Meet the PWS&D Governance Team
PWS&D is led by a committee of dedicated ministers and lay leaders from across Canada and around the world. Our leadership is committed to alleviating poverty and creating a more sustainable, compassionate and just world.
PWS&D seeks to achieve geographical balance, as well as gender and ethnic diversity on its committee. Should you be interested in joining the PWS&D Committee, please send a note to [email protected] with the subject “Expression of Interest” to be forwarded to the nominating committee
To book a committee member to speak at your church or event, please contact
Stephanie Chunoo at [email protected] or 1-800-619-7301 ext. 293.
Shahrzad Kandalaft
Co-Convener, OntarioShahrzad joined the PWS&D Committee in 2021. She graduated from The Presbyterian College in Montreal in May 2014 and was ordained into the ministry in May 2017. In November 2021, Shahrzad began her new ministry as a Family Pastor at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, Ontario. She is passionate about social justice, equality and diversity. She looks forward to serving God through her participation in PWS&D’s ministry.
Brett Meyer
Co-Convener, QuebecBrett is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University. He received his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in 2009, and joined McGill in 2011. His research lab is focused on computer engineering and machine learning; Brett is also involved with leading the Faculty of Engineering’s efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. Brett is a member and contemporary worship leader at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Beaconsfield, Quebec.
Okelo Aballa
Committee, Alberta Okelo is a certified candidate for ordination and a VST student. He has been a leader for Anyuak Worshipping Community for the last 15 years (the worshipping community became part of Centennial Presbyterian church in 2016), and he is an elder in Centennial. In addition, he works as a CNC Programming Engineer.
Fafali Ahiahonu
Committee, SaskatchewanFafali Ahiahonu joined the committee in 2024, inspired by a deep commitment to serve God through justice and community engagement. Currently, Fafali manages English as an Additional Language programs and employability skills initiatives for Newcomer Youth in Saskatoon’s Public and Catholic high schools. Working closely with settlement agencies, she strives to advance social justice, equitable education access and training opportunities. As a member of her local church, she has served as Sunday School Teacher and now serves on the Stewardship Committee, where she looks forward to deepening her service through the impactful work.
Victoria Chandler
Committee, Nova ScotiaVictoria joined the PWS&D Committee in 2021. She works as an Occupational Therapist in Halifax and brings with her a focus on skills development and enablement. Victoria participated in the Presbyterian Church’s Healing and Reconciliation tour in 2019, as she is passionate about justice and advocacy. Victoria looks forward to bringing her skills and passion to the committee.
Linda Patton-Cowie
Committee, Ontario
Linda recently retired from active ministry after serving God among the people of St. Mark’s, Orillia, for nearly 15 years. During her ordained ministry, Linda has served on the Healing and Reconciliation Committee and helped to lead two Healing and Reconciliation Journeys. She served on the Knox College Board of Trustees for 8 years, and headed up the committee that focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As well, she served as chaplain for the Rainbow Communion, and the committee to craft an apology to the LGBTQI2+ community on behalf of the PCC. Linda recently completed 7 years as the PCC representative to the Taiwan Ecumenical Forum. She joined the PWS&D Committee in 2025 and looks forward to continued learning and advocacy.
Sharyl Eaglesham
Committee, Manitoba
Sharyl joined the committee in 2024. She retired in 2021 as a Volunteer Manager at an environmental education facility and now continues to promote awareness and understanding of the natural world, advocating for actions that lead to sustainable living as a volunteer. As a veteran PWS&D Champion, she has kept the congregation at First Church Winnipeg informed about PWS&D’s projects and partners. Sharyl is committed to sharing the work of PWS&D with other congregations across Manitoba.
Thomas Kim
Committee, British ColumbiaThomas Kim is the minister at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford BC. He received his BA in Intercultural Religious Studies from Trinity Western University, his M. Div. from Regent College, and completed further studies at Vancouver School of Theology. Thomas sees his primary calling to equip others for ministry using his gifts in leadership. He enjoys hosting friends and family, playing sports, gardening, painting, traveling various parts of the world with his backpack and eating together.
Josh Sankarlal
Committee, OntarioJosh joined the PWS&D Committee in 2024. He graduated from Ontario Tech University in 2021 and served two years as President at the Ontario Tech Student Union, where he advanced social justice and equity causes in the post-secondary sector. He currently works as a consultant to a variety of student associations across Canada. Josh has strong ties to the Presbyterian Camping ministry and has worked a number of years at Camp Cairn. He is passionate about public policy and urban planning, government affairs and social justice. He is excited to use his skills and engage with his passion through PWS&D.
Patti Talbot
Committee, OntarioBorn in Japan to missionary parents who served the Korean Christian Church in Japan, Patti grew up in Toronto. She has Masters degrees in Political Economy and Voluntary Sector Management. After a formative experience as a Presbyterian young adult mission volunteer in Japan, Patti began a 35-year-long ecumenical career that included service with The United Church of Canada, carrying lead responsibility for global partnerships and witness. Her commitment to seeking justice and peace is lifelong and she is grateful to pursue this vision with others on the PWS&D Committee. Patti Talbot is an elder of Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
Tikondwe Katumbi
Global Partner – Mulanje Mission Hospital
Dr. Ms. Rubel Manivannan
Global Partner – Duncan Hospital (India)
Joni Roper
Atlantic Mission Society
Debbie Kallender
Women’s Missionary Society