Meet our Team
Who we are
As AYP Staff, we offer a variety of skills, dedication, and uniqueness to our roles to better support the children in our programs. We are here to teach skills such as self-esteem, communication skills, and peer relations to our participants through a learn-through-play philosophy.
Taylor
Executive Director
Why do you love working for AYP?
AYP is extremely special to me because of the relationships we get to build with children every day. Our participants are all unique and great. With playfulness being one of our core values, I get to see that not only through our children but with our staff members as well; it is the best coming to work every week and knowing that there is fun to be had and a difference to be made!
Fun Fact about me!
Dogs, mountains, and staying active are a few of my favorite things. Especially dogs 🙂
Jenan
Program Manager
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love AYP because it confirmed my dream to work with children and how developing positive relationships with them fill my heart with joy! The experience I have got here will help me achieve my goal of becoming a Child Psychologist in the future. I love watching our children here grow and become amazing people through our educational yet fun programs. I am always excited to come into work every day and the relationships I have developed with the staff here are bonds that I will never forget!
Fun Fact about me!
A fun fact about me is that I love to laugh. You will catch me always making jokes! I also speak Arabic!
Kelsey
Team Lead
Why do you love working for AYP?
I’ve always loved working with kids and helping them succeed in life and school; being here is a way for me to do that. I love working for AYP because I know we’re making a difference. I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing team that continues to do such great things for the community.
Fun Fact about me!
I love all things Harry Potter and Toy Story, I quote movies way too often and I also have a teaching degree!
Marae
High School Lead
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working for AYP because of the great people I get to interact with every day, from my fellow staff to the parents, to the kids! I love having the ability to watch kids learn, grow, and have FUN here at AYP.
Fun Fact about me!
I love to play sports. I grew up playing soccer, basketball, softball, and rugby. But my favourite sport to play is kickball!
Allison
High School Lead
Why do you love working for AYP?
I had the opportunity to complete my practicum placement here at AYP while finishing my undergrad at Concordia University of Edmonton. From the minute I began working with the kids and the AYP team, I have felt nothing but joy and gratitude. This community of people are amazing and the work we do here at AYP is fulfilling on so many levels. Everyday is a good day at AYP!
Fun Fact about me!
I played university basketball for 3 years and I am now a coach! I love fitness and nature (together or separately!).
Justin
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working with AYP because it gives me the chance to help empower children and to engage in fun and interactive activities while doing so! I also love being a positive role-model for the children and being a support for them if they need it! Being a recent graduate from Concordia University of Edmonton, I am excited to apply the skills I learned to better aid my abilities.
Fun Fact about me!
I enjoy simple pleasures like large pairs of glasses, coffee, video games, and plants (I have over 25)!
Kayitesi
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
AYP is a very welcoming environment and whenever I'm here I feel inspired to be a better person in all aspects of my life! I'm excited to see what the future brings, as I'm sure it'll be nothing but greatness!
Fun Fact about me!
I love everything about movies and cinema and I'm obsessed with horror films and cartoons!
Rachel
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working for AYP because of the amazing kiddos that I get to work with. I am amazed everyday with the creativity and playfulness of each kiddo that I have had the opportunity to meet in our programs. I love to see kiddos progress through their own journeys throughout our groups, watching them become more confident with themselves and feel safe enough to try new things. I love to see the community that is created among the kiddos. Watching the kids support each other through the program reinforces the amazing atmosphere that AYP has to offer. The team at AYP is a welcoming and supportive, and they are always challenging me to grow and learn, both through my work and personally.
Fun Fact about me!
I LOVE coffee, and I am on a mission to try all of the local coffee shops in the Edmonton area.
Sara
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I have always wanted to uplift children in my work and AYP gives me the opportunity to do so while having fun! I love knowing I’m making a difference in their lives and seeing the difference they’re making in mine. I also couldn’t ask for a better team. Every day I feel supported and empowered in everything I do. As a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia, I’m excited to utilize my education and to continue learning from the team and the amazing kids here at AYP.
Fun Fact about me!
I love travelling because I think that the best way to learn about the world is experiencing different cultures. I’ve been to 16 countries and my favourite place so far is Edinburgh, Scotland.
