Aliza Latta is a writer and pastor who is a huge fan of telling stories. She creates content for Canada’s largest youth conference, Change Conference, and is a church planter and pastor at Mountainside Church Dundas in Ontario.

Andrew Croft is the communications manager at Open Doors Canada, working to connect Canadian Christians with the stories and strength of the persecuted Church around the world. He's a big believer in living out courageous faith and all about inspiring people to grow in their commitment to Jesus and support their global family in meaningful ways. Andrew lives in Mississauga with his wife Kate and three girls.

My faith journey was significant shaped by the people and community I found at McMaster University. Among a community, I got to experience and witness changes in my life and in my friend's lives that impact us for years to come. I want to help students across Canada take meaningful steps to find life-transforming community at college and university, especially students who are just starting their post-secondary adventure.

Aubrey Noronha is a recognized Safe Schools, Mental Health and Anti-Racism Speaker speaking across the country with his "2024 Make Hope Viral Tour". He has been presenting to students and families all over as well as to professionals, public servants and municipalities. Aubrey is a former Crisis Negotiator within the justice system and Critical Incident Stress Management facilitator serving those impacted by terrorism and other traumatic events and is the recipient of the town of Ajax 2021 diversity and community engagement award which was recognized by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and the House of Commons. In 2022, The Humanity Organization, founded by Masai Ujiri (the president of the Toronto Raptors) highlighted Aubrey as a "Humanity Hero" for his work throughout Canada. Aubrey is also a singer and has sung duets with Lecrae, Hillsongs United and Maverick Worship…while listening to them on his Bluetooth speaker in the shower.

After ten years as a youth pastor and speaker, Ben joined Alpha Canada to create and host the Alpha Youth Series. He currently devotes his time to coaching youth workers, speaking, and creating content to help make faith come alive for youth, kids, and adults. Ben has a joy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. He and his wife, Melissa live in Vancouver with their daughter, Livia. Find him on Instagram at @benwoodman.

Bethany serves as Outreach Director at Cornerstone Christian Community Church in Markham, where she works with incredible local and global partners and volunteer teams to love, care for, and serve the local community and beyond. She is also the founder and director of Wenday, an organization that creates intentional spaces for young Christian leaders to live, learn, lead, and love together as we pursue Jesus and his heartbeat for justice in this world. Bethany is a fan of any type of adventure, long hikes with her dog, and any chance to meet new people or visit new places.

Brett is happily married to Joanne, and has two sons with two partners, and one very special granddaughter. Brett leads a team that works with God to encourage growth in leadership, discipleship and resilience. Brett has 37 years in ministry experience, a doctorate in Christian leadership, and is a trained spiritual director. He has recently returned from taking 51 people on a 9-day disicple-making study tour of the early church in Turkiye and Patmos. Brett is an avid soccer fan and loves cycling, especially in Italy!

Husband to Dawn, and father of Bennett and Zoe, Brett and his family make their home in Ajax, Ontario where Brett leads and directs Worlds Apart, a charity focused on empowering individuals to re-align their lives with Biblical core values often muddled by media but central to Christian living. Brett was a teacher with the Toronto District School Board for ten years before moving into speaking full-time back in 2005. Brett has a Master’s degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton Graduate School in Chicago and is also a graduate of the Arrow Leadership Program. Brett completed his Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and currently does counselling part-time as a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) at https://lifecarecentres.ca/ in Pickering, Bowmanville, and virtually.

With over 30 years of youth ministry experience, Calvin is deeply committed to ‘making disciples as Jesus did’ and helping youth attain their full life potential. He loves to spend time equipping youth leaders with the necessary tools to create healthy and vibrant youth ministries both locally and nationally. He also oversees Sonlife Canada.

After starting work as a physiotherapist, I felt called to a career in youth ministry. I have loved my time as a youth pastor and the last 20+ years as an urban youth missionary with Youth Unlimited. 30 years into that calling, no regrets!

Charles is the Alpha Youth Associate for Alpha Canada, passionate about seeing the next generation encounter the transformative love of Jesus. He believes in the incredible potential of young people to lead with compassion, faith, and resilience. Charles is excited to be part of Today’s Teens, learning from and walking alongside today’s leaders as they shape the future with purpose and hope.

Cheryl Nembhard is an international speaker, author, podcaster, TV host, and social justice advocate. She uses her talents in film and theatre to address critical societal issues and is dedicated to community service, supporting at-risk youth, sexual assault survivors, and teenage mothers. As the founder of EMG Education, her educational theatre company has reached over 85,000+ students across 190 Ontario schools. Recognized by CBC as one of the top 150 Women making Canada better, she received the 2017 Harry Jerome Award for Social Advocacy. Cheryl co-hosts See, Hear, Love on YES TV and hosts On The Path and Soulfood to Go podcasts. She serves on the board of Brave Canada, advocates for marginalized women globally, and is the author of Brave: This Is Us. Currently, Cheryl is the Director of the Women Speakers Collective, empowering women’s voices worldwide.

Rev. Charles (Chuck) Hunt, D.Min is the Sr. Director of Training at Fuller Youth Institute. He has been ministering to adolescents, young adults, and their families for more than 30 years. Chuck is passionate about Christ’s call to restore our relationship with God and with each other, thus he advocates for righteousness and justice. Through both his career and lived experience, Chuck has an ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural, spiritual, and economic backgrounds. He lives with his wife Shannon and their young adult daughter Rhyen, in Southern California. Though cleverly disguised as a responsible adult, Chuck still runs, surfs, mountain bikes, and skateboards.

Dr. Dave is the lead pastor of Church on the Rock in Hamilton has written several Canadian best-selling books on youth and ministry and has spoken to tens of thousands around the world. He is a fun story teller with a deep passion for Jesus.

Deniel Sewell joined the Connexus team in 2017, originally serving as the Children's Ministry Associate Director, and now leads as the Next Generation Director. With a passion for working with young people, Deniel brings years of hands-on experience in youth leadership and development. He holds a degree in Child and Youth Development and Psychology from York University and spent several transformative years at Pioneer Camp, where he served as Program Director, creating impactful programs for children and youth. Known for his energy and creativity, Deniel is passionate about helping students discover their identity in Christ and equipping them to live boldly in their faith. When he’s not leading ministry, you can often find him singing, dancing, or bringing joy to any room he enters.

Husband & father of 4 awesome boys I am currently serving and supporting youth leaders and churches of the Eastern Canadian District of The Alliance. I love to see the Next Generation learn to lead from their gifts and make an impact for Jesus in their communities!

I currently work as a research scholar at BibleProject and am a Ph.D. candidate at Ridley College. I am passionate about my wife and kids, my community, and helping others learn about the depths of Scripture.

Jeremy is a Child of God, Husband to Melissa, father to Jake, Lydia and Sophie and Alpha Pack leader to “Diesel”. Jeremy currently serves the Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District (of the PAOC) as the Leadership Health & Youth Director. He along with his family currently reside in Peterborough, ON where he enjoys boating, fishing, hockey, family time and his newest addiction—pickleball. He is a committed Toronto Maple Leafs fan and his other passion is geeking out on the next great neuroscience health hack. After God, family, and living on mission, Jeremy is most passionate about helping leaders become the healthiest version of themselves.

Josh has been with Youth for Christ for eight years, passionately training and equipping staff and volunteers across Canada to cultivate disciple-making communities among young people. With a heart for seeing the next generation follow Jesus and become disciple-makers themselves, He passionate the church’s role as a sign, instrument, and foretaste of God’s kingdom through living out Jesus’ strategy for making disciples, inspiring others to do the same. Oh and GOOD coffee!

Josh lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with his wife, Melissa, daughter, Claire, and their golden retriever, Banjo. With a background in camp, youth, and digital ministry, he completed his Master’s in Theological Studies with a focus on Youth Ministry from the University of Waterloo. Now, as the Director of the FaithSpark app for One Hope Canada, Josh channels his experience and passion into reaching the next generation of digital natives.

Rev. Kaarina Hsieh has been in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, is the former Dean of Students at Tyndale Seminary where she taught in Youth and Family Ministry and Christian Leadership. She serves on the General Executive of the PAOC and as Lead Pastor of Parkway Forest Community Church, a diverse community in the heart of North York and is also on the Board of Directors of Youth Unlimited GTA, believing for the salvation and good future of the next generation.

Kaitlyn is a speaker, writer, and Certified Leadership Coach. She is accredited with the ICF (International Coaching Federation) and she is the Founding Executive Director of the youth empowerment organization, Inspire Our Nation. Kaitlyn is an Educator and Credential Holder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. She is passionate about inspiring people towards God’s greatest purposes for their lives personally and professionally.

Kathy McIntosh has been married for 41 years, has two adult children who are married, and has 4 grandchildren. Previous to her role at Alpha Canada as National Prayer Coordinator she worked as an Associate/Community Pastor. Kathy attended Acadia Divinity College where she discovered her love for evangelism and prayer. She is passionate about working with and mentoring the next generation, prayer and reaching the lost. 

Kayla currently serves as the national director for HowToLife Movement in Canada. She works with students across the nation equipping them to share how Jesus changes everything through student-led evangelism events.

Ken Shigematsu is senior pastor of Tenth Church (www.tenth.ca) in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the largest and most diverse city-center churches in Canada. Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked for the Sony Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. The intense work schedule at Sony led him to explore personal disciplines that could bring order to his life, from those of his samurai ancestors to St. Benedict's rule for Christian communities.

Kevin is yourfriendlyneighbourhoodyouthpastor at Cornerstone Christian Community Church where he's been for 17 years. He's been a youth pastor for 24 graduating from Tyndale and York University. He's passionate about being spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially healthy. He loves music and sports and feels blessed to have a front row seat to see God at work in young people all these years.

Mark has served in a variety of ministry roles since 1997 and serves nationally and locally in two different roles. Mark serves nationally as the Assistant Director of Ministry with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, while also serving locally as an Associate Pastor at Rock Church in Halifax, NS. Mark is also a Police Chaplain with the RCMP. Mark and his wife Kelly have 2 adult children; a son Josiah who is married to Jess, and a daughter Maria.

Formally worked in government with degrees from Western university, worked in the Yukon for the federal government and for the municipal government in London Ontario I was called into ministry to fulfil a passion of working with students at Harvest Church Muskoka.

Marv is a veteran youth worker who has given his life to serving the next generation and to caring for those who love them. An author, professor, trainer, mentor, consultant, advocate and thought leader, Marv has travelled the world to invest in students, leaders, parents, and decision makers at every level. As a registered clinical counselor, he continues to work each week with hurting teens and their families. Marv is the Founder of The Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership, a unique apprenticeship based vocational ministry training program based in Kelowna, BC. Marv and his wife, Lois, live in Lake Country, British Columbia. They have three adult children and five energetic grandkids.

Matt currently runs a ministry consulting company called Baseline Ministries. Matt teaches at numerous Bible Schools in Canada including Ambrose University located in Calgary. Matt loves to help ministries in regard to ministry audit, refocused philosophy of ministryand multi staff dynamics. Matt's first published book is entitled, Cultivate: A Youthworker's Guide to Establishing Healthy Relationships. Matt has been married to Michelle for almost 31 years and has two daughters, Maris and Macauleigh, 26 and 23 years old.

Having worked with churches, charities and not-for-profits in Senior Executive and risk management roles for most of her career, Melodie launched Plan to Protect®, Inc. eighteen years ago with a desire to raise the bar on safeguarding on behalf of the vulnerable sector. As a Victim-Advocate, Melodie is committed to giving voice to victim-survivors of abuse as she stewards the disclosures and stories of abuse on behalf of clients. In 2022, Melodie received her doctorate at University of Toronto.

Mikayla Nembhard is a Television Producer for ‘On The Path’ on Yes TV Canada & Pioneer Network, where she brings creativity and purpose to every project. She is also a content creator for Chasing Justice and co-host of The Brave Girls Podcast, empowering young women and girls globally. A graduate of York University’s Glendon Campus with an Honours Degree in Bilingual Communications, Mikayla is passionate about using storytelling to inspire change and amplify voices.

Natalie Frisk is the Director of Curriculum at RaiseUpFaith - a UK-based digital curriculum platform company. She has her Masters in Theology and is working (in slow motion) on her Doctorate in Practical Theology. Natalie authored Raising Disciples: How to Make Faith Matter for Our Kids (Herald Press) and has a children's book releasing April 2025 entitled, A Light to Share. She is married to Sam, mom to Erin, and in a long-term relationship with coffee.

I'm a DJ and I work at the University of Toronto. I've been blessed enough to study at three universities and two colleges, which has taught me a lot. I love talking about social media and on ways to meet new people!

I'm big on music, movies, basketball, and anything in the nerd world is my wave! Whether it's geeking out over fun hobbies or bringing people together, I'm here for it. Most importantly, I think the best way to share who God is is by showing the impact of Jesus on my life in every way possible!

Rick Hiemstra is Director of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Centre for Research on Church and Faith (CRCF). Prior to coming to the EFC, he served as a Wesleyan pastor and as a high school mathematics and computer science teacher. Rick speaks on Canadian church and cultural trends, including the recent Parenting Faith, Significant Church and Renegotiating Faith studies. He holds a BMath from the University of Waterloo, a BEd from Ottawa University and an MTS from Tyndale Seminary.

Rolf works with Power to Change – Students. For 20 years, he has helped young people find hope and direction by taking their next steps with Jesus. He has served in Asia, at McMaster University, coached over 20 campus ministries across Canada, and now helps lead P2C-S’s NEXT initiative - supporting youth leaders in connecting students to Christian communities at their future colleges or universities.

Sam Lee is the Co-Lead Pastor at Spring Garden Baptist Church and has a M.Div from Wycliffe College and his DMIN from Acadia Divinity College. Sam has over 20 years of experience working in children and youth ministry and is passionate about serving God and seeing people live out their identity as beloved children of God.

From camp speaker to local youth pastor to youth ministry professor, Sid draws from over 25 years of youth ministry experience. 

Sid Koop is the Executive Director of the Youth Worker Community where he and his team are dedicated to equipping, empowering, and relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. YWC is shaping ministry to adolescents in Canada through Digital Resources, The Coalition, Youth Worker Training Events, and Youth Ministry Coaching, and Consulting, equipping and encouraging thousands of youth workers each year. 

Currently, his "most important" contract is working for his wife at Green Bay Bible Camp as the Director of Leadership Development and Discipleship).

Tim has served 20+ years in ministry and is currently the National Director of Church Experience at Alpha Canada. He has a Master of Divinity in Youth and Family Ministry from Tyndale Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Wilfred Laurier University. Tim is a regular speaker at youth camps, conferences, and retreats. He and his wife Carolyn have 4 children and a cat named Archie. In his spare time, Tim enjoys custom carpentry and refinishing, movies, and hanging out with his kids

Tristan Kruse is a husband and father to three beautiful kids. He is currently serving as the National Director for Christar Canada, an organization that focuses on reaching out with the Gospel to those who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus. He has been active in youth ministry both in Canada and overseas and has a heart to see this next generation equipped to fulfill Christ's call on their lives, wherever that might be.