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.
Philippe Bicos (he/him)
Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)
Jonathan Kallis, MSW, RSW (he/him)
Digital Media Coordinator
Philippe has extensive experience with a variety of small and large scale multimedia projects; everything from photography and videography to graphic design. His work has been used for a diverse group of organizations, businesses, individuals and community groups. Many of his digital projects have gone viral acro
Digital Media Coordinator
Philippe has extensive experience with a variety of small and large scale multimedia projects; everything from photography and videography to graphic design. His work has been used for a diverse group of organizations, businesses, individuals and community groups. Many of his digital projects have gone viral across the country due to his impeccable creative design and talent. Philippe also has extensive experience in administrative services and logistics for large scale institutions. Philippe believes in the importance of communicating about the plight of marginalized populations in dynamic, engaging and impactful ways that will not only encourage action but help communicate for those who may often be suppressed.
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)
Emma Finley (she/her)
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.
Lela Pacitti (she/her)
Lela Pacitti (she/her)
Lela Pacitti (she/her)
Fund Development 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
Fund Development 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.
Elena Zammit (she/her)
Lela Pacitti (she/her)
Lela Pacitti (she/her)
Individual Givings Associate
Elena has both academic and professional experience in psychology - specifically in the areas of mental health awareness and peer youth support. Over the past few years, Elena has focused on her passion of engaging youth in open conversations about mental health - working with wellness centres, promoting menta
Individual Givings Associate
Elena has both academic and professional experience in psychology - specifically in the areas of mental health awareness and peer youth support. Over the past few years, Elena has focused on her passion of engaging youth in open conversations about mental health - working with wellness centres, promoting mental health resources and mindfulness practices to youth, and researching issues such as social media use on mental well-being. Elena also has extensive experience working with international youth in both a supportive and educational capacity. She is excited to grow and learn with the community and looks forward to fostering growth among the youth, team, and community.
Tracy Wong (she/her)
Lela Pacitti (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.
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Placement Student
Vanessa is a fourth-year student working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies at Trent University Durham. She is currently working as a supply educational assistant with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Vanessa has a passion for working with young people in all capacities. She feels very stro
Placement Student
Vanessa is a fourth-year student working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies at Trent University Durham. She is currently working as a supply educational assistant with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Vanessa has a passion for working with young people in all capacities. She feels very strongly about empowering children and young people by raising awareness and stressing the importance of child rights and youth participation. She is eager to gain further experience with Youth Rising Above by supporting young people in a meaningful and supportive way.
Jannat Hamid (she/her)
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Jannat Hamid is a self-motivated and dedicated professional with over 35 years of experience wearing many professional hats, from management to operations for both the public and private sector in Toronto.
With early education in England and immigrating to Canada over 35 years ago, Jannat pursue
Coordinator, Policy & Procedure Development
Jannat Hamid is a self-motivated and dedicated professional with over 35 years of experience wearing many professional hats, from management to operations for both the public and private sector in Toronto.
With early education in England and immigrating to Canada over 35 years ago, Jannat pursued a career in Broadcasting in Toronto with corporations such as TVOntario, CityTV, NABA (North American Broadcasting Association), Canadian Women in Communications, etc.
Her wide and varied range of unconventional experiences, both overseas and at home, have provided her with keen insights on community challenges and needs and she is strongly committed to making a meaningful contribution at Youth Rising Above.
Celena Li (she/her)
Vanessa Pavicic (she/her)
Adrehana Duval (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.
Adrehana Duval (she/her)
Adrehana Duval (she/her)
Adrehana Duval (she/her)
Coordinator, Volunteering
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
Coordinator, Volunteering
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.
Remy Delima
Adrehana Duval (she/her)
Theresa Chan (she/her)
Corporate Engagement Associate
Public relations has been rooted in Remy’s life from the moment she left high school. Between volunteering to pump up the crowd at We Day, her bartending side-hustle, and working for PR agencies in the music industry or alongside fashion and food brands, she is passionate about creative storytelling and build
Corporate Engagement Associate
Public relations has been rooted in Remy’s life from the moment she left high school. Between volunteering to pump up the crowd at We Day, her bartending side-hustle, and working for PR agencies in the music industry or alongside fashion and food brands, she is passionate about creative storytelling and building genuine relationships. With an optimistic attitude and upbeat energy, she is committed to applying her knowledge, skills and energy to create positive social change among today's youth. Remy is excited to join an organization in its mission to empower the next generation through dynamic and engaging opportunities.
Theresa Chan (she/her)
Adrehana Duval (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.