Kate Ballagh-Steeper (she/her)  —  Minister

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Kate joins the Harcourt faith community with excitement, passion and experience. Kate brings 31 years of ministry experience in a variety of places, from traditional congregational ministry to serving as the Chaplain/Executive Director of a small ecumenical agency working in the city of London’s largest public housing complexes. Community building, creative liturgy and working on justice initiatives are particular interests. Collaborating with others is when Kate says she is most creative.

Kate is married to the Rev. Kevin Steeper, Pastoral Support Minister for Western Ontario Waterways Region, Antler River Region, and Horseshoe Falls Regions. They have two grown daughters, Martha (26 and living in Nova Scotia) and Maggie (24 and living near Meaford) who delight them and bring them joy. Kate also enjoys singing, hiking, biking and TV. 

Please feel welcome to contact her by e-mail.

Alison MacNeill (she/her)  —  Director of Music Ministries

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Alison is a graduate of the University of Guelph and of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Born in Guelph, she returned to live and work following her graduate work at the University of Western Ontario.She is the Director of Music Ministries here at Harcourt, a position she has held since 1988.  

Alison also maintains a large teaching studio in Guelph and is a busy freelance accompanist and chamber musician. Through the years, she has been a pianist for the University of Guelph Choir, the Elora Festival Singers, Guelph Youth Singers and the Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo-Wellington.  

She has been the accompanist for the Guelph Chamber Choir for many years and performs and tours with them frequently. Alison is featured on two of the choir’s CDs.

Pamela Girardi (she/they)  —  MANNA Lead Coordinator/ Community Engagement Animator

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Pamela is passionate about community-based ministry and NGO management. For 9 years, Pamela directed young adults in immersion programs in Ghana and El Salvador with the One World program. She is one of the founders of Camp Micah, an LGBTQ+ affirming ecumenical camp for youth interested in social justice. She works in community ministry with Pastors in Exile and here at Harcourt as our Manna Coordinator.

Pamela is a graduate of the University of Guelph and studied youth ministry at Renison College.

Pamela and her wife, Colleen, live in Guelph with their three children Zoelle, Sage, and Zeben. She loves spending time in her veggie garden, biking around and camping with her family.

Wendy Guilmette (she/her)  —  Church Administrator

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Wendy comes to us with a strong background in volunteer management, office administration and social work. She is graduate of both Waterloo University and Conestoga College.

She has lived in Guelph for 30 years raising her children with her spouse Mike. She feels that life has given her many blessings; they are her grandchildren who are the keepers of her heart.

David Kucherepa  —  Custodian

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David Kucherepa is Harcourt’s Custodian. David previously worked in the Parks and Recreation Department with the City of Guelph. He brings to his role experience in cleaning, snow removal, grounds care and maintenance. David began working at Harcourt in early 2020 and is at the church Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Casey Connor (she/her)  —  Worship, Communications and Technical Support

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Casey is a University of Guelph graduate who brings knowledge in communications, accessibility, and technology. She works with the Tech Team and Communications Committee to produce the weekly e-harcourt newsletter, live streams, and social media and website content. She is excited to bring her experience to Harcourt to increase connectivity within (and beyond!) our community.

Casey lives in Guelph with her partner, James, and cat, Rose. In her free time, Casey enjoys camping and creating art.

Justin Yien (he/him)  —  Technical Support Assistant

Justin is an Animal Biology student from the University of Guelph. His position allows him to help and work together with people, which he values greatly.

Justin is glad to be able to work with the church and to help in allowing the church to become more accessible through technology.

Justin currently lives with 5 roommates in a shared house, in his free time he plays video games and listens to music.


Chair of Council - Lorraine Holding

Lorraine has been part of Harcourt for over 35 years. She is a founding member of the Handbell Choir which formed in 1991. After chairing the Official Board in 1996, she has continued to take leadership roles in various ad hoc committees and facilitation processes.

Most recently, she served on Ministry & Personnel Committee for six years and then transitioned into chairing the Sabbatical Coordinating Team for two years. She responded to her sense of call by accepting the role of Council Chair in fall 2015.

Outside of Harcourt, Lorraine has served as a Board/Executive member for the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, and the Guelph Wellington Chapter of Stroke Recovery Canada. She also spends time in the rural area of her family roots, Owen Sound.