Staff Team

  • Lead Minister

    revted@runnymedeunited.org

    Ted has been the lead minister at Runnymede United Church since September of 2020. He takes great joy in preparing and leading worship. He enjoys being a part of mid-week groups and visiting folks at home and in hospitals. Prior to being called to Runnymede he was in Sutton, Ontario for eight years at Knox United. It has been a pleasure for Ted to rediscover the energy of Toronto moving back to the West End where he grew up. He is happy to be part of a very talented staff team, encouraging and supporting his colleagues as they serve Runnymede United together. In his personal time, he plays bass with the Grady Brothers band, cheers for the Leafs and enjoys time with family and friends.


  • Spiritual Growth Minister

    revlaura@runnymedeunited.org

    Laura is the Spiritual Growth Minister at Runnymede United. Since joining the staff team in 2021, Laura has held several roles, all of which have offered her special ways to partner with this congregation in their ministry. She was ordained in 2024 after completing her Supervised Ministry Education at Runnymede, and is grateful for the way the community journeyed with her along that path. A lifelong member of the United Church, Laura is thrilled to live her faith through congregational ministry.

    She currently serves the congregation part-time as she pursues her PhD at Emmanuel College. Laura's studies centre around questions of queer theology and theological anthropology.

    Fun Fact: Laura co-runs a seasonal event called "Probably Poetry," which showcases new work of local artists, including Laura's original writing.


  • Director of Music

    David has served as the Director of Music at Runnymede United since 2005, in charge of overall music programming and conducting the Chancel Choir. He also works with the four paid section leads and runs our ad hoc Kids Choir several times a year. David also initiated the Runnymede Kenya Youth program, leading more than 50 youth over four trips to Kenya to learn more about our world and the work of our global partners in Africa. During the week, David teaches in the Music Theatre department at Etobicoke School of the Arts and also serves as Artistic Director for Mississauga Festival Family of Choirs, a large organization comprised of four singing ensembles. He has served on several national committees for the United Church of Canada and led music and worship at many regional and General Council meetings. 

    Fun fact: David is a long-time tennis fan who spent part of a year off from teaching to travel to the four Grand Slam tournaments in Australia, France, UK and US.


  • Organist

    Carl is the organist at Runnymede United. He began playing for church and community choirs while growing up in Milton and went on to get a Bachelor of Music from Western University and an ARCT in Piano Performance. He joined Runnymede United Church as organist in 2016, where his role involves preparing organ repertoire, accompanying choir rehearsals, collaborating with soloists, and leading hymns. Outside of RUC, Carl is accompanist for Etobicoke Centennial Choir and Mississauga Festival Choir and does frequent collaborative work with the Toronto District School Board.

    Fun Fact: In his free time, Carl enjoys biking in the city and visiting used bookstores.


  • Office Administrator

    office@runnymedeunited.org

    Eva is Runnymede United's office administrator. Eva's role includes acting as a point of contact for those who wish to contact the church, booking rentals of the church building, and facilitating communication within the congregation, including creating the weekly bulletin and email announcements. In this job, she never knows what a day will bring, but what she likes best is the people she meets—from parishioners to couples looking for a wedding venue to groups renting our rooms to movie location scouts. She loves talking to them, figuring out how Runnymede can help them, and extending Runnymede United Church into our community.

    Fun Fact: Eva joined the office at Runnymede after participating in Christmas and Easter choirs at the church.

  • Kitchen Coordinator

    Brian will be managing the food procurement for RUC's Food Outreach programs and ensuring the kitchen is organized, training material is up to date and the equipment is operating properly. He's excited about supporting the volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to Food Outreach.

    Fun Fact: Brian's first real job as a teenager was as a cook for KFC.

    Fun Fact: Brian is an ardent cyclist and has recently taken up pickleball.


  • Family Outreach & Sunday School Leader

    Bev is the most recent addition to the Runnymede United Staff Team and is excited to join an affirming ministry. They are passionate about youth empowerment, and believe that children are the heart of any community.

    Fun fact: In their free time Bev enjoys street photography, playing their guitar, and sewing.


  • Communications Specialist

    communications@runnymedeunited.org

    Racquel is the Communications Specialist at Runnymede United Church. She brings a strong background in communications along with a collaborative spirit and a passion for building meaningful connections. Racquel enjoys finding creative ways to share stories, support community engagement, and help people feel informed and included in the life of the church.

    She is especially drawn to work that fosters connection and reflects the welcoming, affirming spirit of Runnymede. Racquel is grateful to be part of a vibrant staff team and looks forward to helping the congregation stay connected and engaged.

    Fun fact: Racquel loves step challenges and uses them as motivation to explore new neighbourhoods and hidden gems around the city.


  • Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator

    Val is Runnymede United’s Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, working with the Community Outreach, Development and Engagement Committee (CODEC). She focuses on supporting our volunteer leaders with recruitment, training, and ongoing engagement, aiming to ensure that our volunteers have a good experience.

    Valerie has spent much of her career in the non-profit and education sectors, supporting new Canadians in their search for meaningful employment. She has coordinated programs, worked with community partners, engaged volunteers, and provided individual coaching. She also spent 5 years with the American Red Cross working in programs to help families separated by war.  

    Fun fact: As a former professional radio announcer and long-term TIFF volunteer, Val enjoys connecting with others to share creative passions.