and devotion to the metaphysical ministry a strong and enduring foundation. The organization, with its Board of Directors, Officers, and support staff continue to work together to perpetuate the teachings of Dr. Masters’ Metaphysical Ministry into the future.

Rev. Michelle-Angela Behr, B.Msc.

President, International Metaphysical Ministry
CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Directors

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Growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Michelle’s best childhood friend was a Zulu girl who introduced her to the simplicity, richness, and depth of African traditions and spirituality. Having a family that was divided by different religious beliefs, she recognized the importance of compassion and tolerance, and that ultimately all paths lead in the same direction. Years later, Dr. Paul Leon Masters’ teachings helped reinforce that belief, and give her a deeper awareness regarding her early life experiences living through the Rhodesian Bush War.

In the 1980s, Michelle began her professional career in banking and finance before moving to Harare to take up a position with a merchant bank. She decided to join her family in South-Africa and spent the next 15 years gaining marketing and management experience both domestically and internationally. To expand her business experience and satisfy her thirst for travel and exposure to international cultures, she relocated to England and worked for a year before returning to South Africa to work for a multinational company. Two decades of international business, marketing, and management experience, combined with her childhood, provided Michelle with the opportunity to gain multicultural awareness and a comprehensive understanding of diverse social, political, and economic systems.

It was destiny that brought Michelle to Los Angeles, California, where she was introduced to Dr. Masters in the year 2000. His metaphysical lectures and teachings resonated deeply within her soul and reminded her that we are all connected and our paths lead in the same direction. This rekindled her interest and passion to learn as much as she could about metaphysics, different religions, achieving higher consciousness, meditation, spirituality, healing modalities, and mysticism––especially its application and practice in different religions and spiritual paths.

She volunteered to work for Dr. Masters’ University of Metaphysics as a file clerk, and after six months she was offered a full-time position. Michelle had the opportunity to work in every department, which gave her a thorough comprehension of all the university systems and procedures. In 2004, Dr. Masters relocated the administrative office and service center to majestic Sedona, Arizona, and offered Michelle the position of office manager. She accepted his offer, relocated to Arizona, and soon after became the administrative director of the International Metaphysical Ministry and its educational divisions, the University of Metaphysics and the University of Sedona.

Michelle had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Masters for sixteen years. She was aware of his plans for the future of the organization and the continuation of his legacy for generations to come. She closely observed his commitment that his teachings would always remain affordable and be available to everybody worldwide. Her personal commitment to Dr. Masters and the world is to make certain that his timeless teachings continue to reach with integrity and humility, all who seek higher consciousness and a metaphysical education. Just as importantly, to ensure the International Metaphysical Ministry mission statement is strictly enforced and maintained.

Michelle cares deeply about the preservation of wildlife in Africa. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Sedona and volunteers at Sedona Hospice Accord. She enjoys international projects, volunteering for community services and identifies with the Rotarian value, “Service above Self.”

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Richard P. (Dick) Caldwell D.Min.

Vice President, International Metaphysical Ministry

Dr. Caldwell first met Dr. Masters in 1994 after careers as a musician/entertainer, motivational speaker, TV personality and Executive Director of a Big Brothers agency. He felt an immediate connection with Dr. Masters, began attending services and received his first IMM degree in 1996.   This led to a personal and professional relationship that spanned over 20 years including the privilege of being an associate minister at Dr. Masters’ University Church in Las Vegas and having him as a mentor and friend.

Dick also obtained a Doctor of Religious Studies from Emerson Theological Institute and served churches in Oakhurst, California; Calgary Alberta, Canada; Grand Junction, Colorado; Sheridan, Wyoming and was the founder and minister of the Life Enrichment Center of Southern Vermont. He is the author of two books, as well as a CD.

He is a past-president of the Wantastiquit Rotary Club, past-national president of the Canadian Progress Club where he was inducted into the Progress Hall of Fame, served on the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Center in Sheridan, Wyoming and in 1979 won the World Speaking Competition of the 140,000-member Toastmasters International.

His ministry now is mainly officiating wedding ceremonies and he recently performed his 400th wedding.

Over the years, Dr. Caldwell maintained his close ties with IMM. He has attended every convention since 1995 and for many conventions has participated as a performer, speaker and MC as well as organizing speakers and entertainers.

He says his greatest honor was presenting the Eulogy at the celebration of Dr. Masters’ life in January, 2016, and knowing his wisdom and love still guides us.

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Sandra A. Gardner, Esq.

Secretary, International Metaphysical Ministry

sandra-a-gardnerRaised in Orange County, California, Ms. Gardner is an attorney licensed to practice law in Arizona and California. While in California she worked for an Estate Planning Firm specializing in complex trust and estate planning issues. She brought her considerable skills to Sedona in 2012 and took over as the managing attorney at the law firm of Esser, Bradley & Gardner in 2013.

Ms. Gardner was hired by Dr. Masters in 2015 as the corporate attorney for the International Metaphysical Ministry and as his personal attorney. She had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Masters prior to his death and was inspired by his commitment to the Ministry. Her goal as a board member is to see that Dr. Masters’ teaching legacy continues.

Ms. Gardner holds a Bachelors of Science degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and her Juris Doctorate was obtained from the prestigious Chapman University, Fowler School of Law. Ms. Gardner has prior Board of Directors experience having served on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Sedona and Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition.

Prior to accepting her appointment to the Board of Directors, Ms. Gardner stepped down as the corporate attorney for the Ministry, so there would be no conflict of interest; ethical standards always being a primary concern to Ms. Gardner.

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Dr. Masters and a few staff members at a recent graduation

Dr. Masters and a few staff members at the 2013 IMM convention and graduation

Key Support Staff

The International Metaphysical Ministry, University of Metaphysics, and University of Sedona, extends gratitude to its key support staff, who keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly. For your convenience, please find below those whom you would most likely need to contact.

  • Sue Brown, Staff Accountant
  • Rev. Deidre D. Callahan, B.Msc., IMM Administrative Assistant
  • Rev. Lynda Exley, Ph.D., University Thesis/Dissertation Advisor
  • Tom Fredrickson, Office Support
  • Rev. Theresa Gidell, M.Msc., University Systems Administrative Assistant
  • Anita Jakim, Graphic Design and Shipping
  • Mauricio Q., Web Designer
  • Rev. Carol Marsden Taylor, B.Msc., Student Accounts
  • Rev. Steven Lane Taylor, B.Msc., Audio Assistance

international metaphysical ministry team