RE Bios | My Site

Meet the Religious Exploration Team

A photo of Jodi - a middle-aged woman with red hair that she's streaked with white and purple streaks.

Jodi McIntosh (she/her)

Director of Religious Exploration

After being a congregant for many years I am so incredibly pleased to find myself in the role of Director of Religious Exploration (DRE). After being home with my kids as a homeschooling momma for many years I started working at First U as a custodian. I enjoyed working out of the house so much that when the position for DRE came up I jumped at it. Having a degree in education and several years’ experience as a supply teacher I felt that it would be the perfect position for me. I hope to bring some of my passion for music, storytelling, and drama into the programming. When not at First U, I can be found scooting around the city on my electric moped, walking the trails in the greenbelt with my kids or snuggling with my dog on the couch with a cup of tea and an audiobook.

A photo of Esther. A young, nonbinary adult with curly brown hair and an amiable smile.

esther paul (they/them)

Religious Exploration Assistant

Hello! My name is Esther Paul, and I am thrilled to be part of the RE team as a Childcare Assistant in the Rainbow Room. I graduated from Woodroffe High School in 2025, and I am currently a full-time student at the University of Ottawa studying Biomedical Science. When I am not at First U, I can be found studying, obsessing over my aquariums, playing with my cats, enjoying a good TV show, and dabbling in some arts and crafts.

A photo of Rita - a white woman with blond hair and bangs.

Rita Ross (she/her)

Childcare Coordinator

Hello my name is Rita Ross I am the childcare coordinator at the First Unitarian church in Ottawa. I am a single mother of two wonderful adults, I have been working in the childcare field as an RECE for over thirty years.
I am educated in infant mental health, basic sign language, collaborative problem solving, resource teaching for children with exceptionalities, language acquisition and am fully versed in the current child care philosophy 'How Does Learning Happen.' I am also a trained health and safety inspector. I am currently employed at the Youville Centre where I work with infants, toddlers and young mothers.
I have enjoyed working at First U since 2016 and am excited to continue to deliver a fun age appropriate program to the children in the Rainbow Room.

[Name Here]

Childcare Assistant