Summer Christiansen (she/her) – Youth and Young Adult Engagement Coordinator
Summer Christiansen is a queer, neurodivergent educator, writer, and mother living on the unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (Secondary Education) and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Her writing has appeared in Bell Anthologies, Silver Rose Magazine, Tidal Echoes, and Minerva Rising.
With more than a decade of experience in education, Summer has taught in diverse settings across Alaska and South Korea, specializing in English language education. Her commitment to community building extends beyond the classroom through leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, including serving as President of the Southeast Alaska LGBTQIA+ Alliance (SEAGLA) and as a board member of 49 Writers. She also served as Education Director for a Juneau-based arts nonprofit, supporting creative learning opportunities for youth and community members.
After relocating from Tlingit Aaní (Juneau, Alaska) to British Columbia in 2024, Summer joined the First Universalist Fellowship of Nanaimo as Spiritual Educator, where she works with children and families to foster curiosity, connection, and spiritual exploration within a Unitarian Universalist community.
Summer was drawn to Unitarian Universalism by its commitment to inclusivity, justice, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel valued, empowered, and connected to one another and to the broader UU movement.
At the CUC, Summer’s work includes:
- Coordinating national youth and young adult programs and events;
- Increasing awareness of and engagement with youth and young adults across Canada;
- Supporting leadership development opportunities for youth and young adults; and
- Strengthening networks and connections among young people, congregations, and UU communities.
Outside of her professional life, Summer enjoys hiking the forests of British Columbia with her dog, Bruno, teaching yoga, writing, and keeping up with the adventures of her spirited six-year-old.