With a background in Ministry, Marketing, and Business Development, Sarah brings over 10 years of experience that will help guide our mission to empower young women to discover their true identity in Christ.

Sarah is passionate about raising awareness for our organization and furthering the vision that aligns with Christ's plan for Uncommon One. She is eager to build upon the amazing work we are already doing and continue making a profound impact in our community.

Sheila Thompson Johnson brings a lifetime of leadership, athletic excellence, and faith-based service to the board of Uncommon One. Raised on a dairy farm in Pitkin, Louisiana, her early life was rooted in hard work, family, church, and school—values that have carried through every chapter of her journey.

A standout athlete from a young age, Sheila led her high school basketball team to two state championships and was recognized as the first Louisiana Prep All-American and “Miss Basketball” for the state. Choosing to stay close to home, she played at Louisiana College, where she led her team to a national Final Four and became the school’s all-time leading scorer—male or female—a record that still stands. She was a two-time All-American, invited to try out for the Pan American and Olympic teams, and was later named to the Louisiana All-Century Team.

Sheila went on to serve as head coach of the Lady Wildcats and became the first female athletic director at Louisiana College. She led the program through a major transition from NAIA to NCAA Division III, helped reinstate football after a 35-year absence, and oversaw the development of multiple athletic facilities. Her leadership earned her recognition as NAIA National Rookie Coach of the Year and multiple Coach of the Year honors.

Beyond athletics, Sheila has been an educator at every level—from elementary school to college—and holds degrees from Louisiana College and LSU. She has served on numerous boards including LSU Alexandria’s Generals Athletic Association, the Louisiana College Board of Trustees, Cenla Pregnancy Center, and Teach One Lead One. Her passion for mentorship and discipleship is evident in her long-standing work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other community programs.

Sheila is married to Mike Johnson, Pineville attorney and state legislator, and they are proud parents and grandparents. Her faith is the driving force behind all she does, and she considers her involvement with Uncommon One a God-given assignment. She believes deeply in the ministry’s mission to help young women embrace their identity in Christ and walk boldly in their God-given purpose.

Cindy Nardini was born and raised on a farm in Russellville, Arkansas, where she enjoyed riding horses and was actively involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H, her church youth group, and band. She came to faith in Christ during her early teen years and has continued to walk in that faith throughout her life.

After graduating high school, Cindy attended Arkansas Tech University, earning a B.S. in Psychology, and later obtained her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It was there she met her husband, David. Over the past 39 years, they have built a family that includes three children and two grandchildren.

Cindy is the owner and operator of Life Solutions of Alexandria, a private counseling practice she has helped build and lead for 36 years. She is passionate about helping others and mentoring young professionals in the counseling field. She has served in various leadership roles within the Louisiana Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, and the Louisiana LPC Political Action Committee.

Though her formal training was not Biblically based, Cindy integrates Biblical principles into her counseling practice. She considers her work both a career and a ministry—something she credits for the enduring joy and success she has experienced in her field.

An active member of Pineville Park Baptist Church, Cindy serves in the nursery, volunteers for Vacation Bible School, and participates on several committees. She is also the founder of Uncommon One, a nonprofit ministry where she serves on the Board of Directors.

In her free time, Cindy enjoys traveling with family and friends, flower arranging, and line dancing.

Mary E. “Beth” Palmer, Ph.D., serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Career Development at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. In this role, she is responsible for implementing and supporting the university’s strategic plan, with a focus on holistic education and academic excellence. Her work is centered around helping students build a strong foundation for their future through career development, exploration, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. She collaborates with employers, campus constituents, and community partners to enhance the student learning experience and establish clear pathways to employment after graduation.

With a strong commitment to professional and civic engagement, Dr. Palmer is an active member of several organizations including the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Louisiana Association of Colleges and Employers (LACE), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Golden Key National Honor Society. She is also a past member of the Educational Advisory Board (EAB). Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for both United Way and UncommonOne, and she chairs the annual Women in Business Conference for the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Palmer’s heart for the UncommonOne ministry is rooted in a deep desire to help young women understand that their true value doesn’t come from the world, but from who they are in Christ—uniquely created, deeply loved, and unshakably strong. She considers it an honor to serve on the board and to help young women step boldly into the truth of who God created them to be.