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
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!
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!
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!
Bruce McCaron
Custodian
Bruce (he/him) has been with SSUC since 2021, caring and managing all things related to our SSUC facility. He has 30 years of experience as a custodian and general maintenance provider and no matter what he’s doing in and around the building, Bruce brings his positive attitude, pride in his work and his willingness to develop relationships with our staff, SSUC participants and other building users.
