Our Board and Governance

Aukje Byker

Board Chair

Aukje has been a Unitarian Universalist since 1990, drawn by its focus on community and social justice. After moving to Peterborough in 2014, UFP became her natural home. Aukje brings valuable expertise from teaching social service programs at Mohawk College and working as a certified Nonviolent Communication trainer. She brings dedicated guidance into another cycle as Board Chair. Off the board, she is active with Kawartha Commons Cohousing, enjoys live music, and loves spending time with her two local grandchildren.

Ruth has been a member since the early 2000s and finds UFP’s values and principles match what she believes. This is why she wants to support the governance and sustainability of the organization. Ruth is a proud resident of Peterborough and active member in the Canadian Federation of University Women and Older Women's Network where she also shares her skills generously.

As recent newcomers to Peterborough, Bill and his wife Beth were delighted to find a welcoming community of like-minded souls at UFP. Bringing significant management experience as the former director of Biomedical Engineering at Sunnybrook Hospital, he wants to support the activities of the congregation and volunteer his skills where they will be most useful. Nowadays he enjoys baking and spending time with his wife Beth, daughter and three grandchildren who have also relocated to Peterborough. He is also experimenting with growing hydroponic vegetables in the basement.

Cory was initially drawn to UFP by the warmth and kindness offered during a time when she was seeking emotional solace. She appreciates how UFP members "walk the talk" of inclusive social justice values and is passionate about sharing the congregation's good deeds to inspire others. Professionally, she is Director of University Guidance at Lakefield College School, having previously worked in international schools across four continents. To recharge, Cory enjoys quiet hobbies - she loves making pottery, kayaking, playing Scrabble and happily tackling organizational tasks.

Fahrin was initially drawn to the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough by its progressive community spirit and open conversations about future possibilities. Driven by a desire to ensure diverse perspectives shape the fellowship's path forward, Fahrin brings a vibrant, younger, and inclusive voice to UFP’s leadership team. Outside of board meetings and fellowship activities, Fahrin can often be found staying active on the tennis court.

Fahrin was initially drawn to the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough by its progressive community spirit and open conversations about future possibilities. Driven by a desire to ensure diverse perspectives shape the fellowship's path forward, Fahrin brings a vibrant, younger, and inclusive voice to UFP’s leadership team. Outside of board meetings and fellowship activities, Fahrin can often be found staying active on the tennis court.

Erica has been a dedicated member of UFP for over 30 years and lends her experience and support to a wide variety of fellowship activities. Prior to her retirement in 2024, Erica served as a Biology Professor at Trent University, where she continues to mentor students and travel to field research sites. An avid outdoor and arts enthusiast, Erica spends her free time swimming, cycling, bird-watching, reading, and playing the violin.

Joanne found her home at UFP while seeking a welcoming community grounded in love that honors diverse spiritual views and social justice. Joanne is keen to deepen her relationship with her spiritual community while sharing over 25 years of professional leadership experience in social services including direct support and managerial roles with Community Living Campbellford and Community Care for Central Hastings. Joanne expresses her creative spirit through fibre arts, music, mixed media, gardening, and cooking, and finds endless joy in experiencing life alongside her five grandchildren.