OUR TEAM

COLIN MCCARTNEY

CO-DIRECTOR, CONNECT CITY MINISTRIES

Rev. Colin McCartney is a ministry veteran with over thirty – five years of ministry experience and is in high demand as a speaker and ministry trainer. He has birthed two non–profits – UrbanPromise Toronto and Connect City – and has also been an urban pastor. Rev. McCartney has appeared on Canadian television, radio and national news media regarding urban issues and is the author of four books – The Beautiful Disappointment, Red Letter Revolution, What Does Justice Look Like and Let The Light In. Most importantly he is married to his beautiful wife Judith and has two grown up children – Colin Jr and Victoria.

JUDITH MCCARTNEY

CO-DIRECTOR, CONNECT CITY MINISTRIES/ PASTOR, SOULHOUSE

Judith McCartney is a ministry veteran with deep experience in non – profit work and helped co – found UrbanPromise Toronto with her husband. Judith has a MA in Leadership and loves coaching and training leaders as well as working with others in helping them develop the overall organizational leadership within their organizations. Judith also is the Pastor of SoulHouse church caring for the needs of those who are part of her church family.  Judith is most proud of being a mother to her two children – Colin Jr and Victoria – and living life with her husband Colin.

JORDAN THOMS

PASTOR, WARDEN UNDERGROUND

Jordan Thoms greatest accomplishments in life is being a husband to his wife Keisha and a father to his sons, Azariah and Adonijah. Jordan was born and raised in the Scarborough housing neighbourhood of Warden Woods and has such a huge heart for the people in his neighbourhood that he planted a church there to bless them.  As an accomplished rapper, Jordan has recorded two albums and uses Rap music as a way to reach young people. Aside from spending time with his family and serving the great people of Warden Woods, Jordan enjoys watching the Toronto Raptors, reading good theology books, and recording music.

JON FOLKERINGA

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES, WARDEN UNDERGROUND

Years before joining our team, Jon worked at Muskoka Woods Sports Resort for a number of years counselling guests. Towards the end of his stay there, God started to develop in him a heart for the hurt and oppressed. Jon has been a part of the Connect City team since September 2017. He is currently the Director of Youth Ministries at Warden Underground which coincides with his passion for developing young leaders for today and the future. Jon spends his free time keeping active playing golf and hockey and supporting the Toronto Maple Leafs.

BRITTANY SIMONE

FOUNDER, UNITY

Brittany is the founder of Unity which provides children and youth programs for refugee children in Toronto. They began serving in 2018, developing a Christmas program in their shelters. Since then they have been developing curriculum for summer camp programs, which have been a huge success. They have been so blessed to be able to share the gospel with the kids as well.
She is happily married to her husband, Anthony, and is a dog mom to their pup Mika!

STEVE NORTON

CO-FOUNDER, SCREENFISH

Steve is committed to the impact that God’s story is actively at work within the world and within us. As a member of Connect, he’s excited to create spaces for people to experience the love of Christ, both within and outside the church. Using film and pop culture as a launchpad for conversation, Steve loves to bless those in need and care for those who may not feel safe in a traditional church setting.
He loves his wife, his boys (x2) and classic Steven Spielberg.
 

OLUWASEUN OLOWO-AKE

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Oluwaseun (Seun) is a Nigerian who moved to Canada in 2017 to get a degree in Media Production. At Connect, she is working with the youth at Warden to produce content in their own voice, enabling them tell their stories effectively through various forms- audio, video, writing and more; as well as overseeing social media and content creation for Connect. She is also working with other Connect staff directing the RESONATE Arts programme for asylum seeking youth.
Seun loves Jesus, movies, music and food; and is passionate about using the arts to show Jesus to the world.

DANIEL COLLINS

CO-DIRECTOR, UNITY

Daniel is one of the Program Directors of Unity, our Ministry providing various programmes for newcomer refugee and homeless children and youth. For years, he has co-led these programmes and activities, such as annual Christmas parties, monthly movie nights, and he has co-directed the Camp Unity summer day camp for children over the past 4 years, among others.
Daniel has a drive and passion to work with underprivileged children and youth and feels humbled and blessed with what he is able to do through Connect. Currently, he is directing the weekly programme for the Unity children in Toronto, as well as working alongside Connect Co-workers in Directing the RESONATE Youth Arts programme .
Daniel loves organising and leading programmes, listening to music (that’s probably a little too loud), movies, Jesus, and his dog, Nugget.

JOSIAH CHELTENHAM

CO-DIRECTOR, CAMP UNITY YOUTH

Josiah, a Barbadian national who sought asylum in Canada in 2021, swiftly immersed himself in the Unity Youth programs upon his arrival. Rising from a volunteer to the esteemed position of Unity Youth director, he has been at the helm of year-round programs for newcomer refugee and homeless youth since the summer of 2023. Josiah’s unwavering dedication to creating a safe and supportive sanctuary for refugee teens shines through in his tireless efforts to provide a nurturing environment where young individuals can freely express themselves, foster positive friendships, and focus on personal growth, showcasing his commitment to empowering and uplifting those in need.

JOSE DEVERZE

CO-DIRECTOR, CAMP UNITY YOUTH

Born in Canada to Haitian parents and raised in the United States, Jose has always navigated and adapted to diverse environments. With a lifelong dedication to youth, he began as a choir leader at 19, progressed to youth leadership, and collaborated with the Montreal school board to bring dance programs to schools across the city. His extensive experience includes creating impactful programs and guiding international youth tours in Canada and the U.S. Growing up as the youngest in a family of five, he has learned the importance of community and aim to inspire the next generation to rise above mediocrity, avoid negative influences, and embrace their true selves. He am committed to helping the youth realize their potential to change the world.