Melissa Ytsma
National Bridgecare Manager
& Regional Manager, NS
Melissa grew up in a Christian family in rural Ontario and made a commitment to follow Jesus in her early 20s. Her introduction to Christian ministry was with the missions organization, Youth with a Mission (YWAM). With YWAM, she attended a Bible school in Matamata, New Zealand in 2006 and then moved to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to work as the Communications Director and serve on the spiritual leadership team for 100+ staff. She also regularly ministered to those struggling with addiction and homelessness in the city. This work fostered her calling to serve alongside those on the fringes of society, offering spiritual mentorship and friendship. It also provided an opportunity to learn from a great diversity of people and Christian tradition, which continues to shape who she is today.
Returning to Canada in 2013, Melissa worked for a while with her family’s business, and then stepped into pastoral leadership of a church in Richmond Hill, Ontario. As part of completing her Master of Divinity at Wycliffe College (University of Toronto), she took a course on forgiveness and reconciliation that had a significant impact on her. Sensing a pull towards deepening her understanding of Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, she was led to undertake a 2-year pastoral internship with Prison Fellowship Canada. Serving with PFC brought the gospel to life in powerful new ways as she navigated the complex stories of women and men impacted by incarceration. She began working part-time with PFC in early 2024 and full-time in January 2025.
Melissa is deeply committed to justice, relational ministry, and spiritual transformation. Her pastoral calling is to see people find their freedom, identity, and healing in Christ – to live into the invitation of Isaiah 58:6-12, creating space for the restoration only Jesus can accomplish. She considers it an incredible privilege to serve with PFC and witness all God is doing through this important ministry.
