our team
Chester Borden
Chester began with the WPYC on May 1, 2005 and has worked with the youth of the local community for more than 30 years. Previously, Chester worked with the CBVRSB as a Student Support Worker, has a Diploma in Community Economic Development and is a graduate of the Holland College Child and Youth Care Program.
Executive Director
He/Him/His
Nadine MacLean
Nadine - I graduated from the Office Administration program at CBBC in 2007. Worked in the same office for 15 years. Born and raised in Whitney Pier. I am married with two children and my family is the most important part of my life. The club has been a big part of my family from my older sister down to nephew, my 2 children and niece. I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing organization.
Office Administrator/Bookkeeper
She/Her/Hers
Brittany McDougall
Brittany has been employed as a youth worker for BGC Cape Breton for 6 years. She obtained her two year diploma in Therapeutic Recreation at NSCC Marconi Campus.
Brittany’s greatest accomplishments are her two boys Declan and Samual and takes great pride in raising them in her hometown of New Waterford.
Operations Manager
She/Her/Hers
Cody Leadbeater
Cody attended NSCC and graduated from the Therapeutic Recreation Program in 2017. He was raised in New Waterford and played basketball for many years. Cody also played university basketball for Cape Breton University. Cody is a full-time staff member at the WPYC.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Lacey Harrison
Lacey attended the BACS program at Cape Breton University, and loves being involved with the community.
She did a placement with BGC Cape Breton while studying at CBU which led to a desire to become more involved and continue to support our members.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Jillian Polegato
Jillian completed her Masters of arts in Education from Mount Saint Vincent University and her BSc Psychology at CBU. She completed course work in Orton Gillingham literacy training and currently runs our literacy program at the youth club. She also works part-time as a research assistant at the CBU Psychology of language lab and is a teacher at Harbourview Montessori school. She is passionate about children’s rights education, literacy, and providing opportunities for young people to voice their opinions in meaningful ways. After volunteering, she was hired as a summer employee and later joined the team in September 2018.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Dante Giovannetti
Dante is a recent graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College Social Services Program. He was born and raised in the community of Whitney Pier and also attended the club as a youth.
"I feel it is good to give back to the community. I completed my student placement hours at the club and was employed as a Youth Worker (Recreation) during the 2017 Summer Program. I also always volunteered at the club before applying for a full time job. It’s a great place to be."
Youth Worker
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Teagon Desmond
Tegan currently studies Social Services at Nova Scotia Community College. She is largely involved with the community of Whitney Pier as her family is from there. She started working at BGC Cape Breton on a summer grant in 2022.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Kayla MacNeil
Hi, I'm Kayla.
I was born and raised in Whitney Pier. I graduated from NSCC with my Social Services Diploma in June 2022. I'm excited to one of the newest members of the team at BGC Cape Breton as of September 2022 and have this amazing opportunity to be working in my own community helping our children and youth strive to achieve the best version of their selves.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Jannie Baker
Jannie is currently studying Social Services at NSCC and will be graduating June 2023. She got involved with the boys and girls club by doing her school placement here, she now works as a part time staff. She will be attending CBU in fall 2023 to study psychology. She is excited to continue being a part of the community here at the BGCCB.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
MacKenzie Fraser
My name is Mackenzie and I did my placement in Counselling/Human Services with the BGC. I graduated from Maritime Business College in Halifax, NS, where I am from, and I am currently working on achieving my psychology degree while working as a Youth Care Worker for the BGCCB and raising my toddler.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Victoria Nugent
Victoria is a 2023 graduate of the social services program at NSCC. She began working at BGCCB full time in June 2023 and is excited to be involved with the community and youth.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Mandi Spencer
Hello, My name is Mandi. I've worked as an ECE for 7 years and recently just finished Community support worker program at CBBC.
I've been interested in working at the club for a while now and I'm excited to be here!
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Ryan Gordon
Born and raised in Glace Bay since 1996. My favourite hobbies are exercising, playing video games and listening to music.
I grew up with my little brother, Riley, who was diagnosed with Autism at a young age. Growing up with my brother showed me how lacking our province is in programming and resources which my brother could have greatly benefited from.
In 2015 I took the Community Disability Supports program for one year. I wanted learn more about ways to help people like my brother improve their quality of life. I always thought places like the Youth Club were a great and safe place for people to come, socialize with each other and express themselves.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Jenelle MacNeil
Jenelle started working at the club for a summer grant employment in 2021. After summer she started working at the club part time. She is from Glace Bay and is currently studying at Cape Breton University taking Bachelor of Arts Community Studies and afterwards she intends to become a social worker.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Ryan Delaney
My name is Ryan Delaney and I am 21 years old. My hobbies include playing basketball, hockey, playing guitar and boxing I've been a member of the club since 2012 and started as a staff member in November of 2023. I graduated in the class of 2021 from Sydney Academy High School. I've volunteered at Japan Camera for two months during the start of the school year. I really enjoy being a staff member here and making a positive change in members' lives as well as the community. Fellow staff are amazing to work with and are always there to help if I have any questions.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Chelsea Cromwell
Chelsea Cromwell is a current CBU student studying Bachelor of Science with the intentions of being in nurse in the future. She lives in Whitney Pier, therefore has been a familiar with BGC community for a while. She was a previous member of the club for years, and the BGC community made such a large impact that she wanted to become a youth worker herself. She joined the BGCCB's work team in July of 2023 on a summer grant. She enjoyed working with the children and the staff so much that she now works as a part time staff. She is grateful for the opportunity to work here, and looks forward to continuing to work at the club.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Mckayla MacDonald
McKayla moved from Alberta three years ago to be with her family here in Cape Breton. She loves to be involved with the community. She is passionate about working and helping children and youth strive to be the best versions of themselves.
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Brayden Tubertt
Brayden Tubertt is currently in grade 11 at Sydney Academy and plans to study social services at NSCC when he graduates. He is a very dedicated member of the Sydney Academy Hockey Team. Brayden was previously a member of the club himself in his youth but became a staff member in July 2023 on a summer grant. He is now currently a part time worker at BGC Cape Breton.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Chad Williams
Born and raised in Whitney Pier, a former club kid from the late 90s early 2000s. Father of 5 & a former youth at risk turned Youth Worker/Mentor. In 2023 Chad graduated Valedictorian of the Sydney Adult High School. Over the last 8 years Chad has taken on a role as a mentor to youth at risk in the community, teaching skateboarding, guitar, physical fitness and basic life skill coaching to the youth of the community. In the fall of 2024 Chad will begin to further his education as a Child and Youth worker & Addictions and Community Service with NSCC.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Brenden Fraser
Hello my name is Brenden and I was born and raised in New Waterford. I studied chemistry at CBU with intentions on being a forensic police officer. I began working at the boys and girls club in November 2023. I found my love for working with kids through coaching soccer in New Waterford for the past seven years.
Youth Worker
He/Him/His