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

Paula Ruelland
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.
Youth Worker
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
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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
He/Him/His

Katie Farrell
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.
Outreach 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
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Sarah Schruder
Sarah started working with the club on a summer grant as full time in 2022 and has continued to work part time through the school year. Sarah is from Glace Bay, she’s a graduate from the Social Services program at NSCC and is currently at CBU for a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies and Psychology. After her education she plans on becoming a social worker.
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

Laura Rogers
Laura is a former club kid, graduated High School in 2022 and was the recipient of the 2018 WPYC Community Volunteer Service Award. She volunteered in many capacities over the last 5 years, worked with us during the summer program and is currently a part-time youth worker with our After School Program. Laura is planning to pursue a career in Social Work.
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