Young Adult Leadership Team (YLT)
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Aaron Yanofsky
My name is Aaron, I’m from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and I have been involved with both the YAC and YLT committees since 2005, and have been active in the anti-tobacco committee since 2001. Initially I got involved because my uncle passed away from lung cancer from smoking cigarettes. Today I am involved because I like making a difference in my local and national communities, and promoting a cause that I believe in. I am an avid believer in healthy living, and being tobacco-free is definitely a big of living a healthy lifestyle. I have had the opportunity to network with other individuals, and make some good friends by being a part of the YAC and YLT committees; and have enjoyed sharing this common interest in tobacco-free living.
I am a big baseball fan, and Toronto Blue Jays fan. I love watching the games on SportsNet and love to watch sports highlights on TSN and the Score TV. I am studying to become an actuary, and am hoping to graduate in 2 years. What is an actuary you may ask? Well we use probability and finance to make companies a lot of money:) But if you want to learn more, just blog me, and i’ll explain more.
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Amy Haché
My name is Amy and I am from Fredericton, New Brunswick. I got involved with the YLT in March of 2011 through a happy coincidence and some good luck. However, I stayed because of my very real interest and passion for youth engagement and the issues that touch the lives of youth and young adults. I have made some fantastic friends through this volunteer committee and feel that I am making a positive difference in my community and beyond. I like to keep busy (and am very good at it)… I love to read, travel and partake in some leisurely shopping now and again… :)
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Ashley Teo
Hi, my name is Ashley Teo and I am currently studying Economics and Psychology at the University of Toronto. I am a huge fanatic of all things social media and a passionate advocate for children’s and human rights. I first became involved with the Youth Action Alliance in the summer of 2011. Both my uncle and grandfather passed away due to failing health attributed to their nicotine addictions. Since joining this incredible team, I have had the chance to meet so many remarkable individuals and discuss critical issues surrounding the regulation of tobacco in Canada. This committee is an invaluable resource for consultation and a wealth of insight for government bodies. I am very proud to be a part of this movement and hoping to remain as a dedicated piece of this group. Talk to me about all things social justice/TED/Non-Profit/Technology/Social Media/Networking/Social Entrepreneurship/Patient Capital / Global Health Policy/Current Events! Tweet at me @teo_ashley.
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Charlotte Broadbent
Hi! I’m Charlotte Broadbent from Summerland, British Columbia. I am 19 years old and finishing my second year at UBC Okanagan studying Human Kinetics. After graduating I plan on working in health promotion. I love to travel and am a very active person; soccer, skiing, track and field amongst other sports were a huge part of my life growing up, as was leadership. I was asked to become involved with the YLT the end of January 2012 and jumped at the opportunity. I feel privileged to be working with the YLT to make a difference in
the lives of others by empowering them to make informed decisions about tobacco use. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work with such dedicated individuals from across the country.
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Curtis Angugatsiaq Taqqaugaq
My name is Curtis Angugatsiaq Taqqaugaq. I am twenty years old, and I live in Igloolik, Nunavut. I want to start by talking about myself. While I was in high school, I mainly concentrated on my school work. It was easier for me to talk to teachers than my friends for me. They helped me towards the right path and amazing opportunities. Unlike most of my friends, who showed me all the wrong things we could do. The people I looked up to were my teachers, who near the end of high school really helped me to take advantage and go after almost all the opportunities offered to me. Thanks to them, I met people across Nunavut, Canada, and the world.I strive to be a good role model mainly to Inuit. I tell people “Look at what happened to me BECAUSE I stayed in school and did my work as much as I could, or more than I ever thought Icould. The same thing or something similar can happen to you if you really try.”
But not all of me is good… Like many people, I fell through the tiniest crack that’s proven to be really hard to climb out of. I am a smoker, and have been for almost twoyears. There is a part of me that says I’m a hypocrite.It’s one of the worst choices I’ve ever made.If I could go back just so that I could tell myself not to start smoking, I would most definitely take that chance. I know the bad stuff that comes from cigarettes, yet I still smoke, which proves not all smokers are bad people, they just haven’t made the right choices.
I can say that I take pride in almost everything that I do. It would be amazing to see what people did because of my help. But I’m not proud of everything that I do. If you look up to me, please learn from myexperience, rather than copy me. Do what you can in school, and remember no matter how hard it seems: it will get easier for you. But please don’t start smoking. Like me, you’ll regret the day that you put the cigarette to your mouth and take the first drag.I’m not looking for recognition for all or any part of anyones life. Just hoping I can help people learn from me. Life may seem tough sometimes, but it IS possible. This is the first of many stories I have to tell. Please let me know where you are at in your lives, and who’s inspired you to make healthy choices! Any feedback, positive or negative, is greatly appreciated.
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Katie Heine
Hi, my name’s Katie. I’ve been on the YAC and now YLT committees for the long haul, and have enjoyed every minute of it! I split my time between the NWT and Alberta, where I attend university. I find it interesting that even though the different communities I live in (and the ones the other members call home as well) have different specific issues and needs when it comes to tobacco, there’s a lot of continuity across Canada. Our team forms a fantastic network that is passionate about addressing these issues. My background is in immunology and infection, and I am fascinated by the health side of things, which makes being on this committee such an honour. When school isn’t occupying my time, I love to read, watch movies and travel whenever I get the chance.
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Katie Mattina
Hi! I’m Katie and I am currently studying Neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal.
I have been a part of the YAC and YLT committees since 2010 and I have enjoyed collaborating and meeting with other youth from across the country. In the past I have been involved in tobacco-related issues as a movie critic for www.smokefreemovies.ca and Peer Leader for the Youth Action Alliance Fresh Heir in my community of Caledonia, ON. These experiences have motivated me to continue using creativity and teamwork to educate peers about healthy living and the impact of using tobacco industry products. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, ultimate Frisbee, squash, Thai food and caffeinated beverages.
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Katrina Kaija
Hi! I’m Katrina , I’m 22 years old and I call a small city in Northern Ontario – Timmins (yes, yes the home of Shania Twain) – my home. I enjoy chocolate and long walks on the beach… oh wait? Wrong blurb, you say?! Oops! Back to business – I first started in the field of tobacco control & prevention when I was 15 years old and invited to join the Youth Action Committee. After that first conference I was completely changed. Though my mother was a smoker when I was younger (she quit when I about 8!), and I have many other family members who smoke, it wasn’t until I was informed about the truth behind tobacco products that I decided this was a cause I wanted to dedicate myself to. From there, I was a founding member of my local Youth Action Alliance, spear-headed events at my high school, and while in university joined an Ottawa group called exposé. I am currently in my last year of the Child & Youth Worker program at Northern College. I am an incredibly passionate French-Canadian who is a fan of quotes, loves people, cares too much and is a huge supporter of all things artistic.
“Do, or do not. There is no ‘try’.” – Yoda
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Michelle Baron
I’m a third year university student working towards my Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Law and Society at the University of Calgary. The completion of my degree will be in 2013. I recently became involved with the YLT nearing the end of august 2011. Alongside attending classes in English, Law and Society, and Japanese, I am currently aiding the YLT’s efforts in promoting awareness of the effects of tobacco to youth. I’m interested in the YLT because of the positive message they advocate to youth and young adults and I feel privileged to be a part of their team.
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Natalie Hennessey
My name is Natalie and I’m currently studying Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island. I have a strong passion for educating others on the dangers of tobacco use. My interest stems from growing up with a parent who was a smoker throughout my childhood. I became a YLT committee member in March 2011 and have loved every minute of it so far! I am hoping to work in Health Care and think that joining this committee was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Working alongside young adults from across Canada who share the same interests has shown to be one of the coolest things that I have ever been a part of. In my free time, when I don’t have my nose stuck in a biology book and I’m not staring into a microscope, I love reading, photography, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends.
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Nick Whelan
My name is Nick Whelan and I am from Bell Island Newfoundland. I am 23 years of age and I have been working with children and youth, of varying capacities, since I finished high school in 2006. From there, I went to pursue my education at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and developed a taste for Sociology! As a current graduate of Memorial, I have always been fascinated by the behaviour of humans in a variety social settings. With a concentration on the social interactions of children and youth, one of the biggest questions that has boggled my mind, is why do kids smoke? What makes them smoke? What factors in the lives of today’s children and youth, cause them to start smoking? And how do we stop it?
Coming from a community where smoking was the norm, I felt compelled to try and find some answers to these questions. When I found out about the students commission, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to network, and meet people in similar situations, from all across the country! My experience so far has been nothing short of amazing and I would strongly encourage anyone to become involved. Throughout my education, work and volunteer experience as a member of the YLT, I am finally beginning to understand the true consequences of tobacco use.
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Nona Whitehouse
Bio coming soon!
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Zoey Roy
Zondra aka “Pricelys”, born August 12, 1989 is from Saskatoon, SK. She is a first nations youth from Black Lake Denesuline Nation. Zondra has been involved in the hip hop culture since she was twelve. The art of rapping has been a medium of expression Zoey has taken on, this gift has evolved her into being an advocate for people who can’t speak for themselves through storytelling. Zoey has been involved in the community for seven years and has learned a lot through people across Canada on a true grassroots level. Zoey now works at CRU Youth Wellness Centre doing after school programming based around the identified needs of an individual on the medicine wheel (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental). As a recent graduate, she has enrolled into the College of Business in Saskatoon and hopes to pursue a business degree specializing in social entrepreneurship.”The legacy is the process.”
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James Quinlan (Retired Member of the YLT)
James was born and raised in St. John’s Newfoundland, a place where he calls home. A graduate of Queen’s University with a degree in biochemistry, James has worked as a high school biology teacher, researcher, and leader of wilderness expeditions. Recently, James has completed a Masters of Environmental Science and a Masters of Public Health, and is currently studying medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland. In his free time, he likes to hike, hang out with friends, read, and travel. After seeing friends and family suffer from the consequences of smoking, James is eager to help Canadians everywhere kick the habit.
