Our Team

Christopher New

Minister, Musician, Composer

Chris (he/him) is passionate about his spiritual leadership within the SSUC community. Among other things, Chris interprets expansive spirituality for all ages, helping each person to seek wisdom from diverse sources and deepen their knowing along their unique spiritual journeys. As a writer and composer, he writes new music for community singing that expresses our deepest spirituality for the 21st century regardless of creed, tradition or custom. His latest song book “Affirmation” (2023) is available in the SSUC store. Family time, nerdy pop-culture stuff and quiet creative pursuits are some of his favourite things.

Dara Smith

Program and Affirming Animator

Dara Smith (He/Him) has been apart of the SSUC family since 2016. His name has many meanings across cultures, but in the Irish interpretation, it means ‘oak tree’ and resonates with Dara as a symbol of resilience. The funny coincidence is that if you were to take a walk with Dara, you may turn around and find he is a block behind and 20ft up in a tree, waving down at you and beaming. He finds great joy in the journey upward and deep peace at the top; seeing what the birds see and feeling how far a tree can sway without breaking. If he encountered a beanstalk to the clouds, he’d climb in a heartbeat. When Dara isn’t dreaming of a great escape in the skies, he spend most of his time on the ground playing with his three cats; Quinn, Fiona, and Chloe. His creative side expresses itself through singing, painting, dancing, and building elaborate structures out of nothing more than cardboard, hot glue, string, and duct tape. Two quotes from one of his favourite artists could sum him up nicely:

“Everything is A-OK, because I’m strong as an O-A-K” -Watsky, Strong As An Oak

“There’s nothing I can’t solve with duct tape and construction paper” -Watsky, Cardboard Castles

Joseph-L Carreon-Macedo

Marketing & Digital Content Coordinator

Joseph (he/him) first visited SSUC in 2016, marking the start of his journey discovering (he will tell you!) what an extraordinary place this is!

He obtained a PhD in the UK, worked on science research at the University of Alberta, and is always involved with multiple nonprofit organizations such as the ADHD Association of Greater Edmonton, of which he is a board member.  Joseph thrives using his tech-geeky-social talents, helping individuals and our community to get the most and the best that digital media offers in the creation of meaningful connections.

In his free time he enjoys coaching and practising archery at a recreational and competitive level!

Daisy New and Ariane Perreault

kidSPIRIT Youth Leaders

Daisy and Ariane serve as dedicated youth leaders at SSUC, bringing energy and enthusiasm to KidSpirit for over 6 years. Both current university students, Daisy and Ariane are committed to helping kids navigate life’s challenges through empathy-based discussions and fun, interactive events. They are known for their creativity in leading lesson plans, crafts, and games. When not mentoring youth, you can find Daisy and Ariane either reading or studying!

Wes D

Youth Coordinator

Wes D (they/them). Originally from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, Wes is a nonbinary and transmasculine creator, advocate, and coach. They are an educator in trans-informed care, passionately dedicated to fostering wellbeing and community connection. A proud dog dad with a big smile and an even bigger heart, Wes brings compassion and encouragement into every encounter. Their signature phrase is, “I’m proud of you.”

Aynsley New

Office Administrator

Aynsley (she/her) has been SSUC’s administrator since 2013. When you enter the office, she’ll greet you with a warm welcome, whether she’s meeting familiar friends or newcomers to our space. Drop in or call during office hours with anything you might need and she’ll provide you with an answer to your question or point you in a great direction. In her spare time, you’ll find Aynsley with a good book or catching up with her two sisters!

Kiana Chouinard

Camp Dragonfly Co-Director

Kiana Chouinard (MA) (left on picture) is excited to be kicking off her third year as Camp Dragonfly Co-Director! When she’s not busy brainstorming youth programming for camp, you can find Kiana fostering connections and resilience through her position with EPSB, playing board games, and lint-rolling dog hair off her pants.

Briggs

Camp Dragonfly Co-Director​

One of the co-Directors of Camp Dragonfly, Briggs has been an active volunteer since they were 5 years old, passionate about community outreach, building relationships through networking, and empowering individuals. Growing up in a small town they only heard the term non-binary after moving to the city at age 18, and found that it was their identity at age 23. They discovered Camp Dragonfly in the camp’s second year and instantly fell in love with its mission: give trans kids an authentic and fun summer camp experience. When not planning camp, Briggs facilitates two programs through Elevate Aviation; one where grade 5-12 students learn about aviation, and another where 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are helped to create powerful personalized resumes.

Jude Chaytors

Emberwood Guide

Jude lives on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, Alberta where they grew up. They’re a queer, mixed raced, cat-loving, quilting, nature nerd. They love to work with other people in helping capacities and seek out solitude in nature as often as they can.

In their spare time, they enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book and their two cats, Benny and Joon. They can often be found exploring Mill Creek Ravine on foot, or off in the mountains, going for long walks in solitude.

Fergus Brooks-Starks

Emberwood Guide

Fergus is an educator and ecotherapy-informed spiritual ally in Edmonton, Alberta. With a background in both improv and spiritual care, a fun, wild and meaningful time is bound to happen! Fergus has particular experience working with kids, youth, young adults, people who are 2SLGBTQIA+ and in areas of grief and spiritual allyship. They have a degree in Education, a Certificate of Ecopsychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and a Certificate of Spiritual Care. Their outdoor highlights include playing with fire from a young age, leading at camps for over 15 years and starting two trans camps, and paddling 28 days alone from Edmonton, AB, to Prince Albert, SK – it only snowed once!

Echo Keizer

Custodian

Echo (they/he) is the newest addition to the SSUC team! When they aren’t working, you can usually find Echo at the bouldering gym or creating art. He’s a grad student at the University of Alberta doing a MSc in Epidemiology and Community-Based Research with a focus on the social determinants of stress in marginalized populations. Echo says they’re a little shy but to feel free to say hi when you see him around!