The Team
Our amazing team at the QWYC is made up of dedicated staff and passionate volunteers. Read below to get to know our team a little better! Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact us!
Staff
JESSICA COOLEN
(She / Her)
Executive Director
Jessica Coolen was born in the Niagara region and is a graduate from Brock University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies.
In 2013, she moved to Belleville to attend Loyalist College, where she graduated with a Child and Youth Worker Diploma.
Jessica was first introduced into the non-profit sector when she volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara in 2011 and since then has been dedicated to working in the nonprofit sector and has experience supporting youth with housing, employment and in foster care prior to working at QWYC.
Jessica’s passion is to advocate for our youth and ensure our youth are being heard within the community. When she is not at the Centre, you can find Jess at home with her family, fur-babies all while making memories with her young children.
Allie Dafoe
(She / they)
Program Coordinator
Allie Dafoe is a graduate of Trent University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; as well as a graduate of Sir Sandford Fleming College having received her Social Service Worker Diploma.
She has also obtained her LBTQIA2S+ Positive Space training, and has been passionately running the Spectrum program at QWYC for 3 years.
Allie works from an intersectional and anti-racism perspective, and strives to connect meaningfully with each youth member of the centre.
When she’s not at the centre, you can find her curled up with a good fantasy book and a cup of tea.
HAILEY BORDEN
(She / Her)
Fundraiser and Donor Relations Specialist
Hailey Borden is a graduate from Durham College, with a diploma in Music Business Administration.
Hailey was one of the original members of QWYC, joining only a couple years after opening in 2011. She quickly realized during this time that making a difference was something she was passionate about. Her journey in finding the perfect job to put those dreams into action, eventually led her back to QWYC as the Fundraiser and Donor Relations Specialist.
“A big part of shaping the future for our youth is awareness of what they’ve gone through and what we do to help.”
When Hailey is not at the centre, you can find her singing and writing music.
Gabe Rozeboom
(HE / HIM)
Child and Youth Worker
Gabe Rozeboom is a Trent University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forensics and Biology with a specialization in Law and Policing.
Gabe joined the team at the youth center to gain experience in leadership and mentorship to achieve his career goal of becoming a police officer.
At the centre, Gabe is currently organizing athletic programs and will be facilitating a program for young males, focused on teaching young men how to be accountable, courageous, and empathetic; who are committed to equality and becoming role models for their peers.
When not at the Youth Centre, you can find him playing sports, exercising, volunteering, or spending time with family and friends.
Volunteers
TONY
volunteer
KALA
volunteer
Mary Ann
volunteer
