Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to certify the Rev. Tara Johnston to the office of Appointed Designated Minister – Pastoral Care, December 18, 2017. Tara is fully bilingual and speaks English and Arabic, and her caring attitude towards serving others makes her an excellent addition to our clergy. We welcome Tara to our team.

Education and Credentials

• Certified Baptism, Wedding and Funeral Minister, Canadian Ministers Institute
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Dramatic Arts with a Minor in Psychology, Brock University
• Diploma (Honours) in Special Events Management, George Brown College
• Certified Wedding Planner, Consultant, and Coordinator, Wedding Planners Institute of Canada
• Certified Wedding and Event Designer, Wedding Planners Institute of Canada

Her work in Pastoral Care

Raised in the Niagara area as a Christian, she gradually found herself drawn to a broader, more spiritual path. Her beliefs encompass a higher power expressed through love, gratitude, and compassion. That inclusive outlook is what led her to Clergy Support Memorial, where she can honour and serve people from all walks of life with sincerity, care and respect.

Rev Tara is the owner of “I Do Weddings Niagara”, a wedding planning and officiating business devoted to crafting wedding ceremonies that are meaningful, authentic, and memorable. She actively uses her platform to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes and to advocate for inclusion and equality. She is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and works to ensure that every person—regardless of background, belief, or identity—feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

Tara often donates her rental items to various local causes (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Path Stones Niagara and Safe space Niagara). Most recently, she started a handmade initiative creating watermelon pins to raise funds for families in Gaza affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to families in need.

A Personal Note from Tara

“I consider it a true honour to be part of life’s defining moments—whether celebrating the joy of a marriage or honouring a life well lived. My goal is to create ceremonies that reflect each person’s unique story with warmth, authenticity, and care.”

Tara’s downtime

When she’s not officiating or designing events, Tara enjoys yoga, discovering new local restaurants, and catching up on her favourite shows. She keeps up to date with social justice activities and humanitarian causes.