FIRST UNITARIAN CONGREGATION OF OTTAWA
  • What's Happening
    • Cleary Detour
    • calendar
    • FirstU News
    • Affordable Housing
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Member Information >
      • Members' Page >
        • Our Covenant
        • Governance
        • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Past Services
    • Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
  • Make Friends
    • Adult Learning and Growth
    • Cultivating Compassionate Community >
      • FirstU Food Sharing Centre
      • UU Pride
      • Embracing Diversity
    • Social Justice >
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • Climate Action
    • Music
    • Volunteer with us >
      • volunteer task submission form
      • Volunteer/Leader Resources
    • Getting Connected Guide
  • eUU Weekly Newsletter
    • Parkway Spire Quarterly Magazine
    • Archives
  • Make a Donation
    • Legacy Giving
    • Ajashki Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Ceremonies and Rentals >
      • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
      • Facility Rentals

Meet the Religious Exploration Team

Picture
Jodi McIntosh
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. 

Picture
Susan McEwen
Religious Exploration Assistant

​I'm delighted to be part of the team at First U as Religious Exploration Assistant. There's so much wonder and beauty in exploring and learning with children and youth. Nurturing welcoming community for young people and their families enhances the vitality of the whole congregation. I hope my past experience as Director of Religious Exploration (2005-2008) and Director of Lifespan Learning (2011-2015) helps me contribute in meaningful ways to a fresh, creative, and flourishing program.  When I'm not supporting the RE team at First U, you might find me teaching a wool felting workshop, tending a garden, enjoying a swim, cuddling cats, or savouring family time with my partner and grown up kid.

A portrait of a middle-aged blond woman with long hair and brown eyes.
Rita Ross,
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 2 wonderful adults.
I am an RECE and have been working in the field for 34 years.  I have experience with all ages of children. 
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.

Picture

​30 Cleary Ave   K2A 4A1   
613-725-1066
  
[email protected]

"We acknowledge that our campus is located on traditional, unsurrendered
and unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory; and that the work
of reconciliation is a responsibility of our congregation, and of all Canadians. 
"Our goal is to educate ourselves and all who have ears to hear,
to be of service to those who are at risk, and to advocate for justice.

Our Charitable Number: ​107387953 RR 0001

Find full contact information, maps and directions HERE
Find our Sitemap HERE
Picture
Picture
Picture
  • What's Happening
    • Cleary Detour
    • calendar
    • FirstU News
    • Affordable Housing
  • About Us
    • Our Ministry Team
    • About Unitarian Universalism
    • Member Information >
      • Members' Page >
        • Our Covenant
        • Governance
        • Campus Planning Member Page
      • Death Notices and Memorial Details for Members
  • Worship
    • Past Services
    • Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
  • Make Friends
    • Adult Learning and Growth
    • Cultivating Compassionate Community >
      • FirstU Food Sharing Centre
      • UU Pride
      • Embracing Diversity
    • Social Justice >
      • AJASHKI Garden Project
      • Climate Action
    • Music
    • Volunteer with us >
      • volunteer task submission form
      • Volunteer/Leader Resources
    • Getting Connected Guide
  • eUU Weekly Newsletter
    • Parkway Spire Quarterly Magazine
    • Archives
  • Make a Donation
    • Legacy Giving
    • Ajashki Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Staff Directory
    • Ceremonies and Rentals >
      • Weddings, Memorials, Child Dedications and other Rites of Passage
      • Facility Rentals