Our Staff
Luke Haisa
Minister
Luke and his family made the move from Zimbabwe to Calgary and Central, in January 2023.
Educated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology and a Master of Science in International Relations, Luke is well equipped to help Central’s Community of Ministries flourish. Prior to joining Central, Luke was the Minister at Seke Congregation of the Reformed Church and Seke Central Congregation in Zimbabwe.
Luke’s family includes; wife Josephine, son Abner and daughters Atarah and Aitana. Besides his busy young family, his hobbies include soccer, movies and travelling.
Reverend Haisa’s life-long goal is to build a church supported by these four pillars: Prayer, the Word, Fellowship and Outreach…..sounds like he’s in the right place and we are blessed to have him!
Colleen Robarts
Office Administrator
Colleen is originally from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. She started at Central in April of 2004 and is currently the Office Administrator for the church. Colleen is the go-to person when looking to find out any information. Central Office Hours are: Tuesday-Friday 9am-3pm
Mary Lansdell
Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator
I am so very blessed! Not only do I have the privilege of introducing precious small children to Sunday School, but I get to watch them grow into beautiful young adults with firm faith foundations, who are involved in their church life. My heart is full and I am honoured to be the Child and Youth Coordinator at Central United Church!
Oksana Krasnozhen
Music Director
Oksana Krasnozhen was born in 1981 in eastern Russia. She later lived in Moscow and Yerevan (Armenia), but has spent most of her life in the Ukraine. Oksana graduated from the Ukrainian National Academy of Music as a Choir Conductor. She took on the role of Music Director at Central in September of 2019.
Oksana is devout in her faith and the worship of God, through music, is her Spirit Call.
Alena Naumchyk
Principal Organist / Accompanist
Each of our choirs are accompanied regularly by our principal organist / accompanist, Alena Naumchyk. Alena studied primarily in Russia and has been employed as organist at St. Giles Presbyterian Church since her arrival in Calgary from Russia in 2006. She has extensive experience as an accompanist and solo pianist and currently is an accompanist at Mount Royal University.
Roberto Montagni
Treasurer / Bookkeeper
Roberto is originally from Montreal and has made his home in Calgary since 1981. He has been attending Central since 2005 and has been Treasurer since August 2011. His job is to allocate receipts properly, pay bills on time and prepare financial statements.
He has been employed in non-profits since 2002 and thoroughly enjoys it. In his spare time Roberto spends time with his son, mainly attending his sporting events or professional sports. His hobbies are reading, genealogy and walking.
Peter Sheridan
Recovery Leader
Peter is a Case Manager with Calgary Drug Treatment Court. He is also a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor. Peter is celebrating 27 years in recovery this year and has been associated with Central United Church and the Recovery ministry for the past 17 years. Peter has headed up the Prison ministry for about 12 years and has spent countless hours in CYOC and the CRC working with inmates and making them feel welcome here at Central, on their release. Peter also does addictions counselling, grief counselling for our parishioners, as well as Life Coaching.
Peter’s goal with the service is to make The Life Recovery Service a safe place for everyone from all walks of life, all lifestyles, all faiths to come and learn about God’s unconditional love and acceptance for everyone. Come for the music – stay for the message. Hugs are an additional benefit.