Staff Directory

Rev. Michael Brooks joined Port Nelson as Lead Minister in 2009. He guides the staff team and oversees the various ministries of the church. Michael leads worship, baptisms and weddings. He also provides staff support to the Worship Ministry, Stewardship Ministry, Trustees and Church Board. Michael loves the variety of work that is ministry, especially marking life stages with people. He also keeps busy on the curling rink in the winter and sailing his boat in the summer.

Rev. Karen Eade joined Port Nelson in 2021. Karen is excited to be a part the Port Nelson ministry team and introduce Godly Play into our children’s programming.

Rev. Candy Harvey began attending Port Nelson in 2011 after she retired from ministry at Lucknow United Church. She loves filling in at worship or covering emergency pastoral care when needed, and fulfilling her role as Chair of the Spiritual Growth Ministry. In her spare time she loves, reading, playing with grandchildren, curling, playing bridge, and leading labyrinth walks.

Christine Chesebrough, Operations Manager, provides direction for facilities, finances, rentals, and event operations, while providing support the Operations Team, Church Board, ministries, and congregation. 

Christine holds an MBA with leadership experience in healthcare and daycare management, and Board experience, with the City of Hamilton and the Halton’s Women Center. She holds a Master of Music with decades of worship music leadership.

Her work reflects a steady commitment to excellence, collaboration, and faithful service to Port Nelson.

April Vaughan joined Port Nelson in November 2025. She looks forward to assisting the Port Nelson community in her role as Office Administrator. With 20 years of experience in Emergency Services and an additional 10 years in hospitality, she brings a strong background in service, organization, and care. April is pleased to embrace a change of pace and continue serving others in a meaningful way.

Mark W. Ruhnke joined Port Nelson in September 2022.  Mark was born and raised in Scarborough and now resides in Burlington. Just prior to the beginning of Covid-19, Mark successfully defended his dissertation at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. This was a culminating event, celebrating a career shared between various churches in the United Church of Canada and in the music education field.

Matthew Coons is an award-winning pianist and organist. During his university days,  he placed first in the RCCO’s Young Organists Competition (Toronto Centre) and in 2008 and in 2009 he placed second in the Canadian National Organ Playing Competition. He is a former Assistant Organist at Metropolitan United Church and has held positions at a number of churches in Toronto. Matthew is excited to be joining the worship team at Port Nelson as Organist and Accompanist. He looks forward to working collaboratively to enhance the worship experience for the congregation.

Following stints as GLEE Camp Director and Youth Ministry Assistant, Jocelyn joined Port Nelson in the new role of Developer of Children and Youth Ministry in 2023.  She brings a passion and energy for sharing her faith with children, youth and their families.  Jocelyn oversees all programming for children and youth, as well as our summer GLEE camp program.

Doctor Yvonne LeBlanc grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and began her career as a registered nurse working in various locations across Canada. She returned to Ontario in 2005 to pursue doctoral studies at McMaster University and earned her PhD in Sociology in 2010. Although her career paths have diverged, her central focus has consistently intersected in the areas of health and aging both as a health professional and an academic educator and researcher. Yvonne began attending Port Nelson United Church in 2008 and has been a member of the choir since 2009. She’s happily married to Richard, also a member of Port Nelson. They have two wonderful children along with their amazing partners and two beautiful grandchildren. Yvonne loves music, reading, hiking, and socializing with friends and family. She is thrilled to begin this next chapter as the Developer of Caring Ministry.

Jocelyn Birkes brings both experience and enthusiasm to this new role. She supports the congregation in living out its Affirming Statement through education, community partnerships, and inclusive programming. Drawing on her background in community development and social justice work, Jocelyn helps strengthen Port Nelson’s commitment to creating spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and supported, and where Affirming Ministry continues to grow with care and intention.

Nisha joined Port Nelson in 2025 as the Meals of Hope Coordinator. She is passionate about building inclusive communities and is excited to support the Meals of Hope program. Nisha brings experience in coordination, food safety, and community engagement to her role at Port Nelson United Church.

Lauren works with the Halton District School Board, where she enjoys the wonder, curiosity and learning that happens every day with young children. She is especially passionate about following children’s interests and seeing where their explorations take them. When not at school or the church, Lauren enjoys baking, learning new crafts and spending time outdoors hiking.

Riley Denver joined Port Nelson as the Communications Coordinator in 2018. He crafts content for the weekly e-newsletter, manages the church’s social media channels, produces graphic design marketing products, and liaises with media. Outside of Port Nelson, Riley keeps busy with his young family, as well as running his own communications business.

Roy was born and raised in Burlington and is passionate about communications, technology, writing and community development, as well as church ministry work. He has had a lifelong interest in computers and audio-video production. He holds a degree in Communication Studies and English from McMaster University and has several years of experience working with the Anglican Church and other non-profit organizations. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, tinkering with electronics and cycling local trails.