The Niagara School for Mission Leadership is welcoming the spring semester, and with it, fresh energy from Hannah Keller, our new NSML Coordinator. Registration is now open for two transformative courses designed to equip parish leaders for God’s mission in today’s world: Engaging the Community with Emily Hill and Canon Ian Mobsby, and Missional Spirituality with Mark Dunwoody.
Joining NSML this spring is Hannah Keller, the new NSML Coordinator. We asked her a few questions about her role and what participants can expect.
Dani Leitis: Hannah, for those who haven’t met you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your previous role?
Hannah Keller: Sure! I joined the diocesan staff team in April 2023 as the Administrative Assistant, right after finishing my undergraduate degree at Huron University College. As a lifelong Anglican, I was really excited to begin my professional career serving the Church in this way. I grew up in a military family, so I moved around quite a bit, but I’ve been attending St. George’s Anglican Church in Guelph since 2012.
In my assistant role, I supported a wide range of diocesan ministries, programs, and events. That meant helping organize Synods and Synod Council meetings, assisting with diocesan property matters, supporting YLTP, coordinating communications for WOW grants, and serving as the registrar for the Bishop’s Company. It was a broad support role, which gave me a great overview of how everything fits together.
That’s also how I first became involved with NSML. I was asked to work with the previous coordinator, Sarah Bird, to develop a student database, and that collaboration really sparked my deeper involvement in that ministry.
D: What excites you most about joining NSML?
H: I’ve always been someone who genuinely loves learning. Ever since I was a kid, school was something I really looked forward to. So, the idea of joining a ministry like NSML, where life-long learning and spiritual growth are at the heart of what you do, is really exciting to me!
D: How will you support students at NSML?
H: I think that, at the heart of it, my role is about making sure students feel supported, connected, and set up for success throughout their time at NSML. On a practical level, that means ensuring the administrative side runs smoothly. If I do my job well, students can focus on their learning rather than worrying about logistics.
Beyond administration, I see my role as being a connector and advocate for students. I’ll work closely with teacher-practitioners to ensure course expectations are clear and the learning platform runs smoothly, while also being someone students can turn to with questions or for guidance. At the same time, I hope to help them connect their learning to real ministry contexts, linking them with missional and vocational opportunities across the diocese and fostering a sense that they’re part of a wider, supportive learning community.
D: What do you hope participants will take away from this upcoming term?
H: I hope participants leave the Spring 2026 term feeling both grounded and equipped. Grounded in a deeper sense of where God is at work, in their own lives and in their communities, and equipped with practical tools to respond faithfully.
For those taking Engaging the Community, I hope they gain confidence in listening to and building meaningful connections in their neighbourhoods. My hope is that they won’t just walk away with ideas, but with tangible skills and the courage to try something new in their parish’s context. In Missional Spirituality, I hope participants experience real renewal. That they grow in their inner life with God, develop resilience in leadership, and gain spiritual rhythms that sustain both themselves and the communities they serve.
Ultimately, I hope this term helps them lead with empathy, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose in God’s mission.
D: Do you have any suggestions on how students can prepare for the upcoming term?
H: I’d suggest that students take some time to reflect on their current parish context and personal spiritual practices before the term begins. Thinking about specific questions or challenges they’re facing, and coming ready to share and learn from others, will help them get the most out of both the practical tools in Engaging the Community and the spiritual formation in Missional Spirituality.
D: Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
H: I’m excited to support students as they grow in faith and ministry, helping them feel connected and confident along the way. I’m also looking forward to learning alongside them and seeing how this term (and future terms) shapes both of our journeys!
Whether you want to deepen your spiritual rhythms, grow in leadership confidence, or engage more intentionally with your community, NSML’s spring semester offers a season of learning, reflection, and transformation.
To register for courses, visit nsml.ca. For questions about NSML, any of the courses, or registration questions, you can contact Hannah by emailing [email protected].
Engaging the Community
Dates: Mondays, April 13 – June 8 (no class May 18) | Time: 2–4 pm
Led by Dr. Emily Hill and The Rev. Canon Dr. Ian Mobsby, this course helps lay leaders and deacons confidently connect with their local neighbourhoods. Participants will gain practical tools and hands-on practice to listen deeply and discern how God is already at work. Parish groups are encouraged to attend together.
Missional Spirituality
Dates: Wednesdays, April 15 – June 3 | Time: 10 am–12 pm
Led by Dr. Mark Dunwoody, this course draws on centuries of spiritual formation and soul care to help leaders thrive in a changing world. Divided into three sections—Personal, Leadership, and Corporate Rhythms—participants will grow in inner life, leadership resilience, and the skills to guide communities with empathy and vision.
Holding Things and Letting Go