Get to Know Us
New friends. New passions and skills. A new community. There’s something for YOU at our YMCA of Three Rivers’ Youth Programs. From casual drop-ins to topic specific outreach, our diverse programs are here for you. And, our team of Youth Workers are here to help you as you enroll in programs, get school or employment help, or to just chat. We can’t wait to meet you!
Melissa
Director, Youth Programs
Hi everyone! I’m Melissa, but feel free to call me Mel! I came to work at the Y because I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young people to grow, develop, and thrive. I believe that young people have the ability to shape the future of our communities and world. In my role at the Y, I get to help create opportunities and platforms for youth to share their ideas, build skills, get involved and make change. When I’m not at one of our programs, you can find me hiking, kayaking, and exploring nature at the cottage. I also love travelling, playing baseball or volleyball, skating, and hanging out with my dog, Leo. My favourite movie is Mamma Mia! And, I’m guilty of cranking country tunes.
Gavin
Supervisor, Youth Recreation and Wellness
Hey there! I'm Gavin, and no, I don't have any nicknames. I was drawn to the YMCA as a place where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth. I believe in the power of mentorship, community engagement, and fostering a nurturing environment where young individuals can thrive. My favourite book is The Power of One, a powerful story set in South Africa during apartheid. I first read it as a teenager, and have come back to it many times since. As for movies, Shawshank Redemption takes the top spot for me. It's one of the greatest films ever made. When I'm not at the Y, you'll catch me navigating the wonderful chaos of raising my beautiful newborn twins, creating double the laughter, double the joy, and double the chaos in my life! If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, it would be this: Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, trust your instincts, and be kind to yourself along the journey.
Ibtisam
Supervisor, Newcomer Youth Programs
Hello, my name is Ibtisam, but most of you will know me by Ibti. I came to the Y through the Y newcomer programs. That’s right — I used to be a participant. I stayed because I’m passionate about providing safe and inclusive space for youth — especially minorities — to express their passions, reach their goals, and ultimately, be a role model to our next generation. When I’m not in program connecting with you, you can usually find me playing volleyball, hiking, or painting. I also love travelling, and getting outside to feel the sun on my face! My favourite movie is Aladdin, and my current favourite song is Rjeen ya hawa by Fairouz. If I could go back and tell my younger self something it would be this: Life can be written with a pencil — it doesn’t always have to be written with a pen.
Emily
Supervisor, Community Youth Initiatives
Hello everyone! I’m Emily. I came to the Y because I’m passionate about supporting young people’s mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being through recreation and wellness programs. I believe that participating in these programs is one of the most powerful avenues to foster youth development, and at the Y I get to help support this happening in safe and inclusive spaces for all youth, as they discover their own potential, build relationships, and strengthen their self-esteem. When I'm not hanging out with youth in our Stratford programs you can find me cooking, painting, playing tennis, watching Friends, playing boardgames, or taking my dog, Cassie, for a walk. I love the movie The Proposal, and did I mention the show Friends yet? As a youth I wish I knew that I didn’t have to have my whole life figured out. Plans will change — and that’s okay. Be present and enjoy each phase of life as it comes.
Alanson
Coordinator, Youth Recreation and Wellness
Hi everyone, I am Alanson and I surprisingly do not have any nicknames even though there are three syllables in my name. Let me know if you have any nickname recommendations. Since I started as a camp counsellor back in high school, I have been intrigued by circles of people who invest in their local surroundings. Amazing people have invested their time and energy into making me who I am today, and I hope to pass on at least a portion of their impact at the YMCA. I tend to gravitate towards movies that explore the complexities of the human experience whether that is through Christopher Nolan’s Sci-fis, Taika Waititi’s adventure films, or dramas such as This is Us, and Goodwill Hunting. But if I am in the mood for a laid-back laugh, Hot Rod is a super reliable film. The best song ever performed in my honest opinion is Good Love is on the Way by John Mayer. When I am not at the Y, you will usually find me hanging out with my friends and family playing pickleball, spikeball, soccer, swimming, jamming some tunes, or eating some good food. If I could talk to my younger self, I would recommend that he steps outside of his small bubble of people earlier and experience more perspectives/walks of life. Life is much more fulfilling alongside people who think differently than you. Hope to see you around!
Charlotte
Coordinator, Youth Partnerships & Initiatives
Hi, everyone! I'm Charlotte, but most of you know me as Charlie or Goose. I was drawn to youth work at the Y because I truly believe that everyone deserves to feel like they belong and have a place to call their own. It's incredibly special to be a part of that journey. My Y story began as a camp counselor at Camp Conestogo, and I've been here ever since. When I'm not in programs, you'll likely find me playing sports – hockey, baseball, volleyball – you name it, I love it! Yay, sports! And when I'm in the mood to relax, I'll be binge-watching White Collar, one of my favourites. If you're looking for a movie recommendation, I absolutely adore She's the Man. I also cherish spending time with my family and enjoying the great outdoors with my adorable dog. A piece of advice I wish I knew as a youth is to embrace your uniqueness. Be you, everyone else is already taken.
Erik
Coordinator, Alternative Suspension
Hi! I’m Erik, but believe it or not, I also go by Señor Enrique, Winnie, Sir Winnifred, E-money, or even Typhoid Mary of Good Vibes. There are stories there. Just ask. I’ve always had a heart for working with youth, and it turns out that I have a real knack tor it too. After trying out a bunch of jobs, I realized that I wanted to work in a field that had positive impact on my community, and was a whole lot of fun too! I’ve always been lucky enough to have a slew of very positive male role models in my life, and if I can be that for just one youth, that’s a life well-lived, I think. When I’m not at the Y you’ll find me playing spikeball or having fun with my homies, and working at other youth programs with YFC. My favourite song is Reno and Me by Waylon Jennings, and I’ll rewatch Scott Pilgrim vs. The World any day. If I could go back and give the younger me some advice it would have to be keep rollin’, young one. You’re going to be positively SICK when you’re older.
Florencia
Coordinator, TAPPS and Community Outreach
Hello, everyone, I'm Florencia, but I go by a number of nicknames including Flor, Flo-flo, and Tinkerbell. I’ve always known that I wanted to work with and support youth in my community. Last year, I was lucky enough to do a school placement with the Y, where I got to learn about the amazing programs and services we offered. During my placement I met the staff, who became my role models. I’m so glad to be joining the team in this new role. My all-time favourite book is Robert Munsch’s The Paper Bag Princess, and I really enjoyed Gone Girl too. When I’m not working at the Y, I’m usually hanging out with my friends or family, and going for hikes. I also like to dance it out, any chance I get. If I could go back and tell my younger self anything it would be this: Never change — don't lose your sparkle. Trust me.