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

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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.

Brittany McDougall

 Youth Worker

She/Her/Hers

Brittany received a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation from the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus 2017. Brittany volunteered with Schools Plus and worked briefly with Autism Cape Breton.  She is from New Waterford where she raises her son who is two years old. Brittany started with Boys & Girls Clubs of Cape Breton - WPYC as a part time youth worker in October of 2017 and soon after started in a full time position working as an outreach worker with our older youth.

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.

Patti McDonald
Director of Development & Communications

She/Her/Hers

Patti studied History and Business at Acadia University and NSCC, respectively, and has worked in recreation for the past 20 years.

Her passion lies in creating inclusive outdoor education programs, community development, and disability awareness.

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.

Emily MacAskill

Youth Worker

She/Her/Hers

Emily is graduate of the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies program at Cape Breton University. She graduated from Riverview High School with a French Immersion certificate and she loves the French language. She works with the WPYC and also with Cape Breton Community Housing Association. 

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."

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.

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.