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
Lieutenant Jen Thompson
Jen was ordained and commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in 2024, after having pastored with her husband Neil as Auxiliary-Lieutenants and Cadets-in-Appointment for four years in Vernon, BC. Jen is mom to four young men, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and their sweet, yet mischievous dog, Pippin. Life is never dull in the Thompson home! As a follower of Jesus, Jen seeks to pattern her life after His. She is passionate about compassionately journeying with others, pointing them to Jesus, and helping them to discover His love, grace, and calling in their lives. Her life verses are Jeremiah 29:13-14 and these words have proven true in her own life as she’s learned to seek God more and more. Jen loves spending time in creation and can often be found walking, hiking, paddleboarding, or just simply enjoying the outdoors with Neil and their boys.
Prairies and Northern Territories Division
Ontario Division
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.
