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Executive Director
Church Engagement Lead
Program Coordinator
Senior Property Coordinator
Intake Coordinator
Working with congregations and communities across Canada, UPRC acknowledges that we are on the traditional territories of many nations that are now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land and recognize that traditional Indigenous knowledge is worthy of honour, consideration and respect. UPRC is mindful that the lands we work on are treaty or unceded lands and that we have inherited a legacy of broken covenants. We accept our responsibility to honour all our relations in the work we do and that reconciliation will be possible when we have committed to learning about our shared past, listening to Indigenous truths, and pursuing a new and more inclusive, collaborative and respectful path towards a better future.
Before joining UPRC, Miriam served as minister for rural and urban United Church congregations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. From 2011 to 2022, she led Cochrane Street United Church in St. John’s as they repurposed their building to establish a non-profit, affordable housing and community space. Miriam has also served the church regionally and nationally including serving on the East District Executive and General Council Executive.
In 2019, Miriam saw a need for a new skill set for the future of the church, so completed an MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship to build on her BA and M.Div. Miriam is a candidate for PhD at Memorial University studying adaptive reuse of church property in Canada. Miriam shares her life with her husband, two children and their loveable furball Oreo.
WHAT’S VITAL: “I’ve never met a roadblock I couldn’t find a path around.”
A recent addition to the team, Clare brings extensive experience as a property and rental specialist. She is passionate about helping communities of faith make strategic property decisions that create meaningful and positive impact.
Before joining the team, Clare was the Director of Rental Management Services with the Toronto United Church Council (TUCC) where she stewarded two large, newly renovated United Churches toward long-term ministry and financial stability. Clare continued this work as a transitional rental consultant, supporting United Churches in navigating property use and rental strategies.
Clare finds this work deeply rewarding and strives to deliver tailored solutions that meet each faith community’s unique needs. I look forward to collaborating with the UPRC leadership team to support ministries in making property related decisions that strengthen financial sustainability for long-term ministry.
WHAT’S VITAL: Understanding the deep connection church communities have to their property and approaching each one with respect, empathy, and a commitment to listening to every voice.
A recent addition to the UPRC team, Ryan McNally also continues to serve as Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care at St. Mark’s United, Cannifton, Ontario. He has led the congregation through goal setting and planning processes, as it seeks to adapt to and serve a suburbanizing community. In these ways, his ministry combines degrees in Urban Planning and Civil Engineering (Waterloo) with a Master of Divinity (Queen’s).
Originally from a rural community west of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Robinson-Superior Treaty, the fourth generation on a family farm, Ryan is excited to see his first ever crop of backyard peaches.
WHAT’S VITAL: “Regularly supplying the necessary cat cameo for virtual meetings.”
As UPRC’s Senior Property Coordinator, Babak serves as a liaison between the Property Management team and a range of stakeholders from property owners to tenants and vendors.
Babak’s career has spanned various roles in construction and project management, and joins UPRC with Master and Bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Engineering. He also holds a Project Management Professional certification.
With a passion for creating spaces that foster a sense of community and wellbeing, Babak leverages his diverse skillset to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of properties UPRC manages.
When he’s not in the office, Babak can be found exploring new destinations, cultures, and cuisines.
WHAT’S VITAL: “I’m naturally detail-oriented, always spotting the small things that make a big difference.”
Maria brings twenty years of dedicated service to the United Church of Canada to her role at UPRC. She will continue to contribute her expertise across national initiatives, including UCC Protect Insurance Program and Mission through Finance. Her diverse experience and adaptable skillset allow her to navigate complex systems with clarity, care, and strategic insight.
Maria is pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Maria continues to expand her leadership capacity—bringing precision, foresight, and a collaborative spirit to every initiative. She is known for her thoughtful communication, steady presence, and commitment to mission-aligned service.
When Maria is not streamlining processes or supporting communities of faith, she embraces the open road—often exploring country roads by motorbike with the same curiosity and confidence she brings to her work.
WHAT’S VITAL: Motivated by a belief in practical support and thoughtful systems that serve people well. The goal is always to make meaningful work easier and more accessible for those who rely on it.