Rev. Michelle Robinson
Lead Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care
Michelle graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University (Bachelor of Music Therapy), OISE/U of T (Master of Arts in Child Study and Education) and Emmanuel College/U of T (Master of Divinity). Michelle was ordained in 2009. Prior to entering the ministry, she worked as a music therapist, special education teacher and music studio owner.
Michelle brings a passion for Biblical preaching, exploring the stories of the Christian faith and wrestling with their application to our lives here and now. She loves family, friends, food, music, and the outdoors and in particular looks forward to her and her husband’s yearly canoe trip in the Algonquin back country.
Cathy Shaw
Minister of Faith Formation
Cathy is a life-long member of the United Church of Canada and involved in all aspects of church life. She is the proud Mom of two adult daughters; Janelle is the minister of a two-point charge in Southern Saskatchewan and Jordan lives and works in St. Catharines. Before arriving at Westminster in 2013, Cathy worked for many years as the Program Coordinator at St. Paul’s United Church in Ajax, became a Licensed Lay Worship Leader (LLWL) and held numerous leadership positions within community volunteer organizations. Her strong faith, energy, creativity, compassion and ability to lead, encourage and empower others serve her well as a member of the Ministry Team at Westminster. Cathy believes that “we are all children of God, regardless of our age” and that the process of forming one’s Faith is a life-long journey.
Linda Hunter
Minister of Music
Linda’s early love of music grew considerably when, at the tender age of 13, she eagerly took on the role of Choir Director at her local church. With the help of her mother, she recruited members, selected arrangements, conducted rehearsals and lead the choir during Church service. This was to be the stepping stone to her lifelong journey of spreading the joy of music.
After many years as the Pianist, Organist and Choir Director for local churches, Linda studied and obtained her degree as an Associate of The Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT). This was followed by several years of pipe organ study and exams.
As a member of The Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA), Linda instilled her love of music, providing private piano lessons and theory to countless students over the years in the Greenbank and Port Perry area.
A lifelong resident of Greenbank, Linda has two fantastic children, three beautiful grandchildren and a spunky little pug and enjoys family and small-town living with her husband, Bob.
Linda is delighted to join the wonderful team at Westminster United and looks forward to continuing to spread her love of music.
Amy Medlock
Ministerial Administrative Assistant
Amy grew up as part of the congregation at Westminster, actively participating in the life of the church. She is passionate about community outreach and social justice. Amy has a background in photography, and brings a creative approach to producing varying forms of media for Westminster; photos, videos, and graphic design that can be found on our social media platforms, printed pamphlets & booklets, and in worship.
Here to help keep our congregation connected and engaged, you can reach out to Amy about upcoming events in our calendar and she will put you in touch with the right people. Outside of Westminster, you can find her on her bike, on or in the water, or most anywhere that she can be surrounded by trees.
Sara Russell
Coordinator: Spiritual Practices for Connection and Well Being
A recent graduate of McMaster Divinity College, Sara completed her ministry placement at Westminster United Church in her final year of seminary where she obtained a Masters of Theological Studies with an emphasis on counselling and spiritual care.
Through her time at seminary and at Westminster, Sara has developed a heart for spiritual formation and exploring the different faith practices that draw us closer to Christ and to each other.
In her role as Coordinator – Small Groups for Connection and Well-Being, it is her prayer that you will discover or re-discover, a spiritual practice that is enriching (and maybe even surprising!).
Sara lives in Whitby with her amazing husband and their cat, Shepherd. Sara can be found running or watching BBC detective stories, and loves preparing meals while dancing in the kitchen to loud music.
Ronell Paguio
Custodian
Ronell keeps Westminster’s property in tip-top shape. Always to the rescue for a repair and keeps the building shiny! Ronell brings a laugh and a smile to every room he enters. A vital part of our team, he makes sure our place of worship is comfortable and welcoming for all.
Outside of Westminster Ronell loves to spend time with his family and friends, and enjoys astral photography.