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 with a Masters of Divinity degree from Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, NS. and B.A. in Child and Youth Studies from Brock University, St. Catherine’s, ON. 

After serving two congregations in corporative ministry in Southern Ontario, Hillary was ordained in 2018 and accepted a call as Coordinating Team Minister to what was then St. Andrew’s United Church and Regional Ministries, Calgary AB. After several years of service, Hillary was integral to the amalgamation process between St. Andrew’s and Deer Park United Churches, now formally known as Fish Creek United Church. 

Hillary comes to Symons Valley with a passion for pastoral care and engaging individuals on the journey of life. She is passionate about community engagement, supporting lay leaders and ensuring faith communities are inviting for all individuals of all ages on their faith journey. She brings previous experience in working with The United Church’s The GO Project, and participation at General Council and Rendez-vous. 

Hillary and her partner have one child and a dog. She enjoys camping, baking, crafting 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

Melanie Cherniwchan,
Choral Director
Pronouns: she/her

Melanie Cherniwchan is an experienced musician and educator with a passion to explore life through the lens of music. Melanie’s musical roots developed at an early age and her passion stems from the early training she received in the community of Athabasca. She started competing and performing at the age of six, entered the world of musical theatre at nine, and began singing as a soloist at weddings and funerals at eleven. With a desire to expand her view, Melanie set her sights on a meandering course that led her to British Columbia, Ontario, and numerous communities in Alberta before deciding to settle in Calgary in 2010. Along the path, Melanie obtained a Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance, entered the world of the entrepreneur, and married and became the Mom of two beautiful girls. She is blessed and honoured to be in a position to collaborate with the team at Symons Valley United Church.

Email:  melanie@symonsvalleyuc.com

Ilinca Poon,

Family Ministry Coordinator

Pronouns: she/her

Calgary is Ilinca’s second home after being born and raised in Romania. Ilinca is a recent graduate of the Vancouver School of Theology with a certificate in Children’s. Youth and Family Ministry. She has worked with children and families for the past seventeen years in various settings and has volunteered with Girl Guides for the last seven 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 will resume studies at VST in the Masters of Arts in Public and Pastoral Leadership this summer. 

 The Family Ministry Coordinator is a new position for Symons Valley, and we are very excited that Ilinca is now part of our Ministry team. 

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.

Email: communications@symonsvalleyuc.com