Introducing Our Team
Get to know our fabulous staff and volunteer team.
We are all part of the life and work of Saint Andrew's.
Reverend Susan Chisholm (she/her)
B. Mus; B. Ed; M.A; M.Div.
Minister
Call/Text- (902) 405-3490
Email - [email protected]
Growing up in the church, Susan remembers committee meetings held at her dining room table, choir practices held around her piano, youth retreats held at her cottage, and farewell and welcome parties held around her barbecue. Her connection to God came first from her sense of belonging in a loving and supportive faith community. It was a good start, but then there are countless ways to grow in life and spirit.
Susan holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario, McGill University, and Atlantic School of Theology. As an educator, Susan worked in the Arctic, East Africa, Central Canada, and Eastern Canada, always with an interest in education for social change. Susan has been involved in the healing work of reconciliation, and the collaborative work of intersectional justice. She has particular interest in progressive theology with real world engagement – personally, collectively, globally.
Her joy in Saint Andrew’s is its radical welcome of diverse expressions, perspectives, orientations, and traditions. Thank God for that! What we explore here helps us to bear more gracefully the realities and responsibilities of being human, and frankly, we need all the help and wisdom we can get. This world needs all the help and wisdom we can get.
So meeting, singing, celebrating, and belonging still matter, and with the breadth and depth of spirit at Saint Andrew’s, we keep growing.
Patricia Neves (she/her)
BAA (CYS); MA (CYS)
Operations Manager
Call/Text - (902) 405-3163
Email - [email protected]
Patricia works out of the church office as our Financial Administrator. She's also entrenched our the Affirming Ministry process, bringing energy, commitment, and leadership.
For support with fiscal matters relating to Saint Andrew's, please contact Patricia.
Gail Clarke (she/her)
Administration and Rentals/Venue
Call/Text - (902) 422-3157
Main email - [email protected]
Venue inquiries - [email protected]
Gail is our Congregational Administrator. She brings decades of administrative experience (many of those in church administration) and is excited to be working with the team at St. Andrews. She is in the church for office hours - 9am to 1pm, Monday through Friday - and often outside of those hours as well. Gail is also a professional photographer. Outside of work you may see her with her camera and/or her two large mutts.
If you have general inquiries, or to discuss facility rentals (hall / rooms or the sanctuary / Stage) please get in touch!
Jillian Eisener (she/her)
B.A Child and Youth Studies; Minor Psych
Sunday School Coordinator
Email - [email protected]
Jillian has been working with children for 8 years and has been in a variety of management and family support positions throughout her career. As the Sunday School Coordinator, she is responsible for ensuring the Sunday School is running well and supporting the families and educator that are apart of our program.
If there is a way she can support you or your children involved in the program, don't hesitate to reach out.
Julia Jordan (she/her)
Music Leader
Email: [email protected]
Ottawa native Julia has lived on the east coast since 2020, completing her M.A. Musicology (2022) at Dalhousie University. After defending her thesis on operatic performance and pedagogy, she sang two seasons with the Halifax Summer Opera Festival, and in 2023 she was commended in the role of Atalanta (Serse) for singing “with fine voice” in an “interpretation [that] was funny and commanding” (Opera Canada). She has been singing as soprano section lead at St. Andrew's United Church since January 2023, and during that time she also advised as the choir's pedagogical assistant. Most recently, Julia competed at the district level of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, where she hopes to return for the next few seasons.
While maintaining a portfolio career, Julia delves into many pursuits, including performance, pedagogy, musicological research, and arts administration. She continues to develop her private voice studio and has worked behind the scenes with Essential Opera through the Association for Opera in Canada. Julia currently works with the Atlantic Federation of Musicians as their Director of Operations, representing and advocating for the rights of professional musicians in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Ibukun Olomodosi (he/him)
Dip; B.Mus.; M.Mus.
Music Leader
Email: [email protected]
Ibukun is a passionate pianist known for his engaging performances and dedication to enriching worship through music. With decades of experience, he has developed a reputation for captivating audiences with a diverse repertoire spanning traditional hymns, contemporary praise songs, and classical organ works.
Ibukun began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano with the late Dr. Ayodele while he furthered his musical education at the University of Lagos, Nigeria and earned a degree with a specialization in piano performance. He received a master's in piano performance and pedagogy at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
He has been the sectional lead and accompanist at St. Andrew's United Church since November 2023. He has also held positions as organist at St. Augustine's Anglican Church and Mount Olive's Anglican Church in St. John's, NL, and has frequently performed as a soloist and accompanist in various venues throughout the province.
Ibukun's music is characterized by a blend of classical and contemporary styles, with a focus on vibrant hymn playing and improvisation. He is passionate about creating an atmosphere of worship and inspiration through music and strives to connect with the congregation through thoughtful and engaging selections. Ibukun is committed to continuing his musical journey and is excited about the opportunity to share his expertise with the St. Andrew's United Church community.
Pablo Torezani (he/him)
Sexton
Email: [email protected]
Pablo started as Sexton in 2024. He is from Brazil but he and his wife Karol have travelled extensively. Pablo is responsible for the day-to-day building needs.
Say hello any time. Pablo is not only hard-working, friendly and helpful, but he is working hard on his English fluency. He might have some questions for you, or a word to surprise you with!
Strategic vision, guidance, and direction
Church Council
At the 2022 AGM, our congregation voted in favour of transitioning to a strategic Council, operating in the United Church structure of a streamlined board.
With our dedicated volunteer Council members, we continue this process towards building a board that focuses on the strategic vision of Saint Andrew's, and provides guidance and direction, empowering staff to manage the day-to-day operations of our growing mission.
New members are welcome on this team! Be a part of building the future of Saint Andrew's. Click below to get started.