Meet the Faith Representatives
The Faith & Spirituality Centre is very thankful for the generous support of many different religious and spiritual communities for providing chaplains to serve the campus community.
What is a Faith Representative?
A Faith Representative is a religious leader that is recognized by a broad religious community and has been trained to work with specific populations. Faith Representatives are here to provide spiritual and crisis support to students, staff and faculty, regardless of their beliefs. Many also engage in building communal opportunities for gathering, worship, and reflection.
Most of our Faith Representatives can be contacted by email for one-on-one conversations, though you can also find them hosting events on campus, supporting student clubs, or hanging out at the Faith & Spirituality Centre.
If you're interested in meeting with a Faith Representative but have some questions, email interfaith@ucalgary.ca to talk with our Coordinator about what might be a good fit!
Sandra Brask - Baháʼí
I was a student at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in 1968 when I heard about, and became attracted to, the Baháʼí Faith. I had been raised as a Christian but found myself curious about other religions.
The Baháʼí Faith appealed to me because it recognizes all the Great Religions as coming from one and the same Source. So as I deepened in my study of the Baháʼí teachings my interest in, and respect for, other faiths grew.
The Baháʼí Faith is “young” as far as religions go. It was founded in 1863. But it quickly spread world-wide and is recognized by the United Nations as an independent world religion. I committed myself to being a Baháʼí, translated to mean “Follower of the Light”, back in 1968. It has been a humbling journey but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. It sustains the very core of my being.
I recently retired as a Real Estate Agent. I am now teaching spirituality classes to young children. We call our classes “Camp Unity”. We teach the fundamentals of prayer, the Human Spirit, and the importance of living by the Virtues that are common to all sacred traditions. Unity in diversity is also celebrated.
My new role as Representative for the Baháʼí Faith on campus is an honour for me and an opportunity to serve in a new way. I look forward to this exciting adventure!
Learn more about Sandra here.
Contact
Email: sandra.brask@ucalgary.ca or campunity@shaw.ca
Bhante Chanda - Buddhist
Bhante Chanda is a Buddhist monk who completed monastic training in his very young age and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sri Lanka. He has spiritual experience with extensive knowledge in Buddhism, Meditation, Buddhist source languages of Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhalese and
Chinese, and Buddhist Education. He was also a full-time student of Devry University College in Calgary where he obtained additional knowledge of English and computer science.
Bhante will be visiting campus at least once a week, every Monday to meet with and support students. He would like to share his spiritual and moral experience with young friends which promotes mental health and spiritual well-being.(Overcoming negative feelings by developing Mindfulness and Loving kindness). He desires to share his practical knowledge in Buddhist meditation, Chanting and Pali doctrine.
He always appreciates cultural differences and the dynamic lifestyle of everyone. Bhante is also interested in the spiritual and mental benefits of martial arts and loves to enjoy nature and fresh air, hiking, and biking.
Contact
Phone Number or WhatsApp: (403) 401-4454
Rev. Dr. Carmen Maier - Christian (Anglican)
Study is an opportunity; it is also a challenge; it shapes how we view ourselves and our world. Sometimes companions on the way can help. I’m here to listen, to share the journey, to encourage, to be a sounding board. My passion is to see how our lives are intersected by the Divine Presence, sometimes mysteriously, sometimes more obviously.
My studies have covered the breadth of Christian traditions and history. My PhD is in Church History and my Masters studies are in Theology and Early Christian Studies. I have done some teaching in practical theology and spirituality. I am most interested in early Christian practices like meditation, hospitality, community life, silence… as many of these are so relevant for life today.
When I’m not at the University I am at St. James Anglican church, enjoying the life of the local congregation. When I’m not there, I’m usually outside, ideally mountain biking or hiking!
Learn more about Carmen here.
Contact
Email: carmen.maier1@ucalgary.ca
Jef Tsui - Christian (Baptist)
Jef Tsui is a graduate of the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane and has been involved in student ministry since 1995. His desire is to help young people become passionate followers of Jesus Christ and to know God experientially and holistically. He is also a jeweller, a photographer, and an artist.
Contact
Email: jtsui@ucalgary.ca
Fr. Troy Nguyen - Christian (Catholic)
My name is Fr Troy Nguyen! I am excited to be part of the team here at UCalgary. I am a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Calgary. I am the Vicar for Young Adults and I represent the bishop with regards to this demographic. I used to be a banker and a science/religion teacher before I became a priest and I love talking and discussing about faith and philosophical topics and even basketball and some anime!
We have created a new platform of outreach for university students and young adults called the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy at our off-campus centre in St. Mary's Cathedral. I will be visiting campus at least once a week as I split my time between MRU and SAIT as well.
I enjoy just hanging out with students near the Jugo Juice in Mac Hall or at TFDL when I'm not in the Faith and Spirituality Centre. We chat about life, celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and share my love of food. I hope to meet you soon!
Contact
Email: ttvnguye@ucalgary.ca
Jacqui Mignault - Christian (Reformed)
I work in campus ministry, have pastored a church and facilitate contemplative retreats and practices. In all these roles, I hold onto 3 values; 1) A love for the ancient Christian practices faith, especially of prayer/contemplation and eating together and communion; 2) A passion for hospitality towards people of all faiths, shifting faith, or no faith in our practices and conversations; 3) a high value on our connection and relationship to the earth or the land and the necessary work to live with one another in a good way.
Some things I offer on campus are online book clubs, Women’s Circle and I offer one-on-one meetings for anyone wanting to have real conversations about their faith. If you are looking for someone to accompany you on the road of faith, I'd love to meet with you.
Email me to book a time to meet or have any questions about how we might support you in your faith journey.
Contact
Email: jacqui.mignault@ucalgary.ca
Rev. Layne Kilbreath - Christian (Reformed)
I am very excited to be at UCalgary one day per week. My primary focus here is helping the Faith and Spirituality Centre stay connected to the University's Indigenous Strategy in a good way. Another thing that I have been asked to do and am super-excited about, is to meet with and support students.
What might you want to know about me? I am a husband, father to three students - one who is attending another University. I love watching sports and participating in good community. My friends describe me as a good listener who loves Jesus and his ways, and a fiery red-headed-Irish person. I have a story of walking away from the faith and coming back to it and would love to listen to your story too! Please email me if you would like to meet!
Contact
Email: layne.kilbreath@ucalgary.ca
Rev. Paul Verhoef - Christian (Reformed)
What to tell people about me? I'm a husband, father, son, friend, pastor in the way of Jesus, and ultimate frisbee player. I love people, books, my work, fresh air, and yes, even the University of Calgary. My life at the University seems to be filled with listening to people's lives, laughing and crying alongside of friends (new and old), creating space for people of varied spiritual paths to share a life of meaningfulness together, fostering thoughtful Christian academic community, and nurturing others as they shape beautiful dreams. I like living through the messy-loveliness of my heart out into the messy-loveliness of the world - and see the Spirit's vitality through it all. And there's a bunch more, but no space for it here; feel free to ask.
Contact
Email: pverhoef@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403-220-2596
Rev. Margaret Koizumi - Christian (Lutheran)
Margaret has a B.A. in Studio Arts and Chemistry before going to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon to get her M.Div. Ordained into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in 2005, Rev. Margaret Koizumi served as a parish pastor in Davidson, SK before moving to Edmonton - where she was a Chaplain of St. Thomas Health Centre. More recently, she moved back to her hometown of Calgary, and is serving as the Lutheran Chaplain. Margaret has two active sons.
Learn more about Rev. Margaret here.
Contact
Office Number: 403-220-2716
Email: mpropp@ucalgary.ca
Rev. Peter Chau - Christian (Lutheran)
I came from Hong Kong and received my high school, university and Seminary education in Saskatchewan. Later, I also completed my graduate studies at the University of Alberta. I was ordained by the Rhenish Church (Lutheran Denomination), Hong Kong Synod and served as a parish pastor and school principal in Hong Kong. In 1990, I was accepted into the Clergy Roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and served as parish pastor with the New Life Lutheran Church in Edmonton. In 2007, I was appointed by the Bishop of the Alberta Synod, ELCIC as the Mission Developer in Northwest Calgary and later served as parish pastor of the Mission Church - Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Calgary.
In August 2022, the Lutheran Care ministry was set up under the auspices of the Alberta Synod to assist international students and their families from Hong Kong, which is now my main focus at the University of Calgary. My wife, Amy, is a school teacher and my daughter, Debbie, is working with an accounting firm.
Contact
Office Number: 403-220-3898
Email: ykpchau10@gmail.com
Rev. Kelly Johnson - Christian (Pentecostal)
Kelly loves the energy and diversity of campus life. He is passionate about helping people encounter God in the everyday world of studies and research and through service learning locally and globally. Kelly met Barb during their first degrees at the University of Calgary, have four adult kids, a canary and a dog.
Kelly spends most of his time at UCalgary but also oversees University Campus Ministries at Mount Royal University and SAIT(Art Kung). https://www.ucmcalgary.org/
Friendship Program Invitation: Over 600 international students are developing friendships in Calgary through our Friendship Program. Sign up to experience or offer hospitality – maybe a games night, tea time or a holiday meal together – we’ll do the initial introductions and would like you to try to meet up 2-4 times as you get familiarized with Canadian culture. https://www.thefriendshipprogram.com/
Learn more about Kelly here.
Contact
Office Number: 403-220-3900 or 403-703-3125 (cell)
Email: kelly.johnson@ucalgary.ca
Stephanie Alexandre - Intern
Stephanie is a recent UCalgary graduate from the English and Drama program, and a hockey goalie-turned-theatre-nerd. She is passionate about getting to know people and their stories, and sharing God's love through hospitality and the Arts— whether through music, on the page, stage, or over a cup of tea and some good conversation. Steph is ecstatic to be interning with UCM and have the opportunity to be back on campus and connect with the UofC's wonderful student body.
Daniel Mok - Christian (Pentecostal) Associate Chaplain
Daniel is excited about encountering God and students on campus. Equipped with a degree and a half, he taught English abroad in Asia for 3 years before coming back to the University of Calgary as an intern and now associate chaplain with UCM where he gets to serve and care for this beautiful campus. In addition to campus life, Daniel loves talking about the intersection of faith, life, and culture.
Daniel is currently enrolled as a student in a Master of Theological Studies at Tyndale Seminary. Drop by and say hi to him some time, he doesn't bite.
Contact
Email: dkkmok@ucalgary.ca
Jess Andrews - Christian (United)
Hi! I would love to connect with you and hear your story! I’m Jess Dell Andrews (she/her), Campus United Minister. Places you will find me on campus...
BE-loved- Creative Explorations About Faith (and snacks!) on 1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesdays at 4-5:30pm at the Faith & Spirituality Centre)
Paint for Peace- Come away to a quiet place... to paint, to process, to reflect, to pray in your way. Let's make art together as we cry out for peace amidst global armed conflicts, climate change, and experiences of deep suffering right now. 4-5pm on Jan. 28th & March 25th at MH 317
- Offering one-on-one student/staff support by appt. Please feel free to reach out! All faiths or no faith– you are welcome.
We might really resonate if you have Christian roots or questions around faith deconstructing/reconstructing, post-evangelicalism, or are questioning a move from non-affirming to affirming theology. I have personal experience in Roman Catholic, evangelical, Reformed, progressive Christian, and interfaith spaces. Off-campus I work as a counsellor and I am passionate about the intersection of faith and mental health! The sacred stories we tell matter– they can harm or heal.
Things that make me come alive:
- movement & meditation practices (yoga, centering prayer, conscious dance)
- flowy downhills on my mountain bike & perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies
Influential life experiences include working as a nurse in Ghana and with a Little Red River Cree community in northern Alberta, 11 years in Christ-centered outdoor education, and pastoring a 2SLGBTQ+ affirming church.
Contact
Email: jessica.andrews2@ucalgary.ca or Instagram/Facebook: @campusunited.calgary
Greg Stringham - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I have enjoyed working closely with youth and young adults on faith and spirituality for the last 20 years, including serving as a Bishop for young adults. Born and raised in Alberta, faith has been a major part of my and my family's life. I served as a missionary in France for 2 years as a young adult and my career took me to many parts of the world that helped in nurturing an attitude of diversity and inclusion.
University/College life is stressful and rewarding. I earned a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA that opened the doors for many great life experiences. My faith is integrated into my life and I love to learn from interaction with others.
My role as Education Chaplain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to:
- help students integrate their faith and spirituality into their lives and future careers
- look for and find joy in serving others, and
- encourage more Tolerance, Understanding, Respect and Service.
I have a wonderful wife, Evelyn (we were married while at University). We have five children (all married) and 18 fabulous grandchildren that bring us great joy.
Contact
Email: greg.stringham@ucalgary.ca
Nidhi Lodha - Hindu
I have lived in Calgary since 2005 and have been a life member of the Hindu society of Calgary. I am involved in various charities in Calgary and helping with various fundraising initiatives for Calgarians in need. I am a researcher by training and have worked my whole life finding the truth about diseases. But twist and turns of life beyond my control started my journey of faith and spirituality. I love to talk to people on the same journey and would like to explore the place and power of religion in modern society.
Learn more about Nidhi and the Hindu Chaplaincy here.
Email: nidhi.lodha@ucalgary.ca
Rabbi Mordechai Groner - Jewish (Chabad)
Born and raised in Israel, Mordechai Groner studied in various ‘Yeshivos’, beginning in Israel than continuing his learning at the Central Chabad Lubavitch Rabbinical College in Brooklyn, New York.
At the age of twenty, he was sent on an outreach mission to Rostov, Russia and the surrounding communities in order to revive Jewish life in that part of the world.
After returning to Brooklyn, Mordechai was ordained as a rabbi at the age of twenty-three.
He later spent a year in Worchester, Massachusetts teaching in the local Jewish high school and after getting married to his wife Esther, the young couple moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where Rabbi Groner served as a Rabbi in the local Chabad Educational Centre.
For the last 13 years, Rabbi Groner has been the Director and main teacher of the Calgary JLI (Jewish Learning Institute) under Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta.
Learn more about Rabbi Groner here.
Contact
Email: mordechai.groner@ucalgary.ca
Jamie Keltz - Jewish (Hillel) Rep
We are excited to welcome Jamie as a new Faith Representative! Bio coming soon.
Contact
Email: jkeltz@jewishcalgary.org
Imam Atta-ul Wahab - Muslim (Ahmadiyya)
Atta-ul Wahab is serving as Imam at Baitun-Nur Mosque Calgary belonging to Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. He was born and raised in Pakistan. He graduated from the Ahmadiyya Institute of Islamic studies in 2005 in Pakistan and had the opportunity to serve in Sierra Leone and Ghana for two years. He moved to Canada in 2010 and first served as a teacher at Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada (Missionary Training College) for 8 years and then as an Imam at Mubarak Mosque Brampton for 3 years. He is a Hafiz (one who has committed the whole Qur’an to memory) and also recently graduated from York University majoring in Humanities. He loves hiking and biking.
Contact
Email: attaul.wahab@ucalgary.ca
Sheikh Ali Nasser - Muslim (Sunni)
Ali Nasser has dedicated his life to learning and teaching Islam, nurturing the faith of Muslim youth in the community. He began his journey in Islamic studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), where he completed an associate degree in Arabic. He later received a scholarship to the Islamic University of Madinah, graduating with a BA in Islamic Theology and Missiology.
In addition to serving as an Imam at the Islamic Information Society of Calgary (IISC), Ali is the Director of Youth Affairs at Al-Kahf Youth Center. His work within Palliser Regional Schools allows him to engage with and support Muslim youth across Calgary.
Now, as the Muslim Faith Representative at the University of Calgary, Ali continues his commitment to fostering spiritual growth and understanding in the academic community.
Contact
Email: ali.nasser1@ucalgary.ca
Fawaz Saleem - Muslim (Sunni)
Having completed his Memorization of the Quran (Hafidh) in 2017 through the full-time Tahfeez Program at the Islamic Association of NW Calgary (IANWC), Fawaz has since been giving Friday sermons (Khutbahs), youth lectures, teaching the Quran, and leading Taraweeh during Ramadan. Fawaz lives his life following the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) “Allah helps his servant, as long as his servant helps his brother (others)”. As such, one of Fawaz’s passions is to advocate and support Muslim students as they navigate through their academic journey, and has done so through being involved in the MSA during his time at the University and also through establishing the Muslim Students’ Advisory Committee (MSAC). His work through MSAC has helped support hundreds of students by providing them with support and guidance to achieve their best academic selves without compromising their Identity as a Muslim.
Fawaz has also been involved in many different programs and organizations within Calgary in various capacities and provided services such as professional and peer mentorship, spiritual and mental health guidance, leadership development, program coordination, media interviews, etc. Furthermore, as a teacher at the SW Masjid Quran school, Fawaz loves to teach how to read the Quran. He also takes his love of the Quran to social media and shares his recitation and reflections on his pages @qalbiisaleem to inspire others to begin their journey of learning the Quran as well. His work in the community is also recognized through being a recipient of the Alberta Newcomer Young Leader Award, amongst other recognitions. Additionally, as a Registered Nurse, Fawaz hopes to combine his experience of holistic wellbeing and Islamic knowledge to support Muslim students as they navigate through their academic journey at the university.
Office Hours: Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Contact:
Email: fawaz.saleem@ucalgary.ca
Noureen Khan - Muslim (Sunni)
With over 20 years of experience, Noureen is dedicated to supporting Calgary’s Muslim community as an Islamic Counsellor, Spiritual Guide, and Life Coach. She is passionate about fostering unity, creating positive change, and empowering individuals of all ages.
Since 2007, Noureen has served as the Academic Director of Noor Quran Academy and has been a chaplain since 2018. She is also an instructor for Muslimah Talks and programs hosted by the Muslim Student Association at UCalgary.
Most recently, she has had the honor of serving as a chaplain at the University of Calgary through Nisaa Foundation, continuing her commitment to guiding and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
She holds an A’alimah Degree in Islamic Theology and certifications in Islamic Psychology, Life Coaching, and Chaplaincy.
In her free time, she enjoys skiing, swimming, horseback riding, reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
Quoting Rumi, “Some human beings are safe havens. Be companions with them.” Let Noureen be your safe-haven—connect with her to enrich your campus experience.
Contact
Email: noureen.khan@ucalgary.ca
Omar Al Bastami - Muslim (Sunni)
Omar Al Bastami is a dynamic figure in Calgary, blending his role as a full-time software engineer with a deep commitment to Islamic education and community leadership.
As a graduate of the University of Calgary with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Omar brings a strong analytical mindset and technical expertise to his work in the tech industry, where he currently works full-time.
Outside of engineering, Omar dedicates significant time to educating youth on Islamic fundamentals such as creed, the Islamic way of life, and the Seerah (biography) of the Prophet Muhammad. He has memorized the Quran with multiple recitations and currently serves as the principal of the Quran school at the Calgary Islamic Center SW Masjid, educating hundreds of students.
On Fridays, Omar delivers khutbahs (sermons) at the mosque, offering guidance and inspiration to the community in accordance with Islamic teachings. In addition, Omar has led tour groups in Makkah and Madinah, providing spiritual guidance and historical insights to fellow Muslims on their journey.
Omar actively seeks to build bonds with students, engaging in meaningful conversations about Islam to foster deeper understanding and connection.
Contact:
Dr. Vishavdeep Warring - Sikh
Dr. Vishavdeep Singh Warring is a practicing Sikh born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. His love for Sikhi, widely known as Sikhism, grew from his trips to Punjab, India and being uplifted by spiritually focused individuals and communities.
Dr. Warring developed an early interest in the concept of Naam, which focuses on going within, meditating, and empowering your mind. He started learning music from a young age which is an important component in the Sikh tradition and eventually became a part-time music teacher at Khalsa School Calgary. Additionally, he trained and taught Gatka, the Sikh martial arts, and performed for over a decade at the University of Calgary’s Sikh Awareness Weeks, and at many events in Western Canada.
Dr. Warring is a University of Calgary alumni with a Bachelor of Kinesiology with distinction and served as the first Sikh Student Representative at the Faith and Spirituality Centre. His interests in health and helping others led him to complete his Doctoral in Chiropractic at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in San Jose, California. Dr. Warring is currently living with his family and practicing in Calgary. In his free time, you can find Dr. Warring playing basketball, training in MMA, and travelling.