I am a progressive Christian minister serving the congregation of St. James United Church in Waterdown, Ontario. I specialize in faith-based productivity coaching, mission development coaching, small group ministries and contemporary worship leadership.

I have been serving in ministry since 1995, including congregational ministry, regional mission development coaching, and youth ministry in the United Church of Canada and formerly in the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Prior to going into ministry, I was a professional musician working a day-job as a record store manager for HMV Music Stores.

I had a brief flirtation with acting in 1995 when I appeared in an episode of The X-Files along with Canadian actor, Ryan Reynolds.

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from The University of Western Ontario in 1991. I originally enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program in Physics intending to specialize in Acoustics, then changed to a Bachelor of Music in theory and composition, before finally settling on philosophy. Hey, you don’t have to get it right the first time!

I received my Master of Divinity Degree from The Vancouver School of Theology (University of British Columbia) in 1996. I specialized in small group ministries and contempoary worship with other studies in Bowenian Family System Theory/Therapy and Adlerian Brief Therapy.

I am currently contemplating a Doctor of Ministry Degree program in the spirituality of genealogy – understanding healing through family history.

I am certified in suicide intervention.

I have over 25 years experience as a genealogist. I host my own family history website. I am a co-founder and web host of the Stewarts of Balquhidder Research Group, studying Clan Stewart of Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, one of the largest Scottich clan genealogy and history projects online.

I view genealogy as a therapeutic spiritual practice that connects me with the lives of my ancestors in a deeply grounding way.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.

I paint emotions with sound. I am a multi-instrumentalist musician. My primary instruments are flute and acousting and electric guitar, though I also play saxophone, mandolin, bass, pennywhistle, Irish low whistle, recorder, djembe, bodhran, congas and other hand-percussion.

I played professionally in handful of original bar bands in the late 80s while working a day-job as a record store manager for HMV Music. I have also played in a country band, classical orchestra, and as a jazz soloist.

I majored in music theory and composition during part of my undergrad. I am classically trained, but my heart is rock and roll, and my soul sings to traditional Scots Gaelic music. (Although my soul may sing, I don’t. I’m a terrible singer.) 

To watch my music videos CLICK HERE

The wind in my face sets my spirit free. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 14 years old. I have logged over a quarter-million km in the saddle. I have travelled all over North America on two wheels. I currently ride a 2004, 1700cc, Yamaha Road Star. Prior to that I rode a 1995 Yamaha Virago 1100 and a 1985 Yamaha Virago 750. I am partial to Yamaha. Yes, I find it somewhat disconcerting that my motorcycle and my flute are made by the same company, but neither have ever let me down. (For more information)

I have come to a deeper understanding of the role that power plays in relationships. I am a founding member of Voices Against Bullying, a parent-initiated organization that seeks to positively impact the way bullying is handled in Hamilton schools, and to provide support for families affected by bullying.

I am an adult survivor of a decade of torturous childhood bullying and repeated childhood sexual abuse (which I generally refer to as CSA to reduce triggering for readers). These personal experiences inform my desire to make life safer for children today. I also advocate for male survivors of sexual abuse.

As a neurodivergent who has walked a healing path from childhood trauma, I advocate for mental health practices for others. I am a supporter of the Semi-Colon Project.

I am a master leathercrafter with 40 years of experience, having studied under the late Alex Clark from London, Ontario. I specialize in Scottish kilt accessories (sporrans and belts) and motorcycle accessories.