Meet the team

Rev. Sue Guenault
For 30 years I worked as a primary school teacher and a specialist in music. In 2013 I began training to be a Methodist Minister and am currently the Minister in Pastoral Charge of Emmanuel Methodist United Reformed Church, here in Ormskirk. I also lead outreach work in schools in West Lancashire, and I am passionate about giving young people the opportunity to develop and nurture their Spirituality.
As a newly-appointed Chaplain at Edge Hill, I am looking forward to building relationships with both staff and students and providing pastoral support to members of the Edge Hill Community.

Rabbi Shmuli Brown
I was born in Manchester, studied in the UK and Israel, and was ordained by the Chief Rabbi of Israel in 2000. I worked in the Ukraine for nearly a decade establishing youth clubs across the former Soviet Union and then established a very successful publishing house in Dnepropetrovsk. I taught children, students and adults the Jewish way of life through formal and informal education
I moved with my family to Liverpool in the summer of 2010 to open the door of Judaism to all Jewish students and faculty at Liverpool Universities, and establish a Chabad House, a place where Jews of all backgrounds and degrees of observance can enjoy exploring their Jewish heritage in a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

Tom Bacon
I studied at Edge Hill in the early 2000s and was heavily involved in student life – particularly in the running of the Christian Union. I fell in love with the Ormskirk area, and settled down, becoming heavily involved with Ormskirk Christian Fellowship and some of the local churches. I’ve always had a passion for my campus and acted as a Student Link between my church and the student community for a number of years. It was while serving in that capacity that I met my wife, Fiona.
It’s my firm conviction that student life is a unique time, one of unlimited potential, when character is shaped and refined. As such, it’s been my privilege to support students in their development and growth, often helping them deal with sometimes quite intense personal issues. I still serve as part of Ormskirk Christian Fellowship’s wider leadership team, I’m an active lay preacher, and I help run Kids’ Church and Youth groups. In terms of my career, I’m a freelance writer who focuses on the television and entertainment industry.

Rev. Dave Lawson
I have been a member of staff at Edge Hill University for ten years and in this time, I have seen this University grow and grow. My background is as a healthcare professional where I worked in operating theatres before joining the University full time as a Lecturer. I am now a Senior Lecturer working across both Ormskirk and St James’ Campus in Manchester where I teach and support undergraduate and post graduate students.
As a permanent Deacon within the Catholic Church, I assist with two parishes in St Helens, namely St Austin’s and St Teresa’s, the Deanery of St Helens and Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Drawing on my own training and experience and as a member of the Catholic Chaplain’s in higher education, I am looking forward to supporting staff and students spiritually and pastorally as a newly appointed Chaplain at Edge Hill.
All our chaplains are volunteers. The service they offer is from a multi-faith perspective, is confidential, and non-judgemental.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain the University would be happy to consider your application.
Contact us for more information