SPECIAL GUESTS
Rev. Michelle Gardner
Associate Pastor at
Brampton Triumphant Church of God
Reverend Michelle Gardner is an Associate Pastor at the Brampton Triumphant Church of God. Known for her exceptional ability to bring people together, she offers clinical and financial support during times of crisis and grief and is also a supportive presence during celebrations. Pastor Gardner holds a Bachelor of Theology and is a Christian Counsellor specializing in Creation Therapy. Her community & church experience includes being a Facilitator of an
adult literacy program, Director for Youth programs, New Convert Care Ministry, Worship Coordinator and Community Outreach supporting a local women’s shelter. In 2018 she founded Living Purpose Ministry and launched the now-renowned Come Dine with Me Women’s Conference. This annual event brings together women from across the nation for empowerment and fellowship, with proceeds supporting both local and international charities. Pastor Gardner has been married to Darren Gardner for 27 years, and together they have three children A sought-after conference speaker, workshop facilitator, itinerant evangelist, and passionate intercessor. Pastor Gardner is known for her practical teaching of the Word and powerful impartations. She continues to inspire, mentor, and motivate the next generation in ministry. Living by the theme "Heart of Worship and Passion to Serve," she simply describes herself as a worshipper.
Pastor Janice Green
Missional Pastor
Pastor Janice Green was born again at the Bloor Street Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) in March 1983. Her journey in ministry began with youth ministry, quickly transitioning to a leadership role in the Sunday school adult ministry. Her dedication and passion led to her appointment as the Sunday School Superintendent. Five years later, Pastor Green transferred to the Pape Avenue COGOP, where she continued to serve as an adult teacher and once again took on the role of Sunday School Superintendent. Her commitment to Christian education culminated in her appointment as the Christian Education Director when the local church moved to its new location at Blantyre. Throughout her ministry, Pastor Green has excelled academically. She completed all courses offered in the programs of the COGOP, graduating with distinction from the School for Advanced Biblical Studies (SABS) at the Pape Avenue COGOP under Bishop Aston and Eva Morrison. She furthered her education with a bridging course at York University which she is currently completing. Pastor Green's ministry extended beyond local church involvement. She was the first National Singles Ministry Director, a role in which she successfully launched and operated the ministry within her local church. She also served as the National Women's Ministry Director and was a key leader in the National Ladies Retreat team. Throughout her many years of service, Pastor Green has been devoted to teaching and preaching, impacting countless lives with her ministry. She is also a proud mother of one son. Her journey reflects a steadfast commitment to her faith, education, and the growth of her community within the Church of God of Prophecy.
Shane Joseph BSW, MSW, RSW, MBA, DSW (c)
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
& Consultant
Shane is a transplanted immigrant of the Caribbean soil who now calls Canada home. He is a Social Worker & Psychotherapist with over twenty (20) years of wisdom in the areas of masculinity, gender-based violence, program and policy development, suicide intervention, and mental health. Within his private practice, New Journey Consulting Inc. he provides individual, couples, and family therapy for the Black African Caribbean community disproportionately, which is heavily grounded in intersectional and decolonizing approaches. As a consultant, he has completed assignments for UN agencies, World Bank, and CIDA among others throughout the Caribbean, North, South & Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. He lectures at both College and University levels and currently works as the Associate Executive Director at Roots Community Services, Ontario Canada. He is the current Chair of the North American MenEngage (NAMEN) and a Director of the Global MenEngage International (entities working with men and boys to end violence). Shane possesses both an Undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Social work as well as an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management. He is currently completing his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a specialization in Leadership & Education.
Yvette Blackburn is a passionate educator and activist. Through her extensive work in race relations, social justice, politics, and labor relations, Yvette Blackburn has made her Mark as an astute leader, strong political advocate, and effective community activist. Yvette has sound knowledge and application in strategic organizational change, equity and education. A very forward-thinking individual who does not sit in indifference when wrongs are being committed. Even in the face of adversity she Champions the rights of citizens, believes in the principle of fairness, and public voice.
Yvette Blackburn
Educator and Community Advocate
