Youth Rising Above
Youth Rising Above
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Mission, Vision, Values
    • 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 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
    • Mission, Vision, Values
    • 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

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.

Henrietta Botei (she/her)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christine Jeyarajah (she/her)

Database Administrator


Henrietta works in Operations and CRM Management, with over 5 years experience in a professional capacity. She is also a very hardworking extrovert, who deeply cares for the people and community around her. She has regularly provided support to charitable organizations in her home country Nigeria, and also her new ho

Database Administrator


Henrietta works in Operations and CRM Management, with over 5 years experience in a professional capacity. She is also a very hardworking extrovert, who deeply cares for the people and community around her. She has regularly provided support to charitable organizations in her home country Nigeria, and also her new home here in Canada. She wants to serve young people in this capacity as she knows they are our future, and it is important to invest in them, with a positive and hopeful approach that will support them as they transition to adulthood.

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.  


Bea Ramos

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

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. 

Karen Ngo (she/her)

Priyanka Sahajpal (she/her)

Priyanka Sahajpal (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. 

Priyanka Sahajpal (she/her)

Priyanka Sahajpal (she/her)

Priyanka Sahajpal (she/her)

Mentorship Program Coordinator


 Priyanka is a Social Worker who completed her Master in Social Work and Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. She has several years of experience working with youth across multiple settings such as non-profit, community, homelessness, hospital, and higher education sectors. Priyank

Mentorship Program Coordinator


 Priyanka is a Social Worker who completed her Master in Social Work and Honours Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. She has several years of experience working with youth across multiple settings such as non-profit, community, homelessness, hospital, and higher education sectors. Priyanka is passionate about supporting youth with achieving holistic well-being, equipping them with tools to overcome barriers, and supporting them with building pathways that align with their goals. She has coordinated and developed engaging programs for youth that resulted in positive outcomes and has led evaluation efforts to ensure the needs of youth are being met effectively. Priyanka has held many leadership positions in the past that have strengthened her program development, workshop facilitation, mentorship, and strategic planning skills. She is committed to fulfilling gaps and working alongside youth to create an environment that is empowering. She aims to create spaces that are inclusive, diverse, and equitable to increase opportunities for youth to thrive. 

Celena Li (She/Her)

Priyanka Sahajpal (she/her)

Celena Li (She/Her)

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. 

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

 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)

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Joanna Pereira (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. 

Leondre Guy (He/Him)

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Leondre Guy (He/Him)

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


Leondre holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and has extensive experience in research and outreach practices related to HIV prevention among heterosexual Black men across Ontario. Leondre Guy joins YRA with a strong sense of community commitment. Leo

Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development


Leondre holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Toronto Metropolitan University and has extensive experience in research and outreach practices related to HIV prevention among heterosexual Black men across Ontario. Leondre Guy joins YRA with a strong sense of community commitment. Leondre shares YRA's mission to serve the youth and families it supports, and is dedicated to aligning policies to achieve this goal.

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)

Ivana Re (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. 

Copyright © 2021 Youth Rising Above - All Rights Reserved.

Charitable Registration Number: 72653 2914 RR0001