Rev. Dr. Keith Howard is profoundly curious about the interface between the Christian gospel and the social context in which we live. This curiosity has drawn him into many roles within and outside The United Church of Canada over the last 40+ years including: preacher, writer, blogger, broadcaster, Conference staff, executive director, project team leader, and teacher. Keith holds degrees from the University of Victoria, the Vancouver School of Theology and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is married to Gaye Sharpe and is the father of five and the grandfather of seven.

To reach Rev. Howard please call 250-598-5021 or send him an email.

Anna Bigland-Pritchard is a soprano, songwriter, and community-focused musical arts facilitator. She moved to Lekwungen territory in 2020 to study singing with Nancy Argenta, after living in Winnipeg (Treaty 1) for 10 years, and prior to that grew up in rural Saskatchewan (Treaty 6) and the UK. She holds a BMus in Vocal Performance and Music Ministry (Canadian Mennonite University), and a Post-bacc in Vocal Performance (University of Manitoba). Along with an emerging career as a professional singer, and work in digital marketing for arts organizations, Anna maintains her voice studio ABP Music Studio where the focus is on singing for self-care. Anna is passionate about the intersections of creativity and climate justice, and regularly works with KAIROS Canada to develop eco-mindfulness and community action resources for communities of faith. She is deeply nourished by expressive arts therapy studies, and a mindfulness practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Anna feels led by Creator to build connection, peace and resilience in communities through the sneaky power of creativity.

To reach Anna please call 250-598-5021 or send them an email.

Amira Rose Abdel-Malek is a graduate of the School of Child and Youth Care’s Master’s program at the University of Victoria. Her research project was conducted for the Children’s Health Foundation (formally known as Queen Alexandra Hospital) on the equity of services for families with children who require accessibility and medical services.

Amira’s family of origin is a mix of Coptic (an Indigenous ethnic and religious minority in Egypt) and Irish as well as English settlers; and her sister is a person with neurodiversity. Today, Amira and her partner (who is from Germany) are the delighted parents of a lively toddler. Amira’s experience as a member of an international and mixed-ability family informs her approach to working with people, which centres trusting relationships and is guided by a focus on people’s strengths.

Amira’s professional development comprises counselling, community programming, academic research and writing, applied theatre, playwriting, and performance. A snapshot of Amira’s work experience includes 1) facilitating programs for the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, the UVic Family Centre, and the Shelbourne Community Kitchen; 2) engaging children and families in play, narrative, and art therapies at Family Services of Greater Victoria; and 3) conducting academic research and writing for SSHRC-funded community-based research projects that examine equity issues within child services across Canada.

She was the recipient of a ConVERGE micro-residency at Puente and Intrepid Theatre (2022) and has had the joy of working with her mentors to use puppetry and performance to bring to life her debut play The Shoemaker’s Son, produced by Theatre Inconnu in 2023. She continues to co-facilitate applied theatre projects with the Garth Homer Society’s drama program, supporting their artists in all aspects of storytelling (2019/2021/2024). Other highlights from her artistic work include puppeteering giant puppets for paintings and stories by the Tsimshian, Haida, and British artist Roy Henry Vickers in Peace Dancer (2017/2019). Amira believes that art is a way of being: a wonderful modality for fostering local and global community, and for cultivating spiritual wellbeing.

Alana Hayes joined the Oak Bay United Church community as office administrator in February 2023. She has previously worked in registration at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and as an administrative assistant for Vox Humana Choir. A Toronto native, she moved to Victoria for what was intended to be a short stay but quickly decided to make it her home. She recently completed her Masters in Musicology with Voice Performance at the University of Victoria. Alana is an active member of Victoria’s musical community. She is a member of the Voice Faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, a founding member of Octet Victoria, a group dedicated to exploring and performing excellent choral repertoire, and performs regularly as a soloist and ensemble singer with local groups like Victoria Baroque, Vox Humana, and the St John’s Chamber Singers.