Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to certify the Rev. Stephanie Cryer to the office of Appointed Designated Minister-Youth Ministry, in May 2023. Rev Stephanie has demonstrated she has many transferable skills along with lifetime experience, and in this context will be treated as analogous to academic training. We were pleased to invite Stephanie to join Clergy Support Memorial and recognize her dedicated work with children across so many parts of the world.

Academic Credentials

• Canadian Minister’s Institute Training in June 2023
• BA in English & Communications from Wilfred Laurier University, 2005
• Professional Program in Education from D’Youville College, 2006
• Ontario College of Teachers Certification

A few words about Stephanie

Rev Stephanie is fluently bilingual in English and French. Rooted in her devout faith, she finds solace and inspiration in moments of quiet contemplation amidst the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether she’s kayaking, skiing down snow-covered slopes, or simply taking leisurely walks, Stephanie’s reverence for the natural world is palpable. Nature, for her, serves as both a sanctuary and a source of profound reflection, allowing her to deepen her spiritual understanding and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Her love for reading extends beyond mere enjoyment, serving as a means for personal growth and professional enrichment. She immerses herself in a diverse array of literature, nurturing her intellect and fostering a lifelong love for learning. Her passion for education and travel reflects a desire to broaden her horizons and embrace the beauty of cultural diversity. Through her journeys, she not only discovers new landscapes but also forms meaningful connections with people from different walks of life, embodying a spirit of empathy, and open-mindedness. Stephanie invites others to join her on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the world around them.

A Drive to Learn

She completed the “4 Seasons of Reconciliation Course”, which is a comprehensive antiracist education in line with the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to

Action”. It aims to promote a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Settlers. She has also worked through several online self-improvement courses with the Unlearn organization. These include: “Unconscious Bias in the Workplace”, “Representation Matters”, “How to Have Critical Conversations with Students”, and “Gender Inclusive Classrooms”. Three books and one podcast she would recommend were:

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
• Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• How to Be a Better Human (podcast)
• Anything written or spoken by Humble the Poet

Spiritual Dimension

In March 2022, she was diagnosed with a serious illness. Until this point, she had been a “workaholic” who focused her life on career achievements. Being forced to take a break from work to direct her attention towards her health. Ultimately, she was able to find peace by learning to be happy with where she is, rather than constantly looking for something new. It was a process of finding stillness. Previously, she never stopped moving towards the “next big thing”. She was able to come to this conclusion after reevaluating her relationship with religion and spirituality and came to a place where she accepted that someone has greater control of her life.

Closing Words

“I believe that many young adults and people my age are struggling to find someone who can support their special occasions in a relatable, meaningful and Christian way. I am at a similar stage of life to many people who are looking for external help. I am an ally and advocate for equity in all my professional and personal responsibilities. My communications experience allows me to engage with people in a variety of formats and promote organizations of worthy causes to diverse followers. I consider myself to be a citizen of the world, who has lived with people from different cultures.”