Our Team
The People Who Help Make Liberty a Success
Lead Pastor
At the moment, Liberty International Church is in transition and waiting on God to identify who will be taking on the role of Lead Pastor. It is a season where we are being challenged to really trust in the Lord to know that He will bring the right person (or persons) to take Liberty to in the direction that He has already destined for us. Our entire staff is excited and waiting anxiously to see how God will receive tremendous glory during this time of change.
Alex Smethurst, Youth Pastor
Bio: After working at a church in Florida, Alex heard God call him back to Canada (we know it must have been God –especially during a cold Canadian February!). At Liberty, Alex gives leadership to our youth; he’s passionate about seeing young men and women make a decision for Christ and learn how to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Family: Married to his beautiful wife Jessica
Favourite Book (besides the Bible): Uprising (Erwin McManus)
Hobbies: Most Sports and working out
Favourite Movie: Gladiator or Batman Begins
Secret Ambition: To Win “So You Think You Can Dance”
Favourite Gadget: None, they all scare me.
What has Jesus Done: Everything!!
Nina Cooper, Administrator
Bio: A native Torontonian, Nina met Jesus when she was a young mom in a park and has never looked back. At Liberty, Nina is the lady that keeps everything working in an orderly fashion. She has amazing business savvy and keeps all of the team (staff and volunteers) on their toes.
Family: A loving husband, and three amazing kids
Favourite Book (besides the Bible): Love You Forever, By Robert Munsch- A childhood favorite that as a mom I cherish even more.
Hobbies: Rollerblading and scrapbooking
Favourite Movie: The Color Purple
Secret Ambition: To become a world-renowned photographer
Favourite Gadget: Nikon DSLR Camera
What has Jesus Done: Transformed my life, lifts me up every time I fall.
Junn and Tet De Leon, Worship Leaders
Bio: Junn and Tet were born in the Philippines but spent most of their lives as professional musicians in Hong Kong. While living in Hong Kong they had an encounter with Jesus that changed their lives forever. At Liberty, Junn and Tet are responsible for the music and Liberty Learning Groups. They also give oversight to pastoral care and help in a million other ways at Liberty. They have two boys who are amazing PS3 players.
Family: Two young boys.
Favourite Book (besides the Bible):
J: The Shack (William P. Young)
T: Gems from Tozer
Hobbies:
J: Tennis, Basketball, swimming, listening to music
T: Reading, Listening to music
Favourite Movie:
J: The Bucket List
T: Steel Magnolias
Secret Ambition:
J: To host a TV show
T: To sing in an opera
Favourite Gadget:
J: guitars, computers
T: mobile phone
What has Jesus Done:
J: gave me new meaning in life
T: made life worth living
Jean Ellis, Planet Kidz Director
Bio: As an adult Jean was transformed by the person of Jesus and has never been the same. With her experience as a teacher, Jean has been giving oversight to our youth program for five years. Under her leadership, the kids program has grown exponentially and continues to grow. Jean has a heart to see children grow up to be all that God created them to be, and is always looking for people to share in this passion with her. Jean is married to Rob and they have three grown up (well sometimes) children and four grandchildren.
Family: Married to Rob Ellis; three grown children (two married daughters, one son in university), and four grandchildren.
Favourite Book: Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)
Hobbies: Spoiling my grandchildren
Favourite Movie: Summer Vacation with Chevy Chase
Secret Ambition: To be a world-class fencer
Favourite Gadget: Avocado peeler
What has Jesus Done: Been my security in an insecure world.
Kevin Thibeault, Young Adults Pastor
Bio: Kevin is the brand new, just out of the packaging, Young Adults Pastor. He loves the radical teachings of Jesus and has a passion to see the church look like the beloved community of God. He looks forward to pilgrimaging with other young adults to work out what following Jesus is supposed to look like in our day.
Family: Not married..just yet 
Favourite Book (besides the Bible): The Life of Saint Francis
Hobbies: Reading, art and swimming
Favourite Movie: Crooklyn
Secret Ambition: Wrestle and pin a man-sized bear
Favourite Gadget: spoon
What has Jesus Done: Restored what the locusts had eaten
Judy Emmerson, Counsellor
Bio: Judy loves people and considers it a privilege to walk along side them through their struggles and empower them to become all that God created them to be. Her goal is to help people overcome issues and develop strategies to reach their maximum potential through Spirit-led counselling. Judy brings with her a broad range of experience and expertise, and is a great addition to the team as the Counsellor/Community Advocate.
Family: Not married…..love my 3 god-children deeply
Favourite Book: To be honest, I don’t like to read
Hobbies: golf, badminton, movies, live theater, enjoy going to sporting events
Favourite Movie: Sound of Music
Secret Ambition: To own my own island in the Caribbean and live there, surrounded by ocean and sunshine
Favourite Gadget: remote control
What has Jesus Done: Given me genuine joy and is my best Friend
Email Judy