Our Team

After being raised on the North Shore and graduating from a local high school, Allie attended university in Calgary. There she attained a Bachelor of Arts: Behavioural Science degree, while she participated on the school futsal team for four and a half years. There she took her practicum, and continued to work, in the school’s Learning Services department. After returning to Vancouver she entered youth development work, which she has pursued for over two years.

Whether Allie is walking, biking, going longboarding, or playing soccer, she is happiest outside. Allie is an enthusiast of both ukulele and pottery; she loves being creative and exploring new things. Painting, squash (the sport), photography, music, reading, and astronomy rank high on her list of interests and hobbies.

Bridget first joined Whytecliff in 2015 as a practicum student. She enjoyed herself so much that when her course commitment ended, she continued to volunteer her time with the program. Bridget’s amazing gift for empathy helps her bond with the youth and create lasting relationships. In 2017 Bridget took over the administrative duties for the Langley campus where her organizational skills are put to the test on a daily basis. Bridget is outgoing, creative and the proud mother of 2 boys. She loves cooking and joking with the youth. She enjoys staying fit by running and doing pilates.

Dave and his Family have recently arrived in Vancouver from Montreal. He holds two B.F.A.’s in Film Animation

from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, and a B.F.A. in Community Art Education from

Concordia University. Dave’s holistic approach to teaching art explores the healing power of the imagination. He designs creative projects which focus on the youth’s individual creative talent. He has been teaching his art education programs in Alternative Elementary and High Schools across Montreal for the past 6 years. His passions include, drawing, surfing, mountain biking, and being a father.

Dave is a professional artist. He has exhibited his work around the world generating awareness on topics such as mental illness, isolation, and the complexity of trauma.

Ilona was part of the original team who opened the Burnaby program in 2001. She was the Principal and the Humanities teacher for four years before returning to the program in 2016 as the Program Manager. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in World History and Secondary Education, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Brain-Based Teaching and Learning. She has worked with youth in both teaching and counseling capacities, and has worked with a wide spectrum of young people in the Gifted and International Baccalaureate Programs, and in Special Education. She is passionate about teaching the thinking skills of optimism and growth mindset to all youth and families, and is dedicated to “busting” the myths many young people have about their ability to learn and change (through teaching about the concept of neuroplasticity).

Jonathan has built his career as a Youth Worker for 18 years based on his passion for encouraging young people to meet their potential. He has worked all over the Lower Mainland with youth ages 4-25 at various school programs, community centres, and day camps. He is a proud member of a close-knit family residing in the Lower Mainland and all over England. He enjoys travelling to new places and experiencing other cultures, food, and activities. Jonathan also enjoys playing many sports including golf and basketball and also attends Seattle Seahawks games.

Kevin earned his undergrad degree from Trinity Western University in the areas of education, social studies and special needs education. He is currently enrolled in the graduate program of Indigenous and Inter-Religious Studies at the Vancouver School of Theology. Coming from a family of teachers has given him a passion for teaching, learning and helping others become fulfilled in their aspirations. With a background in youth services, he seeks to find novel ways of empowering teens through building awareness and developing the expression of their interconnectivity of self, community and environment.

Born and raised in India, Kiran has more than 7 years’ experience in teaching and working with youth (including poor and special needs children at an elementary and secondary level). She was head of the department at the Marx Institute of Science in Punjab, and holds Master’s Degrees in Education and Mathematics. Since moving to Canada in 2015, she has worked at the Khalsa school in Surrey, and has experience in teaching Applied Design, Skills and Technologies, and Math and English. Her chief goal at Whytecliff is to enable and encourage students to appreciate the usefulness, power and beauty of mathematics.

Luca became involved with Whytecliff Learning Centre first as a Practicum student in 2015, and then as a Youth Worker in 2017. Prior to joining Whytecliff, she volunteered in a variety of non-profits—developing and delivering services to help engage youth in the Fraser Valley.

Luca was a star basketball player with Brookswood Secondary of Langley throughout her high school career. Her skills allowed her to gain a scholarship at Trinity Western University, where she led her team for 5 years while pruning her shooting skills. Now these skills are being shared with Whytecliff’s youth.

Luca is a strong member of a local family in the Langley area and is proud to mentor the students at Whytecliff.

Having moved to Canada from Ireland in January 2019, Lyndon has recently joined Whytecliff as Youth Development Staff. Before this, Lyndon gained a Bachelor of Arts and Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Over the past 8 years, he has worked with youth all over the world and is excited to start his new chapter here in Vancouver. Lyndon has many passions that include art, travelling, music, sports, nature, TV and movies (especially Marvel) and hopes to use these skills and interests to build meaningful relationships and help young people grow.

Maddie is one of the newest additions to the Whytecliff team. Born and raised in the Lower Mainland, Maddie studied at Trinity Western University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology, as well as a Human Services Certificate. Maddie loves a good dance party, but she especially has a passion for nature, photography, and for supporting and encouraging young people as they learn and grow. She is excited for her role as a Youth Development Worker and Administrative Assistant with the Burnaby program.

Marcus has been a Youth and Family Worker at Whytecliff since 2012. He has shown on multiple occasions what “ethics of care” truly means. Marcus’ commitment to kids’ well-being is second to none. This year he will be taking a leadership role in developing the electronics and outdoor education program.

Marcus draws upon his approachable personality in active listening and hands-on learning. Marcus’s love of animals and nature is obvious, and he works with many children in activitiers related to the outdoors.

Rachael Sorsabal was born and raised in Southern California, growing up to love the outdoors. She finished her education with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biology wherein she discovered a passion for teaching science. After college, she spent some time in North Carolina raising two beautiful twin boys, finally returning to Washington State. In Washington she spent eleven years coaching high school track and field and working as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor, which she still does to this day. She is a passionate SCUBA diver, photographer, horseback rider, and outdoors woman.

Robert Kissner, B.A. (Honors), M.A., Ph.D., R.S.W. is the founder and creative energy of Focus Foundation of BC. Dr. Kissner is a specialist in stress and trauma, with an interest in innovative ways to facilitate resilience and emotional recovery. He has experience in clinical practice, agency administration, teaching, research, and as a social innovator and entrepreneur. He is a former member of the Simon Fraser University Senate and Board of Governors. He served as President of the BC Association of Social workers and was BC provincial representative to CASW. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Dr. Kissner has taught a wide range of subjects for the University of Chicago, SFU, Trinity Western University, UCFV and Douglas College, including courses in social work, education, criminology, and sociology. For balance, he loves to read, learn and grow, to travel, and to go hiking and explore the outdoors.

Shelley earned a B.A. degree in neuropsychology and BSc. Degree in computing right after high school. While at SFU she played on the soccer team and worked part time for a small building repair company. After graduation she continued to work in the trades for the next 25 years before returning to SFU to get a teaching degree specializing in education and learning disabilities. After 5 years of teaching in public schools she found a home at Whytecliff, where she gets to teach math, science, robotics and carpentry.

Raised in Nanaimo, Wes recently graduated from Trinity Western University with a major in Biology and a Minor in Psychology. Wes has a background in fundraising and volunteering, and has long had a passion for sports and fitness, as well as coaching. He loves to use his coaching skills and experiences to build meaningful relationships and help others grow. Wes is also an avid technology enthusiast (especially Apple), enjoys watching movies, and has a deep passion for Biology.

Wilf was a teacher in the Coquitlam School District for 8 years.  He has a bachelor’s degree in both Archaeology and in teaching through the PDP program from Simon Fraser University.  He was born and raised in Vancouver where his formative years belonged in Chinatown.  Wilf is a lifelong learner and passionate educator in history and in the arts.

Wilf also has a background in the local museum community in which he has worked for many years.  He has previously worked at The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and still works seasonally at the Burnaby Village Museum.  Wilf’s interests include floor hockey, photography, listening to music to relax, blacksmithing, Italian rapier fencing and archery.  Wilf is an avid reader.  Wilf is very excited to be a part of the Whytecliff family. He also professes to be the original Kung Fu Panda. Skadoosh.