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
Christina Akrong
(She / Her)
Executive Director
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Christina brings extensive experience in youth leadership, education, and nonprofit management. She has worked with young people for many years, including four years as Director and Manager of York Youth Connection at York University, and four years as Arts Director at Christie Lake Camp. She is a trained teacher and holds a Bachelor and Master of Education, grounding her leadership in both practice and pedagogy.
Her broader leadership and administrative experience includes founding TheatrePeace Inc., a nonprofit working in schools; eleven years as a Program Officer at the Ontario Arts Council; and six years with the City of Brampton as Education & Outreach Coordinator in Cultural Services, where she developed and oversaw a wide range of youth-focused programs.
Most recently, Christina and her husband incorporated the African Arts Institute, a charitable organization delivering educational and artistic programming, headquartered in Belleville. Alongside her deep commitment to youth and education, she brings a strong passion for the arts and community-based work.
HAILEY BORDEN
(She / Her)
Child and Youth Worker
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Hailey Borden is a graduate of Durham College, where she earned a diploma in Music Business Administration. She was one of the original members of QWYC, joining only a few years after the centre opened in 2011. During her time there, Hailey quickly discovered a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.
Her journey to finding a career that aligned with that passion eventually led her back to QWYC, where she worked as the Fundraiser and Donor Relations Specialist. In 2024, while continuing to support youth as a Child and Youth Worker, Hailey decided to further her education by pursuing a career as a Registered Massage Therapist at Loyalist College.
Gabe Rozeboom
(HE/HIM)
Child and Youth Worker
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Gabe Rozeboom is a Trent University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forensics and Biology. Currently he is enrolled in the Teacher Education Program at Ontario Tech University to become a teacher.
Gabe joined the team at the youth center to gain experience in leadership and mentorship while making a positive impact with youth in the community.
At the centre, Gabe currently organizes 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.
ALLIE DEFOE
(She / Her)
Child and Youth Worker (casual)
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Bio coming soon!
JAMES KEMP
(he / HIM)
Child and Youth Worker (casual)
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ARSHDEEP SINGH
(She / Her)
Child and Youth Worker
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Arshdeep Singh is a dedicated Child and Youth Worker, bringing a strong passion for supporting young people in their personal growth and development. Originally from India, he moved to Canada in 2023 to pursue his career in social services and successfully completed his diploma in Social Service Worker from Fleming College in Peterborough.
Arshdeep began his professional journey through a placement in a school setting in Peterborough, where he developed foundational skills in supporting children and youth. He has also gained valuable experience working in a residential care setting, providing consistent care, guidance, and emotional support to youth with diverse needs.
At QWYC, Arshdeep is committed to creating a positive and engaging environment. He enjoys connecting with youth through a variety of activities, including indoor and outdoor games, video games, and interactive programming. He is particularly passionate about helping youth build essential life skills that contribute to their independence and well-being. Arshdeep remains dedicated to continuous growth in his field and is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth he serves.
KENZIE GIBBS
(She / Her)
Child and Youth Worker (casual)
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NAHANNI RANES
(She / Her)
Outgoing Executive Director
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Nahanni Ranes provided leadership during 2025-26 as Interim Executive Director, during which time she strengthened the Centre’s Human Resources, Funder Relations, and Programming. Very much admired by youth and staff, we are grateful to have Nahanni continue on as a volunteer at the Centre!
Volunteers
TONY
volunteer
KALA
volunteer
Mary Ann
volunteer
Jan
volunteer
Volunteers
TONY
volunteer
KALA
volunteer
Mary Ann
volunteer