Ministry Staff

Hugh Donnelly • Lead Minister

LOVER OF MOTORBIKES, MUSIC, AND MAPLE SYRUP. AND ALLITERATION

Hugh, originally from PEI, loves late-night conversations about philosophy and theology. Of special interest are the questions without answers. He performs regularly with kindred musical spirits in the band Lost Pilgrims, and has, along the way, gained a deeper understanding of the role of solitude, music and art in the spiritual life. Curiosity, inclusion and openness to the unknown have become the pillars of his ministry. He wants to be an astronaut when he grows up. 

Courtney Crawford • Associate Minister

CREATIVE SPIRIT. WANNABE FOODIE. DARK CHOCOLATE LOVER. CRAFTER

Courtney brings a varied background to ministry having worked in architecture and design, various ministry positions both congregational and at the national offices, and as birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. She has served three other congregations in ministry: Minister of Mission & Outreach at Westmount Presbyterian in London, Minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Coldwater, and both Mission & Outreach and Christian Education Coordinator at Rosedale Presbyterian Church in Toronto.

Courtney’s passions in ministry are: bringing faith alive in young families, intergenerational worship and faith formation, exploring faith through the arts, being an inclusive and courageous church, and figuring out creative ways to reach out in love to the local community. She and her husband Jeffrey have two young school aged children Nathan and Hannah. In her spare time Courtney enjoys knitting, quilting, painting, downhill skiing, yoga and travel adventures with her family.

Carole Clyde-Ellis • Faith Formation Coordinator

Carole is responsible for co-ordinating children’s and youth programs at Knox. This involves leadership in Sunday School; Vacation Bible Camp, outreach and service projects, as well as, supporting mission opportunities locally or abroad whenever possible. She is also the staff liaison for Logos, a mid-week multigenerational program. Carole brings with her over 10 years of involvement in all of these activities as a parent volunteer and Sunday School teacher at Knox. She has an MSW and has worked as a social worker within the field of child protection for nearly 10 years. Carole brings a deep passion and knowledge about children and families to this new role.

Mary-Catherine Pazzano • Music Director​

SINGER. CLASSIC MOVIE FAN. LOVER OF CITY LIFE

As the Music Director at Knox, Mary-Catherine runs the Chancel Choir, oversees the Praise Band, and prepares music for worship on Sunday mornings. For the past decade, Mary-Catherine has been working as a performer, freelance vocalist, music educator, and vocal coach. She has performed at jazz festivals and concert venues, debuted works in multiple locations, including New York City, and recorded multiple albums. When Mary-Catherine is not performing, she is passionate about community music endeavours, including two programs she has created: Jazz in the Schools, and Jazz for Adults. She is also the Music Director for the Waterloo Regional Police Chorus. In her spare time, Mary-Catherine is sure to be watching Turner Classic Movies, or reading biographies in her backyard.

Ruth Song • Director of Finance

Ruth brings to Knox a strong background in finance and many years of experience in the Presbyterian church.

Charlene Janes • Director of Operations

TECHNOLOGY LOVER. THEOLOGY NERD. AVID READER. PLANTAHOLIC

Charlene loves technology, considers herself a theology nerd, is an avid reader, and a plantaholic.