Our Team

Jonathan John (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Executive Director & Founder

Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in youth development programs and has developed a strong passion and desire towards serving underprivileged and marginalized young populations. He believes remarkable results can be achieved when underserved populations are provided meaningful, support

Executive Director & Founder

Jonathan has over a decade of leadership experience working in youth development programs and has developed a strong passion and desire towards serving underprivileged and marginalized young populations. He believes remarkable results can be achieved when underserved populations are provided meaningful, supportive and life changing programming opportunities. Jonathan also believes in the importance of collaborative community support and has a keen interest in engaging with stakeholders across a variety of sectors.

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.

Zara Magalhaes (she/her)

Christian Dinelli (he/him)

Zara Magalhaes (she/her)

Community Events Coordinator

Zara has been working in the service sector for several years now, and truly enjoys working with marginalized populations. Zara has a keen interest in bringing together various community stakeholders to support the diverse needs of our youth demographic, wether it be through resources, skills, volunteer suppor

Community Events Coordinator

Zara has been working in the service sector for several years now, and truly enjoys working with marginalized populations. Zara has a keen interest in bringing together various community stakeholders to support the diverse needs of our youth demographic, wether it be through resources, skills, volunteer support and so much more. Zara believes that youth at-risk need to be equipped with the necessary foundational resources to propel their lives forward into successful independent living. Zara is excited to support our young people gain access to meaningful and life impacting resources that will ensure their positive and continuous growth.

Antonia Heer (she/her)

Viola Mugumbate (she/her)

Antonia Heer (she/her)

Coordinator, School Clubs

Antonia is a recent graduate from Ryerson University obtaining a BA in Sociology. She currently works as a Program Assistant empowering, educating, and building leadership and soft skills within youth experiencing barriers within their community. Her years as an undergrad and work as program assistant made her pa

Coordinator, School Clubs

Antonia is a recent graduate from Ryerson University obtaining a BA in Sociology. She currently works as a Program Assistant empowering, educating, and building leadership and soft skills within youth experiencing barriers within their community. Her years as an undergrad and work as program assistant made her passionate about the barriers and issues marginalized groups face and the need to incorporate diversity and inclusion within various spheres in our society. Antonia’s interest include engaging and learning about anti-racist/oppressive, intersectional, and feminist approaches to be able to provide and advocate for more inclusive and equitable resources for families and youths. Antonia hopes to pursue her work within policy making; aiding and reforming policies that will advocate and help youths who experience homelessness.

Elsie Yang (she/her)

Viola Mugumbate (she/her)

Antonia Heer (she/her)

Administrative Assistant

Elsie has an academic background in Employment Relations and Human Geography and has professional experience in Event Planning, Volunteer Coordinator 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 secu

Administrative Assistant

Elsie has an academic background in Employment Relations and Human Geography and has professional experience in Event Planning, Volunteer Coordinator 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)

Viola Mugumbate (she/her)

Viola Mugumbate (she/her)

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.

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.

Karen Ngo (she/her)

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Sakshi Khanna (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.

Brennon Thompson

Sakshi Khanna (she/her)

Brennon Thompson

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.

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.

Emma Finley (she/her)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

Program Facilitator, Peer Support

Emma has spent several years volunteering with youth in various communities in Toronto, including The Hospital for Sick Kids, Youth Volleyball Organizations, and Ontario Community Living. She is extremely passionate about being involved in her community and helping to provide opportunities for youth in ed

Program Facilitator, Peer Support

Emma has spent several years volunteering with youth in various communities in Toronto, including The Hospital for Sick Kids, Youth Volleyball Organizations, and Ontario Community Living. She is extremely passionate about being involved in her community and helping to provide opportunities for youth in education, health, and sport. Recently, she has been working with the Toronto Police Services in the Victim Services department where she does crisis counselling to individuals at risk and attends schools to educate youth on the importance of healthy relationships. Emma believes in encouraging youth to get involved and take on a leadership role, in hopes to provide increased mentorship opportunities for other youth.

Joanna Pereira (she/her)

Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)

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.

Lela Pacitti (she/her)

Adrehana Duval (she/her)

Adrehana Duval (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.

Adrehana Duval (she/her)

Adrehana Duval (she/her)

Adrehana Duval (she/her)

Volunteering Coordinator

Youth empowerment is at the heart of what Adrehana does. While sharing her multiple talents, she enjoys working alongside youth and providing support in the form of mentoring and tutoring. Adrehana has supported over one hundred high school students through the Pathways to Education Program and has worked with no

Volunteering Coordinator

Youth empowerment is at the heart of what Adrehana does. While sharing her multiple talents, she enjoys working alongside youth and providing support in the form of mentoring and tutoring. Adrehana has supported over one hundred high school students through the Pathways to Education Program and has worked with not-for-profit organizations for the past 7 years. She enjoys rapport building with youth and firmly believes that our youth is the hope of the future. Adrehana will continue to advocate on behalf of youth by actively listening to youth voices and their needs, and providing them guidance to navigate their early years.

Tracy Wong (she/her)

Adrehana Duval (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Individual Givings Associate

Tracy has been working with individuals with disabilities for over 5 years with youth and adult development programs and has a strong passion in supporting individuals to become their best selves by providing meaningful interactions, supportive environment and impactful programs. She is keen in supporting the c

Individual Givings Associate

Tracy has been working with individuals with disabilities for over 5 years with youth and adult development programs and has a strong passion in supporting individuals to become their best selves by providing meaningful interactions, supportive environment and impactful programs. She is keen in supporting the community through community outreach in the hopes to improve mentorship opportunities and create positive social change.

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.

Ian McAuliffe (he/him)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Ian McAuliffe (he/him)

Facilitator, Peer Support

Ian has a number of years’ experience working with youth in mentorship roles, sports coaching and community involvement. His academic background lies in the areas of policy and social studies. His many years volunteering has taught him to respect that everyone has something to contribute and that there is strength

Facilitator, Peer Support

Ian has a number of years’ experience working with youth in mentorship roles, sports coaching and community involvement. His academic background lies in the areas of policy and social studies. His many years volunteering has taught him to respect that everyone has something to contribute and that there is strength in diversity. He admires the passion and commitment demonstrated by the staff and participants at Youth Rising Above and is excited to be a part of this community, to work with and giveback to the youth of Toronto.

Emma Foran (she/her)

Rebecca Johnson (she/her)

Ian McAuliffe (he/him)

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)

Theresa Chan (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)

Theresa Chan (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.

Theresa Chan (she/her)

Theresa Chan (she/her)

Theresa Chan (she/her)

Facilitator, Peer Support

Theresa comes from the world of law, and has been working as a lawyer at a firm in Toronto for the past decade. Theresa has gained valuable experience in mentorship, leadership and helping others develop and thrive in their careers in the legal space. She is an advocate for diverse students and lawyers, and has ex

Facilitator, Peer Support

Theresa comes from the world of law, and has been working as a lawyer at a firm in Toronto for the past decade. Theresa has gained valuable experience in mentorship, leadership and helping others develop and thrive in their careers in the legal space. She is an advocate for diverse students and lawyers, and has experience acting as a volunteer mentor in various youth development programs dedicated to marginalized communities. Theresa’s professional and personal experiences have made her passionate about mental health and wellness, and she believes in the importance of providing safe and supportive places for youth to grow, thrive and be engaged. She is excited and passionate about the work being done at Youth Rising Above, and is very excited and honored to be part of this team.

Samantha Aparicio

Samantha Aparicio

Theresa Chan (she/her)

Executive Assistant

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, a

Executive Assistant

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.