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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.
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Susie Shapiro (she/her)Religious exploration assistantI'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 experience as an educator and artist 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, taking photos in nature, cuddling my cats, or savouring time with friend
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rita ross (she/her)childcare coordinatorHello 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. |
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esther paul (they/them)childcare assistantHello! 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.
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