MRUC Staff
Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea, Minister
John Joseph joined Manor Road United Church in May 2019. He received his B.Sc., M.Div., M.R.E, and M.A.M.S. from the University of Toronto and his D.Min. from the University of Chicago. He received the Diamond Jubilee Award (2012) and the Platinum Jubilee Award for Community Service (2023). He is also a certified Spiritual Director and Labyrinth Facilitator. John Joseph recently celebrated his 33th Anniversary of Ordination having served in churches across the country including Quebec, Saskatchewan, and churches in Ontario including Hearst, Mono Mills, Maple and more recently Metropolitan United in Toronto. He resides in Cabbagetown with his husband Bill Calkins. You can find John Joseph on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, YouTube and Linked In. Contact John Joseph at ministermruc@gmail.com.
Tom Marcaccini, Music Director
Tom is happy to be offering his musical style and leadership to Manor Road United Church. Tom enriches the congregation by directing weekly performances of Cornerstone, Manor Road United's talented house band. He also directs the adult choir, the many vocal and instrumental soloists, and an occasional Bell Choir. Aside from his responsibilities at Manor Road, Tom is a conductor, educator, clarinetist, and pianist who is extraordinarily talented in working in many different musical styles. He is on staff at the Bishop Strachan School in Toronto where he leads bands, choirs and has been Music Director for several school productions. Prior to returning to Toronto he was a member of the Victoria Symphony as Bass Clarinetist and worked with Pacific Opera Victoria. Contact Tom at musicmruc@gmail.com.
Allison Marcaccini, Co-ordinator of Children's Ministries
With a background in teaching children’s music as well as voice for all ages, Allison brings her love of kids, music and teaching to the Children’s Ministry programs. Allison has been a committed member of the Manor Road congregation for several years, volunteering as Children’s Choir Director and Sunday musical soloist. As a mother of two young girls, Allison has much in common with the families of Manor Road United. She brings compassion, kindness, a sense of humour, and theatricality to her role, winning the hearts of children and parents alike. Contact Allison at manorroadkids@gmail.com.
Fina Aldaba, Nursery Caregiver
Fina has been working in childcare in some form all her life. Her career has been taking care of young children for the past 10 years, since she moved to Toronto. Her kind and friendly disposition helps babies and toddlers warm up to her almost immediately. Fina has been a member of the Manor Road congregation for over 8 years.
Gernina Decena, LRF Coordinator
Gernina Decena is a freelance scriptwriter who studied Film and Public Administration. Once upon a time, she was a Corporate Communications manager and a television producer for an investigative program. Now, instead of conducting interviews, she finds herself constantly answering questions—from mundane to mind-boggling—from her two inquisitive kids. As a parent to a child with special needs, you will find Nina advocating for inclusion and school supports. Outside her family, Nina’s interests are ice skating, reading and running. Contact Nina at littlerbfish@gmail.com.
Gernina Decena, Seniors' Program Coordinator
Nina is a local mom with two elementary aged kids. She is currently with the Toronto Public Library but previously worked with MRUC as the LRF coordinator. She is excited to be back working with the Friday Speaker Series. Outside work, Nina's interests are ice skating, reading, and running.
Marianne Eschker, Office Administrator
Our Office Administrator, Marianne, handles the day-to-day needs of the church and its participants. Beyond organizing church administration each week, our Office Admin provides information on baptisms, funerals, weddings and Children’s Ministry programs. She also provides information on obtaining use of Manor Road’s facilities for community or other events. Contact Marianne at manorroaduc@gmail.com.
Manuel Ferreira, Custodian
Manuel is in charge of upkeep and cleanliness inside the building and on the grounds of Manor Road United Church. He has been looking after the building, its grounds and its people since 1997. His knowledge of the building, his readiness to lend a helping hand, and his warm smile makes him a priceless asset in the day-to-day business of the church’s operation.
Manor Road United Church is on the traditional home of the Huron-Wendat Nation, Metis Nation of Ontario, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River. May we be connected to the heartbeat of the Spirit as one.