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
Child Development Coordinator
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
Child Development Coordinator
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!
Abdullahi
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I enjoy working with youth in community-based settings as I find it extremely fulfilling and fun. Working at AYP gives me the opportunity to have fun with youth, whilst also having a positive impact on their lives and making a difference within our communities.
Fun Fact about me!
I love playing soccer and hiking in nature! I speak Somali and Arabic.
Danat
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working for AYP because it provides me with a safe and fun space to work with kids and help them along in their developmental process. I am a strong believer that children learn best in a playful and positive environment, so I love how that aligns with AYP. I am super passionate about making an impact and connecting with children, so I love that I get to do that while upholding AYP's values. I also love that I get to work with such a supportive and fun team.
Fun Fact about me!
A fun fact about me is that I was born in Eritrea. I have also lived in three different countries. I can speak Tigrinya!
Brittany
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working at AYP because it reminds me how much I love working with kids. I am a recent graduate from the Education program at the University of Alberta and AYP continues to allow me to gain valuable experience for my future job as a math/science teacher. I love building relationships with each participant and watching them grow, try new things, and see their creativiity throughout our programs. I especially love helping kids learn math in homework help! AYP has such a fun, positive atmosphere and I am so happy to be a part of this amazing team.
Fun Fact about me!
I play soccer and love to do anything outside! Especially in the mountains.
Sheena
Child Development Coordinator
Why do you love working for AYP?
I love working for AYP because I get to meet the most interesting and creative people! The staff are amazing to work beside, and the participants all bring their own cool and unique personalities forward. The staff and participants remind me to embrace each part of who I am! I am on track to finish my education degree and my time at AYP reminds me exactly why I chose this path. Getting to be a part of the after-school groups is the highlight of my week!
Fun Fact about me!
I love to read and specifically enjoy mystery books. I also am passionate about health and fitness, spending a lot of my time on outdoor adventures with my favorite furry friend Rory 😊
