Meet the Religious Exploration Team
Neo Yaxley,
Acting Director of Religious Exploration Thank you to everyone for making me feel welcome and a part of the community here at First Unitarian. As time passes I am feeling a part of your community and value so much my interactions with you all. Just in case we have not had a chance to connect here is a little bit about myself: I was raised in the Northwest Territories, the land of the midnight sun, where I spent a significant part of my childhood on the land and in the cold. My ancestral roots descend from Botswana and Wales. In my early 20’s I moved to Alberta where I studied Rural Development. Upon completion of my studies I worked and volunteered abroad in education as well as locally within education with Migrant workers and Indigenous persons. Along the way I discovered a passion for the field of education and so back to school I went and studied Art Education. While working with children and youth in the capacity of an Art Educator I become interested in supporting children and youth in their personal development and moved to Vancouver where I studied Counselling and Life Coaching. After having my son, I was seeking a spiritual home for us and I connected with your congregation after having had a great experience with UU’s in the past. Your teachings resonated with me. As well, I was seeking a change from being in the classroom and I knew that the universe was definitely conspiring with me when I saw the posting for the DRE position. Consequently, and in gratitude, I find myself working in your service. I believe the Religious Exploration program is full of potential. With your continued enthusiasm and hands-on support, I know we can build a solid faith- based programme for children and youth. 
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 on 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 and toddlers and young mothers. I have enjoyed working at first U for the past 2 years and am excited to continue to deliver a fun age appropriate program to the chalice tots. We are looking for new members to join our team. If you are interested please contact dre@firstunitarianottawa.ca Please stay tuned to the e-UU where you will find our outdoor-themed plans for our children’s summer programme. |
Sarah Nugent, Religious Exploration Chair
Originally from a farm near Arnprior, Sarah first began attending and volunteering in the Religious Exploration program for kids in 2007. She has continued to attend First U Ottawa with her husband, Glenn and her three energetic and enthusiastic children, James (9), Cameron (7) and Charlotte (5). In 2016 Sarah joined the RE Team and continues to actively support and contribute to the renewal of the RE program as chair of the RE Team, including re-envisioning and coordinating the Coming of Age program for 2018-19. Sarah has a lifelong love of nature that evolved with her B.A.Sc. in Biology and the Environmental Sciences, which led to her first career contributing to the protection of Ontario’s natural resources with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Sarah coordinated decision-making within the Ministry and with other agencies, primarily for the protection of Ontario’s rivers, waterpower resources and endangered species, while ensuring principles of public engagement were met. As the seasons of her life changed, Sarah’s second career continues to have a focus on nature as a central component of her thriving home child care business. She has successfully built a connected and supportive community for children and their families, with a focus on developmentally appropriate and mindful approaches to help all children to not only learn, but to thrive. 
Krystal Tucker,
Childcare Assistant My name is Krystal Tucker and, since the winter of 2018, I have been the childcare assistant at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. In 2012 I graduated from Carleton University with Honors and received my Bachelor of Arts in English. During my time in university I took several Child Psychology courses and worked part time at Youville Center. Since graduating I have worked as a freelance writer, transcriber, content writer, editor, ghost writer and currently I work as an Educational Assistant at Kanata Academy. I am certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and have taken Fire and Safety Training through Storey Homes. I am a lover of arts, music and literature and take great pride in calling myself a mental health advocate, animal liberation advocate and a LGBTQ+ ally. Communications has always been my specialty and having found a way to bring my spirit and passion into this community has been really rewarding. I look forward to continuing to strengthen this community with you and your families. |
