Rev. Kate Ballagh-Steeper (she/her)
Minister B.A., M.Div., Acc.FM (OAFM)

Kate has been around the church her whole life, and served as a minister for over 30 years.  She has served in a variety of settings across the church and community;  from church camps, to congregations to an ecumenical agency working with families experiencing poverty.  She is also a trained mediator.  Kate believes that community grounds us and strengthens us for our journeys in faith.  
Kate arrived at Harcourt in November 2022.  She is married to the Rev. Kevin Steeper who serves as Regional Staff for the United Church and they have two young adult daughters who keep life exciting and interesting.
Please feel welcome to connect with Kate!

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Pamela Girardi (she/they)
Manna Lead Coordinator
& Community Engagement Animator

Pamela is passionate about creating all age spaces for people to explore their spiritual lives, build community, and get involved together in social justice. 

Pamela studied International Development at the University of Guelph and youth ministry at Renison College.  For 9 years, Pamela directed young adults in social justice programs  in Ghana and El Salvador. She is one of the founders of Camp Micah, an LGBTQ+ affirming ecumenical camp for youth. She has worked in community ministry with Pastors in Exile and here at Harcourt as our Manna Coordinator.

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 and camping.

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Alison MacNeill (she/her)
Director of Music and Arts Ministries

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.

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David Kucherepa
Custodian

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 7:00am to 12:00pm.

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 Sara-Jo Pipher (she/her/them)
Community Relations Coordinator

​Sara-Jo (or SJ) appreciates connecting with others and loves a good laugh!  From previous work in project management to community engagement to facilitation, Sara-Jo is now thrilled to be filling the Community Relations Coordinator role at Harcourt.  She has been involved in spiritual care provision (chaplaincy) training since 2021, and is currently on the spiritual care team at Guelph General Hospital.  Initially introduced to Guelph through living with the Ignatius Farm Community, she has called Guelph home for over 25 years, and she has also lived in middle Ontario (Manitoulin Island, Sudbury, and Owen Sound).  Outside of work, she likes to be in, on, or under the water, she enjoys cooking, dancing, walking in the woods, and cycling, and hanging out with children and animals!  Come on by and say hello!

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Sophie Lecomte-Auger (she/her/elle)
Office Administrator and Technical Coordinator

As Harcourt’s Administrative and Technical Coordinator, Sophie enjoys bringing creativity and care to the many details that keep our community connected. She loves supporting both the practical and spiritual sides of church life — from coordinating events to helping worship flow smoothly each Sunday.
​Outside of work, she finds joy in family life, her curious cats and funny backyard chickens, and creating handmade journals and crafts. You might even spot her at local markets around Guelph, sharing her vintage-inspired creations.
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Sophie will be in the office Tuesdays-Fridays, 9am-12pm, and looks forward to helping in any way she can. She is also fluent in French and happy to offer assistance en français.