Meet Our Team

Brittany has always been passionate about supporting children and at-risk youth, and believes in creating equal opportunities and encouraging them to strive for success. A graduate of Centennial College’s Social Service Work program, she has worked in youth shelters and community outreach and engagement programs.    

Frankie completed his Bachelor’s of Community Mental Health, Diploma in Child and Youth Care, and also Social Service Work all at Seneca King College. Using all of his schooling, it has opened different opportunities for him to work within vulnerable sectors with youth, adolescence and seniors with all diverse identities. Identifying with the LGBTQ+ community,...

Samantha Julien has previous experience advocating and supporting young people in various settings, including mentoring young people with diverse abilities in Toronto. Sam holds a Bachelors degree in Children, Childhood and Youth Studies from York University, as well as a graduate certificate in Inclusive Resource Practice from Humber College. With a background rooted in the...

Abhi (he/him) joined StepStones in 2023 as a Development Coordinator. Originally from India, he has lived in the U.S., Scotland, and (now) Canada. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond and a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from Simon Fraser University. He is passionate about the ethical side...

Pomaa (he/him/she/her) finds joy in community, solidarity, and collaboration across differences. Her education in the University of Ottawa’s Conflict Studies & Human Rights program and George Brown College’s Assaulted Women’s & Children’s Counselor/Advocate Program and portfolio ranging from front-line shelter work, executive administration, and human rights education supports Pomaa’s dedication to access and equity. He...

Mike (he/him) joined StepStones to assist with fundraising and development. He has collaborated with child welfare organizations to produce adoption videos and conferences, and wants to help ensure that all children and youth find belonging and community. He also worked in the music industry in London (England) and in television in Toronto (Canada) before joining...

Marsha (she/her) has more than 10 years of experience working with youth and adults who have experienced incarceration or are at risk of contact with the legal system. She first joined StepStones in 2015 as a camp counsellor and has since taken on a number of roles. Marsha currently helps with research and evaluation to...

Catherine has an educational background in Community and Justice Services and is currently completing her Human Resources Management degree. She started with StepStones in May 2022 as a Youth Connections Coordinator, while continuing to work in social services, which she’s been doing for the past four years. Catherine has a passion for working with youth...

Rahwa is one of the Youth Connection Workers at Stepstones. She 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. She’s passionate about supporting and encouraging youth to help them realize their full potential, and she focuses...

Cornelius Richard Parker is a former youth in care who has faced and overcome a lot of obstacles throughout his life. Originally from Ottawa, he came to Toronto to play soccer and fell in love with the city. Gifted with the ability to play soccer at a high level, he travelled to eight countries and...

Since Scott’s first position as a youth detention centre worker, he’s been keenly aware of his passion for youth and youth advocacy work, and he’s had the privilege of working in a variety of settings and roles throughout the years. Scott’s Degree in Social Work and Psychology and his Masters in Conflict Resolution provided a...

Brenna (she/her) has worked with children and youth in various settings, including outreach, family counselling, inpatient treatment, shelters and respite for children with autism. She completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Psychology, and a certificate in Addictions and Mental Health. Brenna believes in a strengths-based approach that encourages youth to be more confident...

Lexus has a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development & Policy Studies and she’s been working in frontline, supervisory and administrative roles within the non-profit sector for the past eight years. She’s skilled in program development, central intake, community outreach, youth engagement, and program facilitation. She’s a passionate community leader who’s always focusing on growth...

Lucas is a child and youth practitioner who has spent more than 14 years working with children, youth, and families with complex needs. He has worked in a variety of settings, such as group homes and residential treatment centres, hospitals and community health clinics, community outreach, and school-based and juvenile justice programs, as well as...

Mobafa joined StepStones in 2021 as our Program Director. He has a long history of working with young people, including as a youth advocate on the international stage, program facilitator on issues of HIV and AIDS, equity, diversity and inclusion, and sexual reproductive health and rights. He has also assisted youth who have become in...

Denise completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences at Brock University and Advanced Diploma in Child & Youth Care at 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 joined StepStones because she...

Shalamar has always had a passion for working with children and at-risk youth. Her upbringing allowed her to see the world from many different perspectives, which is her drive for trying to ensure that voiceless youth are heard. She completed her studies in Child and Youth Work at Georgian College and has worked in the...

Ciara is originally from Ireland and lived in Scotland for just over 10 years. She completed her Social Work degree in Scotland and worked for the country’s Children’s Aid Society equivalent before moving to Canada in March 2020. She has always enjoyed working with children and young people and ensuring that their voices are heard...

Eb is originally from Montreal, and yes, he can speak a bit of French! He went to Concordia University and has a Bachelors in Political Science. He has a history in eSports Community Management and Building, through video games such as Street Fighter and Guilty Gear, and has his own podcast: Black Nerd Talks. He...

Chris joined StepStones as a Camp Counselor and Camp Coordinator. She earned her degree in Political Studies and is currently completing a degree in Social Work. She has participated in various youth advocacy and social justice initiatives, and has developed a passion for incorporating sustainable (social and environmental) practices in addressing social issues. She enjoys...

Alexi (she/her) is a filmmaker, educator, and writer who spends much of her time on her bike and also loves to sew. She assists StepStones with program development, fundraising events, and grant writing, all the while sporting her favourite StepStones’ t-shirts in several different colours. She is continually inspired by the incredible youth at StepStones!

Jackson (he/him) completed his degree in Media Studies at Queen’s University and has 10 years of experience working in youth programming in both a camp and education setting. He joined StepStones in early 2020. Jackson is excited to be connecting with our donors and sharing all of the amazing updates on our youth and the...

Heather O’Keefe founded StepStones for Youth and has successfully brought this registered charity from a small grassroots volunteer-run organization to a respected industry leader. Heather believes that charities have a responsibility to operate efficiently and effectively and donor dollars must go directly to programs that have proven ability to effect positive change. She believes that...