YAIJ Team Supporters (Board of Directors)

I’ve been involved in the field of mental health peer support for the past decade, where much of my work has focused on the intersections of mental health/Madness, disability, neurodiversity, chronic illness/pain, and queer/trans identity. It has been a pleasure working with such a fantastic team to develop peer support training grounded in the strengths and knowledges of Black, racialized, and neurodiverse communities. As a white settler, I am committed to an ongoing process of learning how I can best work in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, and leverage my privilege to support the crafting of decolonial futures. When I’m not geeking out about peer support, you can find me making zines, drinking purple basil lemonade, hanging out with my family of cats and plants, thinking with fungi, and dreaming alternative futures.

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. 

Hi, my name is Kinza and I am a recent graduate of Simon Fraser University in British Columbia with my degree in Political Science. My unwavering goal and passion have always revolved around creating a positive impact in my community and fostering a more equitable society. As a woman of colour, I am deeply committed to advocating for social justice on a variety of issues.

I have been with YAIJ since 2022 and love to continue working alongside all staff and members of our amazing organization! 

Beyond my work at YAIJ and my time studying for the LSAT, I spend most of my time reading, working out, and capturing moments through photography.

Advocating for marginalized folks has always been my passion and I have had the opportunity to explore the ways in which I can make an impact through my undergraduate education as an honours political science student at McMaster University, through various work experiences, and through meaningful conversations with people who have diverse and unique experiences. I have to say that my experiences with YAIJ in the peer supporter training program has been so unique and rewarding as I’ve met so many amazing people and love to watch our participants grow and develop new skills and interests throughout the program. Some of my other passions include acting, dancing, and trying new foods from different cultures!

Throughout my youth I have been deeply involved with my community and had amazing opportunities to volunteer and work with marginalized children and youth. It is these experiences that inspired me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Honours Health and Society with a Specialization in Mental Health and Addiction at McMaster University. During my education and work experience, advocacy and community work for marginalized groups has become a profound interest and future aspiration. I have had the incredible opportunity to join YAIJ in their peer supporter training program, and I have had a wonderful and rewarding experience. While participating in the program, I have met so many people, built great rapport with our participants, developed new skills, and have discovered new interests. I have also learned so much through this program and am excited to learn more! Aside from the program, I enjoy spending time cooking, baking, listening to music, and indulging in all things food!

Hello again! I am Rianne, obtaining my bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto. I am double majoring in environmental biology and global health and minoring in statistics. I'd like to pursue a research career.

As a neurodiverse individual, my experiences have shaped my dedication to fostering inclusive environments. I'm excited to bring my organizational and peer coaching experience to the team and have lots to learn and share about peer support for neurodiverse individuals like me.