Our Board of Directors

Chairperson

Tim is a financial services executive who has studied and worked globally, leading Small Business, Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management teams in multiple countries and languages.  He has been active in youth and community organizations for over 25 years, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Toronto City Rugby, Scouts Canada, and the United Way.  As a sought-after mentor, he knows that sharing knowledge and experiences creates growth and learning opportunities for everyone involved.  Having seen the amazing capabilities and potential of youth when given support and opportunities, Tim is excited and honoured to be contributing to Youth Rising Above as a Board member.

Vice Chairperson

Irwin has 40 years of experience working with young people marginalized from their rights. For over 20 years he managed the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre, an award winning brave space serving youth in and from care living on their own in the Greater Toronto Area. He was the Director of Service at Central Toronto Youth Services a children's mental health centre in downtown Toronto. He has worked in Japan, Jamaica, India and Ukraine supporting the development of a variety of youth services and system reforms. From 2008-2019 Irwin was Ontario's Child Advocate reporting to the Ontario Legislature "partnering with children and youth to bring their issues forward" as described in his guiding legislation. Irwin is the proud father to two young boys living with his wife in Toronto. 

Treasurer

 David is currently a Director at a financial services firm in Toronto, where he leads client service teams in providing accounting advisory and financial operations consulting for both public and private companies. He is the leader of his office’s employee network group for Pan-Asian professionals and the lead recruitment and mentorship liaison between his firm and Ryerson University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 2014. David is an active mentor to young professionals within his organization through various formal mentorship programs, including through his role as the Pan-Asian employee network group lead. He also participates in student mentorship through his alma mater and other external organizations. David is a life-long resident of downtown Toronto and is passionate about providing his expertise to organizations that serve marginalized youth in his community. 

Secretary

Kathryn is a senior marketing professional with 15 years of marketing experience in Hospitality, Wellness, and Lifestyle. She left the corporate environment to travel and volunteer abroad. Through her company, Merei Marketing, Kathryn is now focused and committed to supporting purpose driven businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Kathryn's life experience and personal journey has led her to embrance causes that support underserved communities, with a strong belief in the power of arts and fitness to inspire and improve one's mental health and well-being. She is proud to be serving on the Board for Youth Rising Above and to have the opportunity to do work that contributes to the personal growth and empowerment of young people.  

Director

Salvatore’s professional background includes working with youth in a residential, community and shelter settings. His professional experience includes case management, program development, philanthropy, trauma-informed practice, and community development. Additionally, he co-hosts on the CYC Podcast having monthly segments on social justice and advocacy. He has a particular skill in the design, development, and implementation of programs taking a youth-centred and informed approach.  Salvatore has a Bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law. Salvatore is passionate about youth-centred programming and advocating with young people. He is excited to be working with Youth Rising Above and the young people we work wit

Director

Madelaine is an experienced leader in the homeless and housing sector. As a certified Child and Youth Counsellor, Madelaine has 20 years experience working in program development and community capacity building both within Toronto and the UK. She has vast knowledge on youth engagement andrestorative practices and strives to ensure that both approaches are at the centre of her work. Madelaine’s commitment to ensuring that young people have access to support and resources combined with her passion for contributing to positive social change is what excites her about being a part of the Board of Youth Rising Above.