MEET THE TEAM
At the Candidates Department, we’re committed to helping you realize your potential for full-time ministry within The Salvation Army. To do that, we partner with local and divisional Salvation Army representatives, ensuring there’s a team supporting you at every step. There’s more than one way to answer God’s call and embrace full-time ministry; we can’t wait to work with you to find your fit and create your path forward.
Territorial Candidates Department
Major Carson Decker, Territorial Candidates Secretary
Carson has been an officer for 25 years, enjoying ministry in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia. Along with his wife Teresa, he has served as Corps Officer, Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary, and most recently as a Pastoral Services Officer. Carson considers it a privilege to journey with people, offering a listening ear, encouragement and support, and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. He enjoys being in nature, walking and spending time with family with friends. He also has a passion for creative approaches to worship and spiritual formation.
Shona Burditt, Candidates Project Coordinator
Shona was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and moved to Canada in 2000 when she married her husband, Andrew. She has been involved in full time ministry within the Salvation Army since that time, most recently as the Youth pastor at Oshawa Temple, ON before taking on the role as the Candidates Project Coordinator in August 2021. She lives in Whitby with Andrew, their two boys and crazy dog. She loves to encourage people, listening to their stories and sharing the love of Jesus every chance she gets. She loves picking up shells, walking, reading books and drinking copious amounts of tea.
Janah Vitalicio, Administrative Coordinator (Candidates & Youth)
Janah was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada in her early teens. She is passionate about serving Christ and serving others, and considers it a privilege to be working at The Salvation Army whose mission is to share the love of Jesus. She enjoys playing musical instruments, listening to music, and hearing people's journey to Christ!
Divisional Candidates Secretaries
British Columbia Division
Captain Joyce Downer
Joyce has had the privilege of living and ministering for a decade, starting her ministry in Cape Breton, NS, with her husband. They’ve continued to grow as a family moving from east to west across the country, also serving in Kentville, NS, in London, ON and now in Burnaby, BC. Joyce and Josh have four children and their family loves adventure!
Prairies and Northern Territories Division (PRA, ABNT)
Major Ashley Bungay
Ashley was commissioned and ordained in 2007 and has enjoyed appointments in Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, and Alberta. Alongside her husband Sheldon, she has served as Corps Officer and Divisional Youth Secretary and is currently in a separate appointment as Divisional Candidates Secretary. She is passionate about leading people towards Jesus while discipling them to know the Character of God and encouraging them to spend time reading The Bible consistently. Jeremiah 17:7-8 has been an anchoring verse for Ashley since her CFOT days, and she returns to it often when needing encouragement and to be reminded where her trust belongs. In her personal time, you will typically find her baking in the kitchen, working out, or watching a movie! Her favorite moment of the day is sitting around the table with Sheldon and their two children, laughing and sharing in life together.
Ontario Division
Lieutenants Jeff Robertson and Miya Bradburn
Miya and Jeff were commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers in 2023, after having served as lay pastors and field-based tailored training cadets in Fenelon Falls and Sudbury, Ontario. They love being officers, building relationships, and serving God in the confidence that God’s love and concern is for the whosoever. They are excited to help create space for people to discern God’s call on their lives - both the young, and the young at heart considering full-time ministry as a second career (like themselves!) - while encouraging them to step out in faith and trust to serve an almighty God. Jeff and Miya enjoy life as a blended family with four sons, and are excited to be new grandparents. Miya loves plant-based cooking and baking, snuggling with Meatball (the family’s shih-poo), and listening to podcasts. Jeff enjoys engaging in and leading worship, eating Miya’s baking, and suffering as a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.
Atlantic Division (NFLD, MAR, QC, BM)
Major Louise Pond
Louise Pond grew up in Newfoundland. She has been a Salvation Army Officer for nearly thirty-one years. Nine of these years were focused on Youth & Camping Ministries (a significant highlight of her officership) in the former Saskatchewan Division and Maritimes. Louise has also lived in various places in Newfoundland. Following six incredible years of ministry at Cedarbrae Community Church in Toronto Louise returned ‘home’ nine years ago. Louise is a visionary leader! She is passionate about helping individuals develop a personal relationship with Christ as well as inspiring and equipping individuals in a wholehearted pursuit of God’s purpose for their life. Louise loves to laugh, meet new people, shop and travel! She desires to serve in various ways with her husband Fred, through their local Corps and in their community. Louise is excited to serve as the Divisional Candidates Secretary for the Atlantic Division.
Captain Indira Albert
Area Candidates Secretary for Quebec
Indira Albert was born in Venezuela, the eldest of three siblings in a Christian family, moving to Montreal in her late teens. She is fluent in Spanish, English and French. She’s married and a mother of two wonderful teens, Samuel and Allison. She became an officer in 2014 and is honoured and love to journey alongside with people to discover God’s perfect plan for us.
Lieutenant Amy Patrick
Area Candidates Secretary for Bermuda
Amy Patrick was commissioned and ordained in 2021. Amy was raised in The Salvation Army church at Glenmore Temple in Calgary. It was her time in Sri Lanka in 2014 that deepened the call to officership and overseas ministry, following in the footsteps of her grandparents. Amy has always admired the work of The Salvation Army, meeting people where they are and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. In her short time as an officer, the call has only grown and the passion and desire to serve God's people is a true honor and privilege.
