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.

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.

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.

A graduate of Centennial College’s Social Service Work program, Brittany has contributed her talents and commitment to helping young people in youth shelters and through community outreach and engagement programs. She devotes her time to getting to know young people and using their strengths and dreams as a source of inspiration for helping them. Brittany enjoys cooking and catering for her family and friends and is a proud mother of two wonderful children. Working at StepStones as a frontline Connections Coordinator allows her to engage her passion for supporting children and at-risk youth and reflects her strong belief in creating equal opportunities and encouraging them to strive for success.

Catherine has an educational background in Community and Justice Services and is currently completing her Human Resources Management degree. Her work has always incorporated her passion for advocating for youth and young adults in numerous ways and for helping them find their voices. She enjoys assisting youth develop their résumé-building skills, binge-watching her favourite shows, and trying new foods. Her commitment to working with young people in overcoming individualized challenges they experience comes from knowing what it is like to be misunderstood and being a part of StepStones in her role as a frontline Connections Coordinator allows her to help many young people in this position.

Chris is a highly motivated and enterprising individual whose passionate about empowering youth. He has more than 15 years of experience in managing diverse youth skills development and empowerment programs both locally and globally. His vast knowledge and experience of working with youth is anchored by his educational background in counselling psychology and community services welfare. Outside of the workplace, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting new places, personal development activities and watching extreme sports with his 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.  

Gabriel Perez is a Marketing and Communications Professional who graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a BA in Honours Communication Studies, and a specialization in the Cultural and Creative Industries as well as a minor in Film Production. With an extensive background in communications and marketing across various sectors such as sports, technical consulting & the non-for-profit sector, he is now the Communications Coordinator here at StepStones for Youth. Gabriel is eager to develop & utilize his skills to empower at-risk youth across Toronto and spread awareness across Canada. Outside of the workplace, he is a huge soccer fan, who also enjoys staying active, spending quality time with friends and family, and is an avid enthusiast of pop culture and film.

Kathi brings vast and varied knowledge of the non-profit sector having worked in roles such as client intake coordinator, volunteer and events manager, front-line and outreach worker, and manager of hospitality at many major not-for-profit organizations across the GTA and in Los Angeles. Her passions include volunteering, fundraising, creating aromatherapy products, floral design, listening and dancing to old school funk, and was once an avid roller-skater. Kathi’s role at StepStones allows her to combine her skills and passions to support the dynamic programming and events at our charity and she loves being able to use her creativity and resourcefulness to engage both our youth and volunteers.

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.

Pomaa’s education in the University of Ottawa’s Conflict Studies & Human Rights program as well as in George Brown College’s Assaulted Women’s & Children’s Counselor/Advocate Program highlights a deep dedication to access and equity. His experience includes front-line shelter work, 2SLGBTQ+ drop-in centers, executive administration, and human rights education. Pomaa’s personal and creative pursuits include fiber and language arts, roller-skating, and being a dog mom with her partner. His experience advocating at the intersections of 2SLGBTQ+ identity, race, and (dis)ability, especially within academic and not-for-profit contexts, makes StepStones a highly suitable and exciting place to work for Pomaa.

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.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Children, Childhood and Youth Studies from York University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Resource Practice from Humber College, Sam is committed to promoting inclusivity, equity, diversity, and a sense of belonging among young people. With a background rooted in the Caribbean, she has advocates for and supports young people in various settings, including mentoring young people with diverse abilities in Toronto. Sam enjoys gardening, baking, and spending quality time with family and friends. In her role as a frontline Connections Coordinator, StepStones supports her passion for ensuring all young people attain what they need to succeed, no matter where they come from or what their life experience has been.

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.

Diavin is a people, project, and operations leader with extensive experience in telecommunications and financial services. He has led teams in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors as well as in organizations ranging in size from startups to large enterprises. He is most proud of the work he does volunteering and advocating for the various communities with which he intersects. 

Since joining in 2020, Lorna Freeman (she/her) has brought her 20+ years’ worth of public relations experience to the StepStones Board. Before starting her career, Lorna spent several summers as a camp counsellor for children navigating mental and behavioural differences (which she loved), and she was *this close* to pursuing a career as a high-school History, English or French teacher. While her experience developing communications strategies, dealing with public crises, managing large-scale programs, and counselling organizations is useful at the Board level, she is most grateful for the opportunity to learn from StepStones’ staff and clients. She hopes that she can potentially help make a difference in the lives of Youth through her involvement with the organization.

Brendan is an Equity Research Analyst at Fidelity Investments Canada ULC. He has worked in Finance for over 10 years and is a CFA charter holder. He volunteers as a Big Brother with Toronto JF&CS. In his free time, Brendan enjoys watching and training mixed martial arts, playing co-op video games with his wife, and chasing after their Basenji who spends her boundless energy causing maximum trouble (she’s lucky she’s cute). 

Tanya is a results-oriented leader with a broad spectrum of experiences, including strategy development, operational leadership, and transformational change, across all aspects of insurance and financial services.  Tanya is the AVP, High Net Worth Service, at Aviva Canada where she oversees the delivery of complex insurance coverage to some of Canada’s wealthiest. Tanya was at RBC and RBC Insurance in various strategy and operational leadership roles. She served at Marsh Canada as Chief Administrative Officer, and then led Shared Services at Crawford Canada.     

Tanya has proven success at stepping into diverse positions and adding immediate positive contributions. She achieves high quality results through effective communication, impact and influence, and strong collaboration. Tanya is happy to serve her community as a Board Member of StepStones for Youth. She lives in Toronto, with her husband and 2 children. 

Roman has two decades of experience in branding and communications. He is a co-founder of Co-Effect Creative Inc., a social purpose creative communication studio dedicated to helping organizations in the nonprofit, gender-based violence, mental health, 2SLAGBTQIA+, sustainability and arts sectors amplify their positive impact. Having immigrated to Canada at a young age and being part of the queer community, he is passionate about equity and supporting underserved and underrepresented young people through work, mentorship and volunteering. In his spare time, Roman can be found cooking, gardening, foraging and connecting with nature. 

Sharon Beers, CHRL, has extensive experience in the field of human resources spanning over two decades. Sharon is currently the Human Resources Vice President at Fidelity Canada and has been a Board Member with StepStones since November 2021. Prior to StepStones, Sharon held a position on the Board of Charlottetown Childcare Centre for several years.   

Katherine is a corporate lawyer who has been practicing in Toronto for over 20 years. She has been on the board of StepStones since January 2020 and is committed to working to improve the outcomes for children and youth involved in the child welfare system. 

Tim attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, to study economics and has had a successful career in banking and finance based out of Toronto over four decades. Tim is a regular volunteer, and he is passionate about giving back. He has, on numerous occasions, raised funds by cycling from Toronto to Montreal annually. Tim is a new member of the StepStones for Youth Board of Directors and looks forward to making a meaningful contribution utilizing his finance, people management, and networking skills.