Youth Rising Above
Youth Rising Above
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Mission, Vision, Values
    • Our Programs
    • Our Impact
    • Our Board
    • Our Team
    • Youth Advisory Committee
    • Mental Health Advisory
    • Join Us
  • PROGRAMS & SERVICES
    • DiscoverU
    • School Clubs
    • BeYou
    • Photovoice Contest
    • Greeting Card Contest
    • Holiday Dinner
    • First Aid Training
    • RISE Camp
    • Rising Together
    • GoTheDistance
    • Let's Talk
  • SUPPORT US
    • Donate
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Email Subscription
  • More
    • Home
    • ABOUT US
      • Mission, Vision, Values
      • Our Programs
      • Our Impact
      • Our Board
      • Our Team
      • Youth Advisory Committee
      • Mental Health Advisory
      • Join Us
    • PROGRAMS & SERVICES
      • DiscoverU
      • School Clubs
      • BeYou
      • Photovoice Contest
      • Greeting Card Contest
      • Holiday Dinner
      • First Aid Training
      • RISE Camp
      • Rising Together
      • GoTheDistance
      • Let's Talk
    • SUPPORT US
      • Donate
    • Contact Us
      • Contact Us
      • Email Subscription

  • Home
  • ABOUT US
  • PROGRAMS & SERVICES
  • SUPPORT US
  • Contact Us

Our Team

Jonathan John (he/him)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Janine Noorloos (she/her)

Executive Director & Founder


Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in the poverty reduction sector both in public and private environments, with a significant focus on youth development. He is committed towards co-creating meaningful, supportive and relevant opportunities in support of positive youth and community dev

Executive Director & Founder


Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in the poverty reduction sector both in public and private environments, with a significant focus on youth development. He is committed towards co-creating meaningful, supportive and relevant opportunities in support of positive youth and community development. Jonathan believes that everyone has a role in creating healthier and vibrant communities, while also working towards preventing poverty for future generations.  He is committed towards ensuring young people feel safe and inspired as they engage with YRA services. 

Janine Noorloos (she/her)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Janine Noorloos (she/her)

Director, Programs & Services


Janine has held a variety of leadership positions in non-profits and health organizations. With experiences in shelter, street outreach, health research, and quality improvement, Janine is motivated to support people in her community. Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Wilfrid

Director, Programs & Services


Janine has held a variety of leadership positions in non-profits and health organizations. With experiences in shelter, street outreach, health research, and quality improvement, Janine is motivated to support people in her community. Janine graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science in Translational Research at the University of Toronto. She is excited to join Youth Rising Above. 

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Director, Fund Development


  Christine has years of experience working with underserved and marginalized youth
populations in various capacities to empower them to be strong, confident and autonomous individuals. She believes everyone deserves a chance at success, and an uneven playing field renders this impossible and unfair. Christine ha

Director, Fund Development


  Christine has years of experience working with underserved and marginalized youth
populations in various capacities to empower them to be strong, confident and autonomous individuals. She believes everyone deserves a chance at success, and an uneven playing field renders this impossible and unfair. Christine has experience developing and implementing large-scale fundraising initiatives, including managing individual and corporate donations. Her mission is to transform, empower and enlighten youth communities in support of a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow.

Elsie Yang (she/her)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Administrative Assistant


Elsie has an academic background in employment relations and human geography and has professional experience in event planning, volunteer coordination and administration. She believes that promoting a safe space for youth who feel marginalized is extremely important to develop a sense of belonging, identity and sec

Administrative Assistant


Elsie has an academic background in employment relations and human geography and has professional experience in event planning, volunteer coordination and administration. She believes that promoting a safe space for youth who feel marginalized is extremely important to develop a sense of belonging, identity and security. Elsie wishes to promote opportunities for youth to receive support whenever they need it, which is why she decided to volunteer with Youth Rising Above. 

Viola Mugumbate (she/her)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Social Media Coordinator


Viola is a Marketing professional with over 7 years of experience communicating insights and ideas through social media. She believes that every young person deserves an equal opportunity to a healthy life and that we need to be living together, not next to each other. Therefore, she is passionate and committed to 

Social Media Coordinator


Viola is a Marketing professional with over 7 years of experience communicating insights and ideas through social media. She believes that every young person deserves an equal opportunity to a healthy life and that we need to be living together, not next to each other. Therefore, she is passionate and committed to giving something back to the community using her knowledge, skills and experiences, to help make life better for vulnerable youth. 

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Program Coordinator, DiscoverU, RISE Camp & Certification Training


Christian has spent several years working within the local community serving marginalized and at-risk populations. His experience includes working with a number of large scale social service organizations in capacities that include case management, counselling, intake and p

Program Coordinator, DiscoverU, RISE Camp & Certification Training


Christian has spent several years working within the local community serving marginalized and at-risk populations. His experience includes working with a number of large scale social service organizations in capacities that include case management, counselling, intake and program support. Christian also brings with him years of business experience, having served in operational and sales capacities in the past. Christian believes in the importance of transforming marginalized young people through meaningful and engaging initiatives that support their continued growth. He is especially interested in group programming and the positive attributes it can instil within participants.  


Vuyile Motsa

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Special Projects Coordinator


Vuyile has an academic background in Media Communications/Journalism and has professional experience in communications, international development, youth programming and administration. She is skilled in videography, writing for media platforms, photography, graphic design, web design etc., with personal interes

Special Projects Coordinator


Vuyile has an academic background in Media Communications/Journalism and has professional experience in communications, international development, youth programming and administration. She is skilled in videography, writing for media platforms, photography, graphic design, web design etc., with personal interests in social entrepreneurship, social justice and advocacy - making YRA the ideal opportunity to use her skills and passions to advocate for youth.

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Executive Assistant


Mari-Elisa is recent Social Service Worker graduate at George Brown College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Working with various organizations in the past, she has worked with a wide range of children, youth, adults. Mari-Elisa uses an anti-oppressive and anti-racist perspectives while inte

Executive Assistant


Mari-Elisa is recent Social Service Worker graduate at George Brown College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Working with various organizations in the past, she has worked with a wide range of children, youth, adults. Mari-Elisa uses an anti-oppressive and anti-racist perspectives while interacting with members of the community and, uses her active listening skills to create a safe space. She is committed to working and creating a positive environment for youth and ensuring that they are supported in a meaningful way.


Aiden Fortier (he/him)

Mari-Elisa Cedeno (she/her)

Aiden Fortier (he/him)

Social Media Coordinator


Aiden has always had a passion for giving back to the community, stemming from his parents who have always made it a point to leave the world better than you found it. Aiden has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor, helped move refugees into residences in Canada, and more. He is excited to combine two o

Social Media Coordinator


Aiden has always had a passion for giving back to the community, stemming from his parents who have always made it a point to leave the world better than you found it. Aiden has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor, helped move refugees into residences in Canada, and more. He is excited to combine two of his passions: social media marketing, and working with and making positive changes in vulnerable communities.

Brennon Thompson

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Karen Ngo (she/her)

Partnership Development


Brennon comes from the world of Media, and has a background in youth development from his ongoing involvement as a leader in the Canadian Cadet Organization and the Canadian Armed Forces.  In his professional career; Brennon is an Operations & Development Analyst responsible for the overall training/ process impleme

Partnership Development


Brennon comes from the world of Media, and has a background in youth development from his ongoing involvement as a leader in the Canadian Cadet Organization and the Canadian Armed Forces.  In his professional career; Brennon is an Operations & Development Analyst responsible for the overall training/ process implementation for internal employees across Canada. He’s also a key member of the Diversity and Inclusion committee at Bell Media. Brennon has a strong passion towards Youth Rising Above, as he believes that youth require a solid foundation in order to contribute to society in a positive and impactful way. He's keen on helping ensure that our youth have remarkable experiences and role models to support their future success. 

Karen Ngo (she/her)

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Karen Ngo (she/her)

Design Researcher, Innovation


Karen is a design consultant; her work has focused on addressing unemployment in at-risk communities and improving accessibility for underrepresented youth. Her practice mixes strategic foresight with human-centred design to identify unmet needs and to strategically plan sustainable and competitive service opp

Design Researcher, Innovation


Karen is a design consultant; her work has focused on addressing unemployment in at-risk communities and improving accessibility for underrepresented youth. Her practice mixes strategic foresight with human-centred design to identify unmet needs and to strategically plan sustainable and competitive service opportunities. She has an interest in a more holistic approach to youth development and dreams of a more accessible future for marginalized youth. As she assists with daily operations of the organization, she looks forward to translating challenges into new opportunities and learning and growing with the community and team. 

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Mentorship Program Coordinator


Sakshi has a background in higher education and valuable experience in career development, leadership, and mentorship. She has held many leadership roles that have allowed her to facilitate workshops, advise and mentor students, and be a part of the programming that goes into creating an inclusive environment

Mentorship Program Coordinator


Sakshi has a background in higher education and valuable experience in career development, leadership, and mentorship. She has held many leadership roles that have allowed her to facilitate workshops, advise and mentor students, and be a part of the programming that goes into creating an inclusive environment, and providing a smoother transition for students that are entering the working world. Having had excellent mentors over the years and having been in mentoring roles herself, Sakshi feels that mentorship is an extremely integral part of the personal, academic, and professional growth of youth, as they kick-start their career journeys. Sakshi is excited to implement and integrate the knowledge and expertise from her work with students to similarly foster inclusiveness, engagement, and learning for youth.

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Program Lead, Youth Advisory Committee


Jonathan is a Social Worker who has more than 5 years of experience working with diverse youth within the non-profit sector and mental health services, including working with youth at-risk through early engagement programs. He has expertise in individual counseling, program development and evaluation,

Program Lead, Youth Advisory Committee


Jonathan is a Social Worker who has more than 5 years of experience working with diverse youth within the non-profit sector and mental health services, including working with youth at-risk through early engagement programs. He has expertise in individual counseling, program development and evaluation, community development, and youth engagement. He is passionate about empowering youth through direct collaboration with young people themselves in order to support with youth development and to also create positive social change. Jonathan is an advocate for creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for young people.

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

 Program Facilitator, DiscoverU
 

A driven Caseworker and a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator, Joanna has been working with children and youth for many years. She works in the non-profit field, supporting newcomer and refugee families, children and youth integrate into Canadian society.  Joanna is passionate in providing opport

 Program Facilitator, DiscoverU
 

A driven Caseworker and a dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator, Joanna has been working with children and youth for many years. She works in the non-profit field, supporting newcomer and refugee families, children and youth integrate into Canadian society.  Joanna is passionate in providing opportunities for young people to learn, develop and help them realize their full potential. Working at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, has given her the experience of being a positive mentor offering guidance and support, connecting youth to broader experiences, opportunities and networks while providing a safe and non-judgemental environment in which they can gain the confidence to achieve more. Joanna is excited to begin this new journey with Youth Rising Above and looks forward to empowering young people.

 

Jessica Raynor (she/her)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Jessica Raynor (she/her)

Coordinator, Community Engagement


Jessica recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is currently working as a Legal Assistant. Her passion for serving youth in her community stems from years as a peer and youth mentor where she was able to experience firsthand the value of creating safe and inclusiv

Coordinator, Community Engagement


Jessica recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is currently working as a Legal Assistant. Her passion for serving youth in her community stems from years as a peer and youth mentor where she was able to experience firsthand the value of creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people to feel supported. Her previous opportunities to engage in the planning and facilitation of community outreach and fundraising-based projects have driven her to advocate for positive and impactful development in her community. She is proud to be a part of the Youth Rising Above team and to help support the mission of empowering our youth. 

Lela Pacitti (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Women's Programming Coordinator

 

Lela is an Urban Planner with a passion for community planning, development and housing policy. She has over 5 years of experience working on community planning and partnerships in the public sector. Lela is passionate  about creating inclusive and vibrant communities by employing a lens of social justice a

Women's Programming Coordinator

 

Lela is an Urban Planner with a passion for community planning, development and housing policy. She has over 5 years of experience working on community planning and partnerships in the public sector. Lela is passionate  about creating inclusive and vibrant communities by employing a lens of social justice and collaboration to ensure that the unique goals of communities are understood and met. Throughout her personal and professional life, Lela has been inspired by the strength,  knowledge and capacity within children and youth. She is committed to breaking barriers and creating opportunities so that children and youth can find what they love in life and follow it with the passion it deserves.

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Coordinator, Peer Support


Rebecca has a diverse background, with experience in various research, leadership, and advocacy-based roles within mental health. She has coupled her passion for working within the community with her interest in youth mental health supports, leading various mental health awareness groups and developing educational

Coordinator, Peer Support


Rebecca has a diverse background, with experience in various research, leadership, and advocacy-based roles within mental health. She has coupled her passion for working within the community with her interest in youth mental health supports, leading various mental health awareness groups and developing educational workshops. Academically, Rebecca has completed an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a graduate certificate in mental health and addictions. She is currently studying at the University of Toronto, completing a Master’s Degree in Health Service Research with specializations in health service outcomes and evaluation, and public health policy. Rebecca believes in the importance of providing supportive, empowering, and inclusive spaces for youth to grow and thrive. She is committed to meeting youth where they are and supporting their unique needs through engaging programs and opportunity building.


Ivana Re (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Emma Foran (she/her)

Administrative Assistant, Rising Together


 Ivana has an academic background in sociology and public policy and is passionate about fostering stronger mental health literacy. She recognizes a broader gap in addressing youth mental health and believes in the value of a safe and inclusive space that provides youth with the opportunity to spea

Administrative Assistant, Rising Together


 Ivana has an academic background in sociology and public policy and is passionate about fostering stronger mental health literacy. She recognizes a broader gap in addressing youth mental health and believes in the value of a safe and inclusive space that provides youth with the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences. Ivana has held several administrative roles that have allowed her to gain experience with program support and data integration in both professional and volunteer capacities. She is looking forward to integrating the knowledge from her administrative experience to support and empower youth in the Rising Together program. 

Emma Foran (she/her)

Emma Foran (she/her)

Emma Foran (she/her)

Coordinator, Youth Advisory Committee


Emma is currently studying Child and Youth Care at Humber College. Her area of interest includes learning about different therapeutic modalities and activities that can assist and empower children, youth, and their families. Emma is passionate about the mental health of children and youth. She began he

Coordinator, Youth Advisory Committee


Emma is currently studying Child and Youth Care at Humber College. Her area of interest includes learning about different therapeutic modalities and activities that can assist and empower children, youth, and their families. Emma is passionate about the mental health of children and youth. She began her volunteer work with Kids Help Phone where she continues to volunteer as a Crisis Responder. Emma is committed to working alongside young people in the community and supporting youth in a positive and meaningful way.

Leondre Guy (he/him)

Emma Foran (she/her)

Leondre Guy (he/him)

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


 Leondre Guy has a Political Science undergraduate degree from Ryerson University with experience in research and outreach practices with Black men in Toronto, Canada. He was a research assistant for the weSpeak project for two years, as well as an outreach coordinator for the Young and Potential

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


 Leondre Guy has a Political Science undergraduate degree from Ryerson University with experience in research and outreach practices with Black men in Toronto, Canada. He was a research assistant for the weSpeak project for two years, as well as an outreach coordinator for the Young and Potential Fathers program, which serves as a resource for Black fathers in Toronto by providing employment and legal support among others. Leondre Guy joined YRA because he wants to give back to his community while creating policies that align with YRA's  mission towards youth and their families. 

Celena Li (she/her)

Emma Foran (she/her)

Leondre Guy (he/him)

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


Celena has extensive experiences in the administration and education field working with youth and international students from diverse backgrounds. She helps students prepare for the Canadian workplace while ensuring they master the language proficiency and achieve academic excellence. Her profess

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


Celena has extensive experiences in the administration and education field working with youth and international students from diverse backgrounds. She helps students prepare for the Canadian workplace while ensuring they master the language proficiency and achieve academic excellence. Her professional experiences include counselling, developing policies for the school and managing diverse students. She is passionate and excited working with Youth Rising Above to make a difference to the community and empowering youth at risk to have successful and enriching lives. 

Samantha Aparicio

Samantha Aparicio

Samantha Aparicio

Facilitator, GoTheDistance


Samantha is a recent Child and Youth Care graduate with an interest in research and program development. Her previous experience in arts-based programming inspires her to create innovative forms of practice and mentorship that inspires and empowers youth. She is passionate about mental health, evidence-based prac

Facilitator, GoTheDistance


Samantha is a recent Child and Youth Care graduate with an interest in research and program development. Her previous experience in arts-based programming inspires her to create innovative forms of practice and mentorship that inspires and empowers youth. She is passionate about mental health, evidence-based practice, and art/movement-based therapy. She is also an advocate for youth-centered practice, striving to center the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of youth within the systems created around them. Working collaboratively with Youth Rising Above, Samantha is committed to using her research, knowledge and skills to provide youth with an inclusive community that is abundant in opportunity.  

Bea Ramos

Samantha Aparicio

Samantha Aparicio

Program Facilitator, Women's Programming


Bea is a diasporic Filipina, living and working in Toronto. She has a degree in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto, where her work centered on the lived experiences of Filipinx-Canadian workers, women, and youth. Having over four years of experience in hospit

Program Facilitator, Women's Programming


Bea is a diasporic Filipina, living and working in Toronto. She has a degree in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science from the University of Toronto, where her work centered on the lived experiences of Filipinx-Canadian workers, women, and youth. Having over four years of experience in hospital healthcare, she values every opportunity to connect with others while supporting the needs of her diverse community. Growing up as a first generation immigrant in Canada, Bea is committed to empowering marginalized youth and creating meaningful spaces for young people to foster their passions, access the support they need, and have their voices heard. She is excited and grateful for the opportunity to share what she has learned to advocate for youth and guide them towards reaching their full potential. 

Yara Hegazy

Samantha Aparicio

Yara Hegazy

Fund Development Associate


 Yara is a dedicated and passionate recent university graduate with a degree in Criminology. Being born in Egypt, then going on to live in multiple countries in the Middle East, she now resides in Toronto and has a diverse understanding of cultural practices and traditions. Her motivation to pursue her educationa

Fund Development Associate


 Yara is a dedicated and passionate recent university graduate with a degree in Criminology. Being born in Egypt, then going on to live in multiple countries in the Middle East, she now resides in Toronto and has a diverse understanding of cultural practices and traditions. Her motivation to pursue her educational background stems from her passion to advocate for wrongfully convicted youth, an equitable society, and social justice in general. Yara aims to inspire and empower youth by providing them with current and future opportunities that will serve as a catalyst for positive change. She ultimately strives to stand as a supportive figure, a listening ear, a helping hand, and a shoulder to lean on.  

Copyright © 2021 Youth Rising Above - All Rights Reserved.

Charitable Registration Number: 72653 2914 RR0001