Our Team

Heather O’Keefe is the founder and Executive Director of StepStones for Youth, a thriving Toronto charity that creates transformative outcomes in the lives of young people involved in child protection. StepStones’ innovative and award-winning programming significantly increases educational attainment, stable housing, and supportive networks while reducing homelessness, criminal involvement, and isolation for vulnerable young people in and from foster care. With extensive work experience in child protection and as the visionary leader of StepStones, Heather is a respected and leading figure across the sector. Heather and Shuah Roskies from the office of the Ontario Children’s Lawyer were part of the organizing team that launched the first International Transitions from Child Protection Symposium in 2023 that convened policymakers, service providers, and people with lived experience in child welfare and youth homelessness to identify promising practices for reducing homelessness and increasing positive outcomes for young people exiting the system. She was one of six finalists in the prestigious 2021 National Lynn Factor Stand Up for Kids Award, acknowledging outstanding achievements in the child welfare sector, and her charity recently won a Toronto Community Champion Award recognizing extraordinary contributions by community organizations to support the health and solidarity of the residents of Toronto, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and other equity-deserving communities. Heather consults charities in the areas of strategic planning, program development, and research and has developed impact-driven solutions to addressing the unmet needs of young people in and from foster care through her charitable organization.

David has over 30 years of experience in charitable and non-profit management, as well as senior volunteer leadership, working within the arts, education, health, and human rights spaces.

Before starting his role at StepStones for Youth, David worked for a number of charitable and non-profit organizations, most recently with HanVoice as their Executive Director, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as their Director of Board and Executive Relations. Prior to these positions, David has held professional roles at the University of Toronto and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, and has volunteered with a number of boards over the years, currently sitting as chair of Kickback in Toronto.

With over a decade of experience working with youth, Jackson has played integral roles in various organizations contributing to program development, operations, and management across diverse areas including camp, leadership training, arts education, and travel programs. Driven by a profound passion for improving outcomes for young individuals, Jackson is devoted to equipping organizations with the essential tools and resources to effectively serve and empower the youth they support. In his spare time, Jackson enjoys canoe camping trips and testing out his newest gadgets. In his current role as Director of StepStones’ Operations team, he is excited to be connecting with our donors and sharing all of the amazing updates on youth in our program and the incredible work his colleagues are doing.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology and a certificate in Addictions in Mental Health, Brenna has worked with children and youth in various settings including outreach, family counselling, inpatient treatment, shelters, and respite for children with autism. She is passionate about taking care of her plants, spending time outdoors, and trying new cooking and baking recipes. Her belief in a strengths-based approach that encourages young people to be more confident in themselves and their future is supported and nurtured at StepStones as Program Director.

Originally from Ireland, Ciara lived in Scotland for just over 10 years where she completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree and worked for the country’s Children’s Aid Society equivalent before moving to Canada in March 2020. She has always enjoyed working with young people and ensuring that their voices are heard in all aspects of their lives. She also really enjoys travelling and seeing new places, playing sports (Irish ones that most people probably have not heard of!) and spending time with family and friends. Ciara is a strong believer in mental health awareness and removing the stigma within society which she promotes through her work as a frontline supervisor.

Roger Thompson is a passionate youth advocate, community leader, and writer with more than 30 years of experience championing the voices of marginalized young people. With a background rooted in social services, youth homelessness, and community development, Roger has become a trusted force in spaces where representation, inclusion, and healing are desperately needed. 

Outside of his work, Roger recharges by diving into the world of professional wrestling. He’s a lifelong NBA fan, and when it’s time to unplug, you’ll find him relaxing in his trailer, surrounded by nature and peace, reflecting and recharging for the road ahead. 

Denise has her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Brock University and her Advanced Diploma in Child & Youth Care from George Brown College. She has worked in different residential settings with young people from various populations such as youth living with complex mental health, homeless youth, and human trafficking survivors. Denise loves watching movies (she worked at Cineplex for almost 10 years!), going to concerts, and singing along to 2000s R&B on her drives home from work. Believing that everyone deserves unconditional support, no matter where they come from, she uses a youth-centered approach at Stepstones to amplify young people’s voices and help them navigate the barriers that limit their full potential.

Alexi has a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies and a Bachelor of Education Intermediate/Senior Division, both from the University of Toronto. She taught visual art, drama, film, fashion, English, and Native Studies for ten years at an alternative high school serving students with learning differences. She is also a projectionist and technician and has worked for film festivals and events around the city. Alexi loves to bike, sew, and frequent video dance parties. She is thrilled to be member of the development team at StepStones where she lends her writing prowess and donor relations to securing support that helps this incredible charity to thrive.

Adil is a Connections Coordinator at StepStones for Youth, holding a degree in International Studies from the University of South Florida. With a career spanning caregiving, case management, and crisis management, Adil has worked with youth, adults, and seniors to help them achieve personal and professional goals through tailored support and resources.

Before joining StepStones, Adil worked as a caregiver and Case Manager, where he built strong relationships and advocated for clients’ needs. As a professional Crisis Manager, Adil developed expertise in managing high-pressure situations and providing effective solutions.

In their current role, Adil connects youth with opportunities and mentorship to empower their success. Outside of work, Adil enjoys reading, exercising, and walking on trails, and is dedicated to community involvement.

Camille is a recent graduate from McGill University, where she studied Psychology with minors in Sociology and Behavioural Science. 

Camille has experience in perinatal mental health and bereavement research, program evaluation, camp counselling, and peer support. With aspirations of continuing a career in the non-profit sector and a strong interest in public health, Camille is excited to support and learn from the dedicated staff at StepStones, connect with youth, and contribute to the organization’s mission of improving youth outcomes and amplifying youth voices through administrative, research, programming coordination and support. 

In her free time, Camille enjoys cooking, exercising (especially volleyball, Pilates, and biking), fashion, spending time outdoors, and going on adventures with friends. 

Ebony holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Drama in Education and Community, a Bachelor of Education, and is currently undertaking a Master’s Degree in Education. She has extensive experience working with individuals in the shelter system and at youth drop-in centers and has engaged young people in dramatic arts as a way of expressing themselves and increasing their self-esteem. Ebony is active in her faith and enjoys community theatre. She understands the profound importance of providing a secure platform for youth to voice their stories, experiences, and is passionate about helping them cultivate positive and enduring connections through StepStones that serve as catalysts for change and a brighter, more optimistic perspective on life.

Frankie completed his Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Diploma in Child and Youth Care, and Social Service Worker Diploma all at Seneca College King Campus. His training has opened opportunities for him to work within vulnerable sectors assisting youth, adolescents, and seniors all with diverse identities. Frankie loves music like Lady Gaga and Abba; watching horror movies and Shark Week; and also hiking, swimming, and generally being one with nature. Identifying with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Frankie uses strength-based approaches at StepStones as a frontline Connections Coordinator to show young people they have a voice and how it can be one of the most powerful tools to help them navigate life.  

Mark Plummer brings over a decade of experience in the youth sector, fostering meaningful relationships within the community. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Recreation and Leisure, Mark is deeply committed to helping youth achieve their goals and build healthy lifestyles. Mark also has extensive experience in the employment sector, where his client-centered approach has been instrumental in supporting youth as they develop employability skills and secure meaningful job opportunities. As part of the StepStones team, Mark is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring youth, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. In his free time, Mark enjoys staying active through fitness and sports, spending quality time with his family, and traveling whenever possible.

Nancy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health. She has worked with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including youth shelters, women’s centres, drop-ins, and through community outreach. She has developed and delivered programming, supported housing transitions, and walked alongside young people navigating complex systems. Nancy is passionate about creating spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and supported in making choices that are right for them. Outside of work, she enjoys getting creative with arts and crafts and spending time with friends and family over a good cup of coffee.

Mike attained his Honours Degree in Drama and Philosophy at McMaster and a Post-Graduate Degree in Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson (now the Toronto Metropolitan University). He worked in the music industry in London, England and in television in Toronto before joining a national literacy organization, and he is a published writer with over 10 books to his name. Mike enjoys playing hockey, participating on the board of his local non-profit housing committee, and spending time with his cat. Having collaborated with child welfare organizations to produce adoption videos and conferences, he joined Stepstones to assist with fundraising and development to help ensure that all children and youth find belonging and community.

Rahwa completed her degree in Human Rights and Equity Studies at York University and has worked in the non-profit sector for several years in a variety of roles with a focus on responsiveness and youth empowerment through housing, education, employment, and connecting young people to natural circles of support. She enjoys experiencing new things, watching her favourite television show The Office, and spending time with family and friends. Rahwa is passionate about supporting and encouraging young people at StepStones as a frontline Connection Coordinator to help them realize their full potential.

Richard’s educational achievements include Social Work at Carleton University, Communication and Media Studies at York University, and Child and Youth Care at Humber College. As a young person with lived experienced in foster care, he aims to remove the associated stigmas which prevent youth from reaching their full potential in life. Gifted with the ability to play soccer at a high level, he travelled to eight countries and all over the United States and Canada to play competitively. He also has a passion for shoes and pop culture. Helping and encouraging young people at StepStones, Richard wants every youth in and from foster care to know that they belong and have something special to give to the world.

Having pursued Child and Youth Work at Georgian College, Shalamar has worked in this field for over five years. Her upbringing allowed her to see the world from many different perspectives and has driven her passion for helping young people succeed. Shalamar enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and going for walks. A foster parent for nine years, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as frontline Connection Coordinator at StepStones and a passionate drive to assist at-risk children and youth and ensure the voices of young people are heard and amplified.

Asifa has a background in community work and has spent the last 15 years supporting youth, children and families in a variety of settings including schools, shelters and community agencies. Asifa is passionate about serving young people. She loves spending time with her niece and nephews and cuddling with her cats.

Lauren is a Connections Coordinator who is passionate about supporting youth by creating safe, supportive, and meaningful connections. With experience working in child protection as well as with a variety of other communities and demographics, she is dedicated to advocacy and building trusted relationships. Lauren is especially focused on helping youth succeed, recognizing the challenges they face and the importance of creating opportunities for brighter outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Social Service Worker Diploma from St. Lawrence College. When she’s not working, Lauren can be found cheering on the Blue Jays, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or spending time outdoors.

With a background in documentary media, youth mentorship, and non-profit communications, James is thrilled to bring his range of experience to the StepStones team. 

Throughout his career, from conducting oral history interviews to disseminating academic research to wide audiences, James has always been driven to share impactful stories that drive change. 

Outside of work, James enjoys cycling, reading, cooking, gardening, and volunteering for food-access initiatives.