Vicki McPhee,
Lead Minister
Pronouns: she/her
Vicki is a diaconal minister with a Masters in Theological Studies and began serving at Symons Valley UC in 2011. Vicki is married and, along with her dear hubby, has four children, four in-laws, one grandchild with another on the way and two very high maintenance dogs.
Vicki was called into ministry when her youngest was three years old. After five years of ministry education & training through The Centre For Christian Studies in Winnipeg, MB, she was commissioned in 2012. Vicki loves to travel and learn about other cultures. She has been to many countries, including Zambia, India, Israel/Palestine, England, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. She has led several study/exposure tours for youth and young adults as part of her ministry. Vicki also loves to read, quilt and go to movies.
Vicki has recently returned from a three-month volunteer term with the World Council of Churches to provide ecumenical accompaniment in the West Bank of the Occupied Territories of Palestine.
Email: vicki@symonsvalleyuc.com
Hillary Van Spronsen,
Associate Minister
Pronouns: she/her
Rev. Hillary Van Spronsen 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. She brings experience in denominational leadership through her past involvement with The GO Project and participation in denominational gatherings and events.
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’s smiling face is what will greet you when you arrive in our church office. She provides administrative support to our ministry staff and manages the office. Her office hours are Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For any questions on internal church administration, contact Essie.
Email: essie@symonsvalleyuc.com
Donna Williams,
Music Ministry Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Donna is an expert at tickling the ivories of our grand piano each Sunday. She is a professional musician who works as an accompanist throughout the city. She collaborates with our Choral Director in the selection and preparation of music offered within the worship service. Donna is also available to provide accompaniment or vocal solos for wedding and funeral services.
Email: donna@symonsvalleyuc.com
Ilinca Poon,
Family Ministry Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her
Calgary is Ilinca’s second home after being born and raised in Romania. Ilinca holds a certificate in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry from the Vancouver School of Theology. She has worked with children, youth, and families for the past nineteen years in various settings and has volunteered with Girl Guides for the last nine years. Ilinca enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons when she is not studying or working. Ilinca loves crafting, sewing, reading and the outdoors. One of her favourite things to do with her family is baking, raising various insects, and fishing. Ilinca is currently enrolled at VST in the Master of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership.
Email: ilinca@symonsvalleyuc.com
Justyna K,
Facility Administrator
Pronouns: she/her
Justyna brings a wealth of experience as an administrator. She is passionate about giving back and making a difference in community life. When not working or volunteering, Justyna spends quality time with her family.
Email: facility@symonsvalleyuc.com
Brad L.,
Communications Coordinator
Pronouns: he/him
Brad works behind the scenes managing and supporting our digital ministry initiatives, including social media, videos, website content, and supports our Livestream.
