Vicki McPhee,
Lead Minister
Pronouns: she/her
Vicki is a Diaconal Minister with a Masters of Theological Studies and has served at Symons Valley United Church since 2011. Called into ministry when her youngest child was just three years old, she completed five years of education and formation through the Centre for Christian Studies in Winnipeg before being commissioned in 2012.
Vicki is passionate about building community, nurturing faith, and seeking justice. She loves to travel and learn from other cultures, having visited many countries throughout her ministry and life. She also served as an Ecumenical Accompanier with the World Council of Churches in the West Bank of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, walking alongside local communities and witnessing for peace and justice. In the spring of 2026, Vicki walked the Camino de Santiago as part of her sabbatical, embracing a season of pilgrimage, reflection, and renewal.
Beyond the local church, Vicki is actively involved in the wider United Church, serving with Diakonia of the United Church of Canada (DUCC) and on the Mountain Candidacy Board. When she’s not at the church, you’ll likely find her reading, quilting, travelling, or enjoying a good movie.
Vicki and her husband have four adult children, three wonderful grandchildren, and one adorable dog who keeps life full of joy.
Email: vicki@symonsvalleyuc.com
Hillary Van Spronsen,
Associate Minister
Pronouns: she/her
Hillary is an Ordained Minister in The United Church of Canada and holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was called to Symons Valley United Church in September 2022, where she serves with a particular focus on pastoral care and community engagement. Hillary was ordained in 2018 after serving in collaborative ministry in Southern Ontario. She brings a deep commitment to walking alongside individuals and families through all seasons of life, with a passion for ensuring each person is truly seen, welcomed, and supported for who they are and where they are on their life journey. She is especially interested in supporting lay leaders and nurturing faith communities that are inclusive, life-giving, and engaged across generations.
In addition to her congregational ministry, Hillary serves as a member of the General Council Executive of The United Church of Canada, a six-year term she began in August 2025. Hillary and her husband have two young children. As a family, they enjoy camping, cooking, playing board games, and cheering on the Calgary Stampeders.
email: hillary@symonsvalleyuc.com
Essie Gaqui-Elefante,
Office Administrator
Pronouns: she/her
Essie Gaqui-Elefante serves as the Office Administrator at Symons Valley United Church. Since joining the church staff in 2009, she has provided administrative support to the ministry team, helping ensure the day-to-day operations of the church run smoothly. She enjoys assisting staff, volunteers, and members of the congregation and is often one of the first friendly faces to welcome those who contact or visit the church office. Essie enjoys being part of a caring and supportive church community and values the opportunity to work behind the scenes to help the church’s ministries thrive. Essie is in the church office during office hours and is happy to assist with general inquiries, church information, and administrative support.
Outside of work, Essie enjoys running, working out, cheering on her son at hockey games, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and son. As a family, they love escaping to tropical destinations and spending summer weekends camping in their fifth wheel
Email: essie@symonsvalleyuc.com
Donna Williams,
Music Ministry Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Donna Williams brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Music Ministry Coordinator at Symons Valley United Church. An accomplished pianist and collaborative musician, she enjoys performing in a wide range of styles, including classical, jazz, pop, and musical theatre.
After studying classical and jazz piano in Edmonton, Donna built a career as a performer, accompanist, vocal coach, and private teacher. She has been an active member of Calgary’s music community for many years.
At Symons Valley, Donna thoughtfully selects and prepares music that enriches worship, accompanies the congregation each Sunday with skill, creativity, and heart, and leads both the Choir and Vocal Praise groups. Through her leadership, she helps create meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and musical backgrounds to share their gifts in worship.
Donna is also available to provide piano accompaniment and vocal music for weddings and funeral services.
Email: donna@symonsvalleyuc.com
Ilinca Poon,
Family Ministry Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Ilinca Poon serves as the Family Ministry Lead at Symons Valley United Church. Calgary is Ilinca’s second home after being born and raised in Romania. Ilinca holds a certificate in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry and a Master of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership from the Vancouver School of Theology. She has worked with children, youth, and families since 2005 in various settings, including being a volunteer with the Girl Guides for almost a decade. Ilinca enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, discovering a new board game to play or a puzzle to put together. Ilinca loves crafting, sewing, reading, the outdoors, and live performances, including cheering on her favourite, the Calgary Stampeders.
Email: ilinca@symonsvalleyuc.com
Justyna K,
Facility Administrator
Pronouns: she/her
Justyna Kwapis serves as our Facility Administrator at Symons Valley United Church. She brings a wealth of experience as an administrator. She is kind, caring, and fun-loving, with a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference in her community. Known for her warm personality and compassionate nature, Justyna enjoys building meaningful connections and creating welcoming spaces for those around her. She is dedicated to giving back and believes that kindness, laughter, and community are at the heart of a fulfilling life.
Email: facility@symonsvalleyuc.com
Brad L.,
Communications Coordinator
Pronouns: he/him
Brad Lavenne brings creativity, innovation, and a keen eye for design to his role as Communications Coordinator at Symons Valley United Church. Working behind the scenes, he supports the church’s digital ministry through website management, social media, video production, graphic design, and livestreaming, helping share the life and ministry of the congregation with both the church family and the wider community.
With a creative outlook and a passion for visual storytelling, Brad enjoys finding meaningful ways to communicate the church’s message in engaging and accessible ways. His work helps ensure that worship, events, and community life are welcoming and connected both in person and online.
Outside of church, Brad enjoys travelling, seeking out new adventures, and exploring the world through fresh experiences and new perspectives.
