Rev. Maya Landell
Lead Minister
Rev. Maya Landell has been the Lead Minister at Islington since January 2017. Maya is passionate about building community, creative worship and leadership that allows people to grow and thrive.
She is an avid reader, loves swimming and running, and is learning to knit. Maya lives with her husband Adam, daughter Norah, and beagle-basset hound Sophie.
Jason Locke
Minister of Music
James Aitchison
Pastoral Care Ministry Lead
James joined the ministry team in September 2017 and has seen his role gradually develop since then, now involving various ministries. Alongside pastoral visitation, James supports Sunday worship, daily meditation, Interfaith conversation, Anti-Racism work, and The Resonance Project, among other programs.
Graduating with a Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel College in May of 2021, James is excited about the journey ahead, though he remains committed to the spiritual practice of presence along the way. He has been fortunate to travel a lot and translates lessons from the road into his life and work.
Having grown up at IUC since he was ten years old, he is grateful to be learning more about ministry in a community he knows and loves. He is especially grateful for the incredible pastoral gifts of the community, who support one another with such compassion and generosity.
Randee Marquez
Communications Ministry Specialist
Randee has been on staff at Islington United since 2012.
Randee is a professional writer and editor, with expertise in communications and graphic design. Randee heads up print and digital communications at Islington United, from bookmarks and posters to tickets and websites.
A published author, she has written and edited hundreds of publications, from books and brochures to wine labels and websites.
Randee learns daily from her two awesome children and husband, and loves hiking in nature, reading and salsa dancing. She has been a dedicated environmentalist for more than four decades, and can typically be found enjoying a cup of tea.
Brianna Raakman
Children, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Lead
Brianna brings to this role five years of experience with Knox Camp, a ministry of Knox Presbyterian Church in downtown Toronto. At Knox Camp, trained Christian leaders supervise young campers in a well-rounded program that includes sports, arts and crafts, Bible studies, music, drama, skits, and field trips. During her time there Brianna served as Camp Coordinator and then Director, which also included responsibility for the Leader in Training (LIT) program for teens.
This past year, Brianna also led the youth group at her former local church, Meadowvale Community Church.
Brianna has come to realize that working in ministry is her true passion. To this ministry work she applies her love for the dramatic arts and background in theatre, writing, film and television to brings the gospel to all ages.
In her spare time, Brianna enjoys singing, playing guitar, playing board games, and making home videos.
Catherine Locke
Hospitality Ministry Lead
Catherine has attended Islington United since 2017 and quickly became involved with the Senior Choir, Resonance and Hospitality ministries.
For the past 13 years, Catherine has worked for Chartwell Retirement Residences in various roles including Office Management, Food Service Management and the most recent 6 years as General Manager. Catherine has a passion for building relationships, cooking and serving food, and developing new programs.
As a people manager, Catherine understands the importance of building a strong team that is flexible and has a desire to do their best to serve their community.
Catherine lives in midtown Toronto with her cat, Maeve.
Laurie Lyle
Manager of Operations
Laurie joined the team at Islington in September 2020. She has more than 30 years working in the non-profit sector, including at Retail Council of Canada, York University Sport & Recreation, and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association.
For the past 12 years, Laurie has been a full-time volunteer serving on four boards, including two years as president at both the Kiwanis Club of Toronto and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs. She also volunteers at Humbercrest Public School and the Baby Point Club.
Her extensive management experience encompasses financial controls, database development, project management, marketing and sponsorship, volunteer engagement, strategic planning, and leading teams.
Raised in Manitoba, Laurie moved to Toronto in 1988. She lives in the local community with her two sons. Laurie is resourceful, diversity aware, and passionate about her work. She is also dedicated to community service, is a huge sports enthusiast, and loves to dance.
Erin Pellow
Finance & Facilities Coordinator
Erin is a a customer-focused professional with a successful 15-year career in various administrative, customer success and operations related roles. Most of that time was spent at Pearson, an international publisher of education technology, where she held successive positions as Program Coordinator, Instructional Designer, Senior Operations Analyst and Customer Success Manager. Prior to this Erin worked at Easter Seals Ontario as a Program Coordinator and Linde Canada as an Administrative Assistant.
In her free time, Erin enjoy walks with my dog Morley and connecting with people in my neighbourhood. She loves live music, creating art, and other such crafty bits. Erin also enjoys spending time with people, sharing a laugh, a meal or beverage (hot or cold), and some great conversation!
Scott Robertson
Ministry Support Coordinator
Born and raised in Toronto, Scott is now bringing his 10 years of experience in different non-profit organizations including Legal Aid Ontario, Innocence Canada, and Canadian Civil Liberties Association to Islington United Church.
Through his past work, Scott has experience in a diverse number of environments, including a criminal courthouse and provincial detention centre that have helped form his views on social justice. Scott is eager to join the team, meet the community, and contribute his expertise and experience to the Islington United Church.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Western University (2016) and a Certificate in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (2022).
When Scott needs a break, he can be found on the golf course or rooting on his favourite sports team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
