YAIJ Team Supporters
Carolyn (she/her), Co-Founder & Chair
Kimberley (she/her) Vice-Chair
Kimberley (she/her) Vice-Chair
I love roller skating, camping, hiking, and all things tennis.
I'm a mom, author, educator, Registered Nurse and education researcher.
I'm also a PhD candidate at Simon Fraser University in the lower mainland. My area of research is special education. My PhD thesis examines how race and dis/ability impact teacher praxis.
I'm here to trouble the tensions.
Kimberley (she/her) Vice-Chair
Kimberley (she/her) Vice-Chair
Kimberley (she/her) Vice-Chair
When I'm not trying to solve mystery novels or devouring any form of potato, I love spending time with my fluffy dog, Marlowe, and my husband, Jamil.
I teach high school English in British Columbia on the ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations.
In addition to being a teacher, I recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Education from Simon Fraser University.
I'm passionate about social justice and work hard to better understand how I can help to make systemic changes in the education system.
George (he/him), Director
George (he/him), Director
George (he/him), Director
Hi, my name is George and I am a 12th-grade high school student in Ontario. I am very interested in coding, sleeping, robotics, sports(soccer, basketball, boxing), music( rap, pop, jazz and a bit of classical music), math, and creative writing. I am currently in grade 12 but on the side, I am both writing a book and playing two instruments: the clarinet and violin.
I have also created a self-driving car model for a science fair project and competed in the Alice Munro Short Story Festival. I have finished writing my first-ever book, which has been my passion project since I was 7.
One thing I don't often share is that I am autistic, though I have never met other neurodiverse youth like myself. I am excited to be part of something that works with people similar to me and helps unify people of all different types of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.
Shupa (she/her), Director
George (he/him), Director
George (he/him), Director
I am a sustainability researcher who firmly believes social equity is crucial for environmental sustainability. My research on food security in remote islands and mental health in racialized groups has revolutionized my perception of health and wellness. Since then, I’ve become a passionate health equity advocate and have made it my life’s mission to decolonize health research and destigmatize mental health within marginalized communities.
I’m the co-founder of neurokin – a platform committed to creating a safer and more inclusive space for folks of colour to bridge the gap to ADHD/autism diagnosis and care.
Despite often feeling like an outsider since moving to Canada from Bangladesh three years ago, I find a deep sense of belonging among neurodivergent youth and those working to dismantle oppressive systems. I love going on long walks while plotting to disrupt the status quo.
YAIJ Advisory Council Guiding & Steering Our Work
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
I love getting out on the track to race karts and cars. My favorite season is summer - I can work out outside, enjoy the sun and go camping.
I'm finishing up high school, which was difficult. I plan on going to college (Mohawk) to study automotive technology.
YAIJ is important to me because I matter, youth like me matter, and we should be able to feel safe, accepted and feel like we belong. Being invisible and rejected is not ok. I'm ready to make waves to get justice for youth like me.
Gurnoor (she/her)
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
Hi Im Lisa.
I am maternally Indigenous to the West Coast – of ch’átlích (shíshálh Nation), walking with my Nehiyaw (Cree), and French ancestors. I am te s-tutula te wewekw'nach-em (Wolf Clan), and p'íp'k-ílich (Turtle Clan). Paternally, I walk with my Jamaican, Nigerian rooted family, as well as my Scottish rooted peoples. I speak English, and am currently learning my Indigenous tongue - she shashishalhem. I am a woman, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and cousin.
My passions have led me to work in honour and enjoyment along-side respected Indigenous Elders. I find great fulfillment and happiness in creation through storytelling, music, videography, and cinematography. I love reading, journaling, and spending time enjoying the beautiful traditional territories of the west coast. Through western education, I hold a degree in Research Psychology.
Shane (he/him)
Jantz, YAIJ Co-Founder (he/him)
Maria (she/her)
Hi, I'm Shane.
I'm in high school in Toronto and would like to work as a plumber, or an uber driver when I graduate (maybe I'll do both).
I love everything related to cars. That's my hobby.
I want people to see me for who I am and not my labels.
I'm friendly, and like to meet new people.
Please listen carefully to what I have to say.
Maria (she/her)
Maria (she/her)
Maria (she/her)
Hi I'm a full-stack software engineer and a Mental Health Studies specialist student at the University of Toronto Scarborough. I'm also the co-founder & CEO of Neurokin, a platform for marginalized neurodivergent folks to find an inclusive space to bridge the gap to ADHD & Autism assessment and diagnosis and discover their full potential !
Aaron (he/him)
Maria (she/her)
Aaron (he/him)
Hi I'm Aaron, I live on unceded territory of the Musqueam and Coast Salish People in BC, where I grew up. And I teach science in secondary school in unceded Squamish territory.
I like being active, but I also like relaxing. I’m into cooking, listening to podcasts about music and movies, and hiking with my wife. In my twenties I lived in Japan for 6 years. That’s where I met my wife and became fluent in Japanese. To this day, I love travelling.
I am a lifelong student with three degrees; a Bachelor of Science with a major in Marine Biology from UBC, a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in secondary science from UBC, and a Master of Education with a specialization in Equity Studies from Simon Fraser.
Odosa (he/him)
Maria (she/her)
Aaron (he/him)
Hi! I'm Odosa, a second year student at UofT, studying Computer Science, Computational Cognitive Science and Math.
Since childhood, I've been interested in tech and how it can be used to make a difference in the world.
I'm currently the founder of Autinerary, a non-profit organization attempting to make a central platform for anything autism related.
YAIJ's values and goal to make a difference in the community align with my ideals, and I truly believe in YAIJ's drive & strive to impact!
YAIJ Staff
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Hi, I’m Laura!
I’m a proud mom of two amazing boys. Watching them thrive in playing basketball or musical instruments is something that brings joy to my heart 24/7.
When I’m not acting as Taxi Mom taking them to all of their lessons and games, I love watching classic TV shows like Matlock, Gilligan’s Island and Oliver at Large.
In my profe
Hi, I’m Laura!
I’m a proud mom of two amazing boys. Watching them thrive in playing basketball or musical instruments is something that brings joy to my heart 24/7.
When I’m not acting as Taxi Mom taking them to all of their lessons and games, I love watching classic TV shows like Matlock, Gilligan’s Island and Oliver at Large.
In my professional life, I’m a speaker, content creator, and children’s book author. Sharing fun and engaging resources that uplifts and inspires people to live their best life possible is central to everything that I do.
Angelina Marketing Assistant (she/her)
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Hi, my name is Angelina I recently graduated college with a diploma in advertising Marketing communications and will be attending University in the fall. As a woman of colour who struggles with anxiety, I am excited to join the YAIJ team and spread awareness on intersectionality and inclusion.
Rae Project Assistant (they/them)
Laura Empowerment Coach(she/her)
Jantz (Co-Founder) Social Media Coordinator (he/him)
Hello! My name is Rae. I am a student who lives and studies on the unceeded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the Coast Salish peoples.
I’m currently a high school student who is pursuing and studying multimedia art and psychology. Lots of my hobbies and interests relate and revolve around art and psychology but so
Hello! My name is Rae. I am a student who lives and studies on the unceeded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the Coast Salish peoples.
I’m currently a high school student who is pursuing and studying multimedia art and psychology. Lots of my hobbies and interests relate and revolve around art and psychology but some other things about me are, I love to bake and I like to cook as well, I’m into fashion, sewing and cosplay, and so much more.
I’m honored to be part of this incredible organization that seeks to help people like me navigate and change the system. I’m here to create spaces and make room for us all.
Jantz (Co-Founder) Social Media Coordinator (he/him)
Jantz (Co-Founder) Social Media Coordinator (he/him)
Jantz (Co-Founder) Social Media Coordinator (he/him)
I love getting out on the track to race karts and cars. My favorite season is summer - I can work out outside, enjoy the sun and go camping.
I'm finishing up high school, which was difficult. I plan on going to college (Mohawk) to study automotive technology.
YAIJ is important to me because I matter, youth like me matter, and we should be
I love getting out on the track to race karts and cars. My favorite season is summer - I can work out outside, enjoy the sun and go camping.
I'm finishing up high school, which was difficult. I plan on going to college (Mohawk) to study automotive technology.
YAIJ is important to me because I matter, youth like me matter, and we should be able to feel safe, accepted and feel like we belong. Being invisible and rejected is not ok. I'm ready to make waves to get justice for youth like me.
Gulshan Research Assistant (she/her)
Jantz (Co-Founder) Social Media Coordinator (he/him)
Gulshan Research Assistant (she/her)
As a research assistant, I support YAIJ with ongoing and future research projects. I’m excited to be part of community development initiatives that support Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth with disabilities.
My professional background focuses on educational development, project coordination, and online youth education for community
As a research assistant, I support YAIJ with ongoing and future research projects. I’m excited to be part of community development initiatives that support Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth with disabilities.
My professional background focuses on educational development, project coordination, and online youth education for community engagement, including personal and professional development.
YAIJ Legacy Members
Amrit (she/her) Past Co-Chair
I am honored to live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Semiahmoo, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) Nations. I live here as a racialized settler wit
I am honored to live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Semiahmoo, sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), sc̓əwaθenaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsawwassen), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) Nations. I live here as a racialized settler with my partner and children, parents, siblings, grandmother, and many members of my extended family. Along with my family, my teaching experiences have led me to my area of research and pursuit of my PhD. The goal of my future doctoral work is to help educate and uplift teachers that work with students who have experiences with displacement.
My own learning has been a path of understanding teachings, gifts and stories that have been shared with me in many different places, not limited to the academic spaces within which I have been privileged to teach and learn. Inclusive education practices have driven my schooling and teaching path. I completed my BEd in Special Education from UBC and continued my graduate studies at SFU, completing my MEd with a focus on Supporting Diverse Learning. I am currently a PhD Student in Equity Studies at SFU.
I work at SFU as an In-Service Faculty Associate in Graduate Studies teaching Inclusive Education. Prior to working with in-service teachers, I worked as a classroom teacher, learning services teacher, and social development teacher. My research interests focus around equity and inclusion of students with experiences of displacement and my scholarship intersects critical race theory, critical refugee studies, and decolonial theory.
