Staff

Minister
Fraser Elsdon
felsdon@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #201 Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! My name’s Fraser, and I’m a candidate for ministry in the United Church of Canada, providing leadership at Cummer Avenue as part of my two-year ministry apprenticeship. I received my Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel College in Toronto, I have a diploma in Theatre Arts from George Brown College and an Honours BA from University of Toronto. Prior to entering ministry I worked as an actor and writer for stage and television, and also spent time working in the service industry as a server and bartender. I’m delighted to be a part of this diverse and welcoming congregation as we deepen our spirituality and live into the Christian story together!

Director of Music Ministries
Taylor Sullivan
taylorsullivan@yahoo.com I studied at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, I have served as a church musician for over 30 years and have been the Director of Music Ministries at Cummer Avenue United Church since 1992. Under my leadership, a strong music program continues, one that embraces songs from all around the world and features a wide variety of styles and genres of music. I am also the director of the Victoria College choir and organist for Victoria University at the University of Toronto. Throughout my career, I have endeavored to offer audiences musical programs that are well balanced and of high musical standards. No matter the venue, Taylor brings experience and passion to inspire audiences both at home and abroad. Visit the Music page for details on the Music Ministry at CAUC

Drop-Inn Coordinator
Hushane Thompson
cauc.dropinn@gmail.com 416-222-5417 ext. #204 I joined Cummer Avenue United Church (CAUC) Drop Inn as a Program Coordinator because I believe deeply in the importance of community, dignity, and human connection. I was drawn to CAUC’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and systemic barriers can access support, resources, and a sense of belonging. My approach to this work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity, regardless of their circumstances. My professional journey has been shaped by a multidisciplinary educational and professional background that has allowed me to develop skills in community support, case management, program coordination, operations, and advocacy. I have experience working alongside diverse communities, supporting individuals through complex challenges, and developing programs and services that respond to community needs. My practice is rooted in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, recognizing the strengths, resilience, and lived experiences of the individuals and communities we serve. Outside of work, I enjoy caring for plants, exploring creative projects, listening to music, and writing poetry. I value opportunities for reflection, storytelling, and creative expression, and I look forward to contributing to a space where everyone feels respected, supported, and valued.

Minister of Community Wellness
Karen Shea
kshea@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #202 Hi there! I’m the Minister for Community Wellness & Pastoral Care. I’ve been a member of the staff team here Cummer since 2019. Through this ministry I try to support & encourage all that which helps us to be healthy, whole and engaged individuals, seeking God’s presence while supporting the lives of those around us. This includes actively supporting the health & wellness of our planet and the creatures therein. I am honoured to create & grow this ministry within a community of faith that has chosen ‘Kindness, Justice & Hope’ as it’s tag line! I was born in Montreal and over subsequent years, lived in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, back to Quebec, several different locations in Ontario, a fly-in Indigenous community in northern Manitoba, and in Alberta! Moving around Canada like this came with its challenges but gave me lifelong friendships and insight into people’s lives across this diverse country. I came to understand that there is far more that we share in common, than separates us. I completed my undergraduate degree at Univ of Toronto & my Masters degree in Theology & Pastoral Ministry at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, with training in Spiritual Direction. I completed a degree in Horticulture through part-time studies at the Univ of Guelph & trained in Therapeutic Horticulture. I’ve worked as a Campus Minister at the University of Alberta; as Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Edmonton, and as a Pastor of Outreach for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto in a new church plant. I started a small Social Enterprise to support individuals with intellectual challenges, in creating botanically-based organic skin care products; & enjoyed working as a part-time dog walker! Eventually in 2019, I began my ministry here at CAUC. When not doing any of the above, I like to be outdoors; to bake & to spend quiet time by the water, preferably with a knitting project nearby!

Church Administrator
Heather Miller
office@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #200 I joined the staff of Cummer Avenue United Church in October 2014, having spent over 20 years working in various human resources roles for a large financial services company. I first came to Cummer Avenue UC (then Newtonbrook) in 1979, when my family moved into the neighbourhood – having previously lived in Montreal and Ottawa. I quickly got involved in Sunday School, Explorers, and – when I was a little older – Youth Group. After high school, I attended Queen’s University – studying English and French – but I returned to the neighbourhood and the church after graduation. Over the years I was involved in many activities and groups, including co-chairing both the Outreach and Worship Committees (not at the same time), serving on Joint Pastoral Relations, teaching Sunday School, doing Sanctuary décor. When not at work I enjoy reading and knitting. My “happy place” is a cottage north of Kingston, where I like to swim, canoe, and just sit on the dock in the sun.
