Our Staff
Favourite childhood memory….waiting at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning trying to catch a glimpse through the reflection in family pictures of what awaited us downstairs by the tree
If I could spend my day doing anything I’d….be outside somewhere , perhaps near water, hiking, paddling and later eating a meal with friends drinking good wine or a local craft beer
Favourite food…pizza, deep dish preferably with all the toppings, well…except anchovies and pineapple
What I like best about Stratford…the beauty, arts, culture and friendliness. People invest themselves in the community and care about the place. The blend of the agricultural, factory, small business and theatre influence makes it an interesting place to live.
What gives me life through my work with Avondale United Church…witnessing the courageous, inspired, playful and committed work of those part of this Church. It is a group of people who don’t always agree and yet find a way to care for each other, the community and world through it all.
One thing I learned in school…the awareness of how little I know and how much there still is to learn!
The song I get up and dance to…Upside Down by Jack Johnson
If I weren’t doing this gig, I’d be…with a professional baseball team…ok, realistically…I’d probably be in education some way or working in a L’Arche community
The most beautiful thing I’ve seen…the faces of my three children
Rev. Keith Reynolds
Dan Van Winden – Music Director
Favourite childhood memory… travelling to various fairs in the summer and fall to show my family’s Belgian horses.
If I could spend my day doing anything I’d… Go for a long walk, relax with my wife Stephanie, cook a hearty meal and play some video games
Favourite food… Sushi or Shawarma
What I like best about Stratford… the arts!
What gives me life through my work with Avondale United Church… bringing joy and comfort to the choir and congregation through the music we sing, and being a part of such an incredible team of staff and volunteers that is so energized to do God’s work in our community.
One thing I learned in school… that I love German and French art song.
The song I get up and dance to… Wetin Man Go Do by Burna Boy
If I weren’t doing this gig, I’d be… getting involved in environmental activism and politics.
The most beautiful thing I’ve seen… my cats laying in the sunshine.
Yvonne Casey - Office Administrator
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
If you would like an electronic copy of the bulletin weekly, please call me.
(519) 271-3683 or (519) 271-7946
yvonne.avondaleuc@wightman.ca
Favourite childhood memory….All the Aunts, Uncles & Cousins meeting up on Friday nights at my grandparents house and everyone pitching it to do chores, then finishing night with games or a sing song with my grandma playing her organ. Best times ever!!!!!
If I could spend my day doing anything I’d….take my grandkids to a park for a picnic and playtime.
Favourite food…Homemade pizza for sure and anything cooked on a bbq.
What I like best about Stratford…the simplicity of it. I was born in Stratford and just find comfort here.
What gives me life through my work with Avondale United Church…the kindness and appreciation from the congregation.
One thing I learned in school… to be myself…to be good to people…and you get what you give.
The song I get up and dance to…I am not a good dancer but do like to move around to a lot of songs….but the one I always get up for would have to be my wedding song “Could I Have this Dance”
If I weren’t doing this gig, I’d be…retired!!!…and I am not ready for that!!!!
The most beautiful thing I’ve seen…of course my 8 grandchildren.
Aleah Graff - Community Outreach Coordinator
Favourite childhood memory... getting to go to Disney World in 2008, after spending the majority of the Spring and Summer of that year recovering from surgery.
If I could spend my day doing anything... I’d be writing/ brainstorming ideas for stories, and probably watching T.V.
Favourite food: Nachos with all the toppings I can fit on!
What I like best about Stratford: The Theatre, The Avon River, and the acceptance of the Arts.
What gives me life through my work at Avondale... The ability to bring my creative nature to the job, and the privileges of working with accepting and passionate people.
One thing I’ve Learned in School... Education is the key to defeating ignorance.
The song I get up to dance to... Land Down Under by Men At Work
If I were not doing this gig, I’d be... Still on the job hunt!
The most beautiful thing I have seen... The pure happiness of people when they are given the freedom to be themselves.