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Our Team

Our Team

  • Alexia YVC Team Leader
    Hi! My name is Alexia and my pronouns are she/her. I'm a team leader with Youth Central, and I'm in my fourth year of nursing at the University of Alberta. When I'm not in school, I love to spend my free time catching up with my friends. My favourite part about being a team leader is getting to meet all the volunteers and making connections! Hope to see you at one of my projects!
  • Ali Hussain YVC Team Leader
    Hi everyone! My name is Ali and I'm a first-year student at Mount Royal University, currently studying Business. I've always been an avid fan of books, anywhere from mystery to historical fiction and I'm always looking for a good recommendation! I guess what I enjoy most about being a Team Leader is trying to base my decisions on my own experiences as a Youth Central volunteer, and hopefully create an enjoyable experience for current volunteers. My pronouns are he/him. 
  • Anwar Subhani YVC Team Leader
    My name is Anwar. My pronouns are he/him. I am currently doing a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at Queen's University! I'm super passionate about being involved in health and human rights causes, but in my free time, I love to spend time playing volleyball or dodgeball with my friends! As a former volunteer with Youth Central, I really enjoy seeing recurring volunteers and seeing them grow in character and skill sets throughout their volunteering journey!
  • Calla Ha YVC Team Leader
    My name is Calla and I am in my 4th year of Nursing at Mount Royal University. My favourite part of being a Team Leader is getting to experience so many new things and meeting new people! In my free time, you can find me reading or studying at a cafe, spending time with friends and family, and learning new languages. I also love exploring the food scene in Calgary. If you also share a love of bubble tea, we’ll be instant friends! My pronouns are she/her.
  • Cerena Bond YVC Team Leader
    Hi there! My name’s Cerena. I use she/her pronouns. I’m majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Psychology at Mount Royal University. I love movies, photography and traveling! I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and being part of making a meaningful impact in our community and the WORLD!! If we can all spread kindness and lead with empathy we’ll make a big difference!! See ya down the road 🙂
  • Dana Desamparado YVC Team Leader
    My name is Dana. I use she/her pronouns. I go to the University of Calgary where major in general kinesiology. What I enjoy most about being a Team Leader is getting to meet and talk with all the different and amazing volunteers of Youth Central! Outside of Youth Central I really enjoy baking cookies and being active with my dodgeball team!
  • Donna Patolot YVC Team Leader
    I’m Donna. I use she/they pronouns. Right now I’m at the University of Calgary finishing up a Bachelor’s degree in Education this spring! I love being creative through baking, painting my nails, and photography. And fun fact, I recently learned how to drive stick shift! Being in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood, I naturally connect with younger kids and I love being a team leader since it allows me to connect with a different age group that can be misunderstood.
  • Eamon Saldana YVC Team Leader
    Hey there, my name is Eamon Saldana. I use he/him pronouns. I'm currently in my 3rd year of gap year. I've been working and in the community for the past years. You can ask me about how my gap years are so far! I really enjoy Youth Central as I get to volunteer in events and communities around Calgary. I get to work with you, the youth, who makes our future brighter and contribute to our communities. Something about me are: I like photography, the outdoors, serving others, and working with youth AND I give wonderful advice. I look forward to working with you at projects!!!
  • Fathima Chappangathil YVC Team Leader
    Hello! My name is Fathima. I use she/her pronouns. I am majoring in mechanical engineering at University of Calgary. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and binge watching my favourite shows. Additionally, in my role as a Team Leader, I find great fulfillment in the opportunity to meet dedicated volunteers, assist them in establishing meaningful connections within their community, and support their personal growth.
  • Gaby Nunez YVC Team Leader
    Hey, my name is Gaby and I am in my second year of Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary. Some things that I love are playing the violin, cooking, and getting active outdoors, especially with my dog. I love working with Youth Central because I get to work with so many great youth and get to serve many different areas of need throughout the community.
  • Jen Saj Program Coordinator

    Since joining us in 2023, multi-talented coordinator Jen has become an integral part of our team, helping youth turn dreams and ideas into reality. Equipped with a degree in psychology, Jen has honed her youth engagement skills through roles at YMCA day camps and Assiniboine Park Zoo youth programs, as well as coaching youth volleyball!


    Outside of work, you’ll find her baking delicious banana bread, juggling (literally), or positively dominating at cornhole.

  • Lisa Kindree Executive Director

    Lisa brings to Youth Central an Executive Leadership Certificate from Mount Royal University and dual Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. Since joining Youth Central in 2005, Lisa has held various roles, contributing to the organization’s mission of youth empowerment. Prior to Youth Central, she taught youth horseback riding and canoeing and supported mentor/mentee relationships. 


    In her spare time, Lisa volunteers on the board of directors of the Calgary Humane Society. Lisa’s quirky side? She has a mug for every season and holiday, each with its own special rules for use! Want to butter her up? Stock up on sour candies!

  • Lisa Litz Engagement Director

    With a degree in Marketing and decades of experience in communications, fund development, board governance, and nonprofit leadership, Lisa’s superpowers include collaboration, insightful questions, simplifying complexity and seeing problems  from at least 57 different perspectives.


    Lisa is convinced that we can build a brighter future together if we invest in and empower our youth. Her love for volunteering began at 19 as a Katimavik participant, and today she always has a community project or two on the go. Lisa has a soft spot for dogs, dad jokes and scary movies—she loves a good jump scare—and she is also something of a sucker for savory treats.

  • Michelle Hodgins Engagement Coordinator

    Known for her resourcefulness, creativity, and quick thinking, Michelle excels at finding common ground with just about anyone. With over a decade of experience coordinating programs at Youth Central and helping youth shine, Michelle now channels her communication degree and strategic thinking into engaging our communities in our cause. 

    Passionate about empowering youth, Michelle believes our work is crucial because youth’s unique perspectives can drive real, meaningful change when they are supported and heard. Her yucks are gelatinous food and inconsiderate humans, while her yums include popcorn and reading. Be warned: she will 100% put herself in harm’s way for a chance to pat that dawg.

  • Natalia Bozek YVC Team Leader
    Hi! My name is Natalia. I use she/her pronouns. I used to volunteer with Youth Central and now I have the opportunity to be a team leader! I did my Bachelor of Education at U of C and I am now a Kindergarten teacher. I love to help others and support the community! I can’t wait to meet everyone:)
  • Peony Wong Program Coordinator

    From early experiences working with youth in her church community to today’s volunteer work with the Calgary Youth Justice Society, Peony has always been drawn to volunteering and helping youth grow.  


    Peony joined Youth Central in 2018 with a Bachelor of Sciences in Environmental Conservation Science. Since then, she has coordinated several different Youth Central programs, completed a Non-Profit Management Certificate and settled in as coordinator for Youth Volunteer Corps, our team-based volunteer program. 


    A self-proclaimed pig enthusiast, Peony has an impressive collection of pig memorabilia. Take note! She is very food motivated.

  • QK YVC Team Leader
    Hi! My name is QK and I use she/her pronouns. I am at the University of Calgary, majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology. Fun fact, I can speak four languages, and reading mystery/thriller novels is a hobby that I really enjoy. Being part of Youth Central is an amazing experience as it allows you to serve the community at different fronts and through different means. It's great to do what we possibly can to help.
  • Ros Doi Program Director

    Ros has spent the last 5,000 years (well, since 2006) dedicated to youth empowerment at Youth Central but still occasionally gets mistaken for a participant. Armed with a Sociology degree, Ros initially joined us as an Office Coordinator and rose to Program Director. Along the way, this talented Jill of all trades has worn many hats—sometimes all at once! 


    Originally from a small town, Ros cherishes the power of community. Her passion? Watching volunteers grow and make a real difference in the community.  Fun facts: In high school she was voted most likely to win the Indy 500 and she’s always up for a road trip—just don’t show her the latest TikTok video, or you’ll be late!

  • Sylvia Galica-Casuncad Outreach Coordinator

    Since 2008, Sylvia has been a force for good (and a source for hugs) at Youth Central. She started as a Team Leader and School Clubs Coordinator before becoming Outreach Coordinator. Informed by her Bachelor of Applied Child Studies, Sylvia is dedicated to helping youth discover their potential and giving them the confidence to pursue their passions.


    Inspired by her bold and feisty daughter, who gives her hope for the future generation, Sylvia believes our work is vital because it empowers all youth to believe in themselves. When she's not flexing her amazing ability to connect with absolutely anyone, Sylvia loves exploring international cuisines and sharing delicious meals with friends and family.