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our team
Chester Borden
Executive Director
He/Him/His
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.
Rayanne Rogers
Administration/Programs
Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Rayanne attended CBU BACS Program, she is a former Board Member and assisted with the Phase II Development (playground area) as well as Phase III (building expansion). Rayanne has volunteered in many capacities within the CBRM and was hired full time as Administrator at the club November 2016.
Margaret MacLeod
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Margaret graduated from the Island Career Academy Child and Youth Worker Program. Margaret completed her work placement hours at the club and started working full time with the WPYC immediately following her graduation in September 2008. Margaret comes to us every day from Bras d’Or. Working with youth in the past Margaret has learned many things about the culture and diversity of the community of Whitney Pier.
Katie Farrell
Outreach Worker
She/Her/Hers
Katie studied in the Child and Youth Program at Mt. Vincent University and grew up in Ashby; she has always had a desire to work with children and youth.
With her most recent background in the restorative justice system as well as a personal passion for yoga she hopes to add something to the already well-rounded staff. Katie joined the club in October 2018.
Paula Ruelland
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Paula is a graduate of the Therapeutic Recreation Program at NSCC. She has previously worked with Schools Plus at both Greenfield and St. Ann’s Elementary Schools with their After School Programs. Paula is a youth worker with our After School Program.
Cody Leadbeater
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
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.
Corrine MacNeil
Youth Worker
She/ Her/ Hers
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Corrine 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.
Riley Casagrande
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
Riley Casagrande is a graduate of the Community Support Worker program at CBBC. He started volunteering at the club in 2018, and began working full time in 2020.
Christina Costigan
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
Christina is a graduate of NSCC’s Early Childhood Education Diploma Program. She started working at the club after completing her five-week placement as a youth worker for our 2019 Summer Program and is currently with our After School Program.
Jillian Polegato
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
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. She enjoys learning new things, research, the outdoors, and physical activity. After volunteering, she was hired as a summer employee and later joined the team in September 2018. Jillian grew up in Dominion and now resides in Sydney.
Dante Giovannetti
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
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."
Lacey Harrison
Youth Worker
She/Her/Hers
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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.
Chad Pond
Youth Worker
He/Him/His
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Chad is a graduate of the Cape Breton University Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies program, majoring in Anthropology/Sociology . During his time as a student of CBU, Chad was a member of the honours society, receiving Deans List recognition from 2017-2021. Chad plans to continue his education and obtain a Bachelor of Social Work degree in order to reach his goal of becoming a youth social worker. Chad started working with the Club during the 2021 Summer program.