Our Team

Allison Parker – Admin Assist. / Youth Development Worker

Allison holds a Medical Office Assistant Certificate from the University of the Fraser Valley and has also completed Marketing Management Courses at the BC Institute of Technology. She has extensive experience in community building through a range of volunteer work. She has taken on a range of roles in which she has honed her administrative and communication skills. She comes to us from Stenberg College where she worked as a program administrator.

Ben Maw – Educator

Ben was raised in Dunedin, New Zealand completing a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education at the University of Otago. After leaving the safety of home he moved to Wellington to take a job teaching English at Hutt International Boys School where he worked for ten years. During this time he was fortunate to learn from some amazing educators who helped him develop a student-led, strength-based style of teaching. Ben also took on a range of coaching opportunities during this time including Basketball, Cricket, Debating and Football. Getting to see students excel outside of the classroom has always been an amazing aspect of the job that brings him joy. As the son of two English teachers a passion for reading and desire to always be a life-long learner have both been fostered from a young age. When not in the classroom Ben can be found attending gigs, exploring the beautiful B.C. outdoors, watching and playing basketball or reading a book—coffee in hand.

Cassaundra McDonald – Youth Development Worker

Cassaundra, who prefers to be called Cassie, is a highly qualified member of our team. She pursued her education at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto, Ontario, where she achieved an Honours degree in Family and Community Social Services and obtained a diploma to become a Social Service Worker. During her time in school, Cassie completed multiple field placements, which allowed her to gain valuable experience working with diverse populations.

Cassie has a wealth of experience, having previously served as an Educational Support Specialist and Developmental Therapist for children and youth on the spectrum at a private school, where she implemented the DIR/Floortime model. Her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all youth is evident, as she prioritizes building meaningful relationships that support learning and development.

In her free time, Cassie enjoys the great outdoors, often taking her miniature Golden Doodle, named Bentley, on hikes and picnics. Her passion for both her work and her personal life shines through in her commitment to fostering growth and well-being in the children and youth she works with.

Dave Dufour – Educator

Dave brings depth, versatility, and a global perspective to his work with young people. A BC-certified teacher with over ten years of experience, he holds a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from Concordia University and is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, with conversational Mandarin as well. His career has taken him from classrooms in Canada to leadership and curriculum design roles abroad, experiences that have sharpened his creativity and adaptability. At Whytecliff, Dave teaches across the humanities, drawing on his love of languages, literature, and culture to make ideas come alive and to help students grow in confidence.

Demelza Thompson – Youth Development Worker

Demelza has a background as an Education Assistant with a wealth of experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, and depression. She holds an Education Assistant Certificate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and has training in trauma awareness and FASD support. Demelza excels in IEP planning, classroom support, and utilizing various software tools to enhance learning environments. Demelza also holds a BA in Theatre Arts and, before transitioning to education, she had a long and successful career as an actor, which developed her skills in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

Diego Moran-Linares – Youth Development Worker

Diego is a proud Canadian-born Latino with Salvadoran roots who brings warmth, energy, and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with young people. He holds a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services from Trinity Western University and is pursuing his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Diego has experience supporting young people with emotional regulation, coping skills, life skills, healthy decision-making, and working toward their goals. His approach is grounded in strong relationships and creating safe, inclusive environments where young people can feel supported, build confidence, and have fun.

The outdoors is a big part of Diego’s life. He has spent several years leading team-building and outdoor recreation activities including camping, climbing, paddling, caving, and canyoneering. Fluent in English and Spanish, Diego enjoys connecting with people from a wide range of backgrounds. When he isn’t working with youth, you will usually find him outside—paddling, climbing, hiking up something, making music or art, or looking for his next adventure.

Erica De Oliveira Amad – Educator

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Erica completed a BSc in Molecular Biology & Genetics at McMaster University and a Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto. She’s passionate about warm, fun, and inclusive STEM learning, and strongly believes everyone can succeed in STEM. Outside of school, she’s an avid reader, painter, and ballet dancer. She loves junk journaling, traveling, and hanging out with her kitty, Kendrick Lameow.

Ivan Nikolic – Educator

Ivan brings a rare mix of energy, creativity, and care to his work with young people. A BC-certified educator with a background in both Physical Education and Drama, he has taught, coached, and mentored students across Vancouver Island and beyond. From directing full-scale theatre productions to coaching volleyball and basketball, Ivan thrives on helping youth discover their strengths—whether on stage, on the court, or in the classroom. He is equally at home leading a chess club, tutoring academic subjects, or supporting students one-on-one with patience and encouragement. With a thoughtful approach that blends expertise and empathy, Ivan meets students where they are and helps them move forward. Outside of work, he’s passionate about sports, outdoor adventure, and finding new ways to connect learning with life.

Joel Moreno – Educator

Joel holds a BSc in Nuclear Engineering (Oregon State), an MSc in Physics (Erasmus Mundus, Europe), and a PhD in Experimental Plasma Physics (University of Saskatchewan). He’s taught around the world—from running a tutoring company to teaching in South Korea and Thailand—and is known for tailored support and genuine enthusiasm for math. He enjoys the performing arts, reading, cooking, and long runs.

John Taylor – Youth Development Worker

John was born and raised in Birmingham, England. He holds a diploma of higher education in Outdoor and Adventure Education from Chichester University and a BSc in Outdoor and Adventure environment from Cumbria University. He has worked in academic and social care settings with at risk and vulnerable youth. John fell in love with the Canadian outdoors while living in Jasper, AB and has recently fulfilled a long-term dream of gaining Canadian residency. John enjoys using experiential, personalised activities to help individuals find their passions, talents and community. In his free time, John enjoys rock climbing, dungeons and dragons and live music.

Josie Shannon – Educator

Josie completed her studies at the University of New Brunswick, earning a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education. Her passions lie at the intersection of biology, psychology, and sociology, where she is fascinated by the ways people learn, grow, connect, and understand themselves and the world around them.

Outside of her professional life, she loves spending time outdoors while also appreciating the comfort and calm of her own safe space. She is an avid puzzle enthusiast, whether that means Sudoku, crosswords, or a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle.

At the heart of everything she does is a strong belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to be their most authentic self—and that everyone deserves a voice, should they choose to use it. She strives to create spaces where people feel respected, heard, supported, and empowered to be who they truly are.

Kassidy Karras – Youth Development Worker

Kassidy has recently returned to BC after completing her Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Clinical Trauma Practice) from the University of Adelaide (Australia). Before moving to Australia, Kassidy has completed her BA in Psychology from Simon Fraser University.

Alongside her education, Kassidy brings valuable experience supporting adolescents and young adults navigating mental health challenges, trauma, and substance use. Her approach is grounded in a human-centred perspective, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and meeting individuals where they are in their unique journeys. Kassidy is particularly passionate about helping people develop greater self-understanding, build confidence, and cultivate healthy, meaningful relationships. She strives to create supportive and non-judgmental spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Outside of work, Kassidy is happiest staying active either outdoors, in the gym or playing sports. She also enjoys listening to music, reading and spending time with her friends.

Kendra Knight – Admin Assist. / Youth Development Worker

Kendra was born and raised in Saskatchewan, moving to the US as a teenager. She holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in English. Kendra started her career working in HR office administration, later transitioning to education as an instructional assistant in California. For the last 12 years, she has supported students with ASD, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. She works within a student-led framework with a focus on social-emotional development. When not at Whytecliff, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, swimming, or antique shopping.

Marcus Malone – Youth Development Worker

Marcus has been a Youth and Family worker since 2012. He has shown on multiple occasions what “ethics of care” truly means. He started off his career by pursuing business and discovered his true passion was to help others, meaning that his commitment to the kids’ well-being is second to none. Marcus draws upon his approachable personality in active listening and hands-on learning. Marcus’s love of animals and nature is obvious, and he tries to incorporate his passion by integrating these into the program and when engaging with the youth. His goal this year is to help youth gain a better mind-body connection through physical activity, learning breathing techniques and key workouts in the gym. He is a key member for fostering growth through support in new experiences.

Rachel Sorsabal – Educator / Vice Principal (Langley)

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 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. She is a passionate SCUBA diver, photographer, horseback rider, and outdoors woman.

Robert Kissner – Executive Director, Vice Principal (Burnaby)

Executive Director Robert Kissner, B.A. (Hons), M.A., Ph.D., R.S.W. 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 served as President of the BC Association of Social Workers and was BC provincial representative to CASW. He was awarded the CASW Distinguished Service Award in 2012. Robert 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. Bob is also a BC certified teacher (psychology). He has travelled extensively, lecturing and writing on developmental approaches, working with youth, addictions, stress and emotions. In 1975, Robert founded Focus Foundation of British Columbia, an addictions and education agency working with adolescents with complex needs and youth who are unsuccessful in the public school system.

Shauna MacKinnon – Youth Development Worker 

Shauna combines strong training in social services with a deep commitment to supporting young people with diverse needs. She holds a Community Support Worker diploma and has completed additional training in Applied Behavior Analysis, crisis intervention, and early childhood education. Her experience includes providing respite care and working closely with youth and young adults with developmental and neurological differences, where she is known for her patience, compassion, and ability to build trust. Alongside her social services background, Shauna also brings skills from leadership and customer service roles, giving her a practical, adaptable approach to working with people in many different settings. At Whytecliff, she is dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people feel understood and encouraged in their growth.

Shelley Donald – Principal (Langley), Educator

Shelley earned a B.A. degree in neuropsychology and a 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 five years teaching in public schools, she found a home at Whytecliff, where she gets to teach math, science, robotics, and carpentry.

Vanessa Stanley – Principal (Burnaby), Educator

Vanessa was born and raised on the BC Coast. She studied at Vancouver Island University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Post Bachelor in Education. After leaving school she travelled and taught for several years in the UK. On returning to Canada, she founded a Forest School program on Vancouver Island and has spent the last several years inspiring a love of nature in young people in her community. Over the past decade she has been involved in the creation of other modern education programs that are rooted in the belief that education should be self-directed and holistic. Her educational philosophy is passion-focused, place-based and student-led, and focuses on the individual needs of the student and their connection to themselves, their community and the beautiful place we all call home. When not in school, Vanessa can be found spending time in nature, gardening, reading, acquiring new knowledge, and learning new skills.

Vanessa Tufts – Youth Development Worker

Vanessa is a passionate and dedicated youth worker who believes that learning should be meaningful, inclusive, and—at all times fun! She was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, earning her Bachelor of Arts and Education at Simon Fraser University. During her time in school, Vanessa had multiple valuable experiences; from studying history in Greece, working with the BCSPCA, teaching at a Montessori Cooking School, all the way to going on adventures with Girl Guides of Canada—she truly is a jack of all trades.

After finishing school, Vanessa went on to be a BC-Certified educator with a focus on early education and student support. During her years working with children, Vanessa has shaped a philosophy that guides how she helps students succeed in the classroom and beyond. She truly believes that students’ success begins with uplifting them to see the potential in themselves. Vanessa’s hope is that during her time with students, their sense of belonging flourishes, their uniqueness is celebrated, and they learn to value what a true community can offer.

When not in the classroom, Vanessa spends her time playing Dungeons & Dragons, reading fantasy books, geeking out about the newest anime and doing anything that brings a little bit of whimsy into her life.