Bill Bennett
Team lead - Manager, Mobile Therapeutic and Allied Health Team
Bill grew up in the Elsa-Mayo area of Northern Yukon and in 1984, launched his 36-year career in education as a teacher in Ross River, Yukon. Across rural and urban Yukon, Bill has worked as a teacher, counsellor, vice-principal, principal and superintendent.
A highlight of his career was to spearhead the creation of the Individual Learning Centre in 2004, an alternative pathway in Yukon for students who were not achieving in regular school programming. Many of the students that engage in the Individual Learning Centre are First Nations and during his time there, Bill was delighted to support them to succeed in their educational aspirations.
Now leading the YFNED Mobile Therapeutic Unit, Bill is pleased to support Yukon First Nations students, parents and families in working together to enhance their learning in Yukon schools.
Patrice Cameron
Occupational Therapist
Patrice Cameron’s roots are in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, but she has been living in the Yukon since 2005.
She claims that Grade 2 was one of her most enjoyable years to date, what with the freedom to walk with her imagination to and from school. She got by in high school with average grades, but it was good friends she met as a young adult that encouraged her she had what it takes to go to university. Patrice believes in the power of community for students to reach their full potential.
Patrice is very grateful for the opportunity to support Yukon First Nations ways of Knowing, Learning and Doing. She believes education lives beyond the classroom and textbooks, and that the most meaningful learning is taught through relationships, connection and practice. “Everybody has a valued role in their community,” says Patrice. “And every person needs something different to be successful.”
Tori Combden
intake coordinator & speech language pathologist
Tori is from northern Ontario but has lived in Newfoundland, Labrador, Nunavut and the Yukon. She has an Undergrad in Linguistics and Language Studies from York University in Toronto and a masters in Speech and Language Pathology from Dalhousie University.
Tori lived in Watson Lake as a child and is excited to be back in the Yukon working with the Directorate. She is excited to be part of new initiatives to help fill in the gaps in current services and get to know all the families and kids in the communities. Since having an internship at an early intervention autism clinic, Tori has a special interest in working with more kids with autism in the communities.
Tori loves sunbathing on the beach, or can be found going on hikes. In the winter, Tori prefers to hide inside and knit, crochet, weave and embroider. As a skilled fiber artist, hit her up if you want a hat.
Maeghan Davis
Behaviour Consultant
Originally from Ontario, Maeghan moved to the Yukon in 2021 and fell in love with the people, mountains and midnight sun. She joined YFNED in 2023 and is thrilled to be a part of the Mobile Therapeutic Unit’s innovative and diverse team.
Maeghan went to school for behavioural psychology and has been working in the field of behaviour support for almost 15 years. She is passionate about providing behaviour consultation for Indigenous children in way that is respectful, kind and neurodiversity-affirming. She believes that all children are able to learn, grow and face challenges when they and their caregivers feel supported. Her services can be accessed for both families and schools across the Yukon.
Maeghan’s special interests are cats, Halloween, oil painting, and running. She can usually be found with an iced cappuccino, even at -40.
Maeva Esquembre
psychomotor Therapist
Born and raised in France, Maeva is the descendant of a Breton and a Spanish family. After her graduation, she worked in Paris, and French Guiana, where she supported people with mental health issues. She had the opportunity to work with Indigenous communities and discover their cultural wealth. Maeva has always been in a multicultural environment. She travelled in Europe, Africa, and North America. She felt in love with the Yukon and decided to come back with his husband, to settle their home in Whitehorse.
Maeva is a Psychomotor Therapist. She studied the child development, the anatomy, the psychology and learned how to use several mediations such as relaxation, body awareness, body expression, theatre, and swimming. The main purpose of her work is to support your kid to discover and better understand her/his body and mind, with its strengths and limitations, to find solutions to cope with difficulties. The sessions can be individual or group ones and submit different mediations to improve with fun!
Maeva is pleased and grateful to work for Yukon First Nation families. She feels the special connection with the land and the cultures, that allows her to continue to grow as a professional and a human being!
Kelly Love
Educational Psychologist
Working in the complex fields of education, psychology and counselling, Kelly is thrilled about the opportunity to continue her collaboration with Yukon First Nation students, parents and their families. Known for her positive attitude, warm personality and tenacious heart, she supports holistic wellness and adding therapy components from nature.
Over the past eighteen years, in a career that has gravitated to remote and rural areas within North America, Kelly has had the honor of working with dedicated professionals in youth residential care, adult detention, correctional rehab, private and public schools (Pre-K to Post-Secondary), nonprofits and clinical/forensic private practice. With degrees in physical education, teaching, psychology, and human exceptionality her background provides her with the skills to be an effective northern clinical consultant.
Growing up in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Kelly was raised in the country… riding horses, fishing, boating, skiing, skating, and spending time with family. Participating at elite levels in basketball, field hockey and rodeo, she has learned through experience what it takes to be a part of dedicated team. Depending on the season, she enjoys riding her motorcycle, playing golf and signing up for extreme adventures around the world. A commitment to helping others has been a lifelong aspiration and one she takes immense happiness in doing.
Adam Thomson
clinical counsellor
Adam is working with YFNED to support our youth and families. Adam has experience working with clients with depressive mood conditions, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attachment, and eating disorders. As a born and raised Yukoner, he has solid supportive ties to his community’s health and wellness.
He work from the belief that the mind, body, and soul work in harmony, and when one is out of sync, it creates disunity within an individual. Through counselling, goals are developed to aid people in healing these aspects and nurture growth both inside and outside so that all three can perform as one in harmony.
Adam has his Master's in counselling, is a Canadian certified counsellor, and is a Doctorate of Psychotherapy student (2025).
Outside of work, Adam teaches spin classes and volunteers with a cat rescue organization here in Whitehorse. He also likes to cook.
Zia van Blankenstein
Speech language pathologist
Zia is originally from North Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast in BC. She completed an Undergraduate Degree in Linguistics at the University of Victoria before pursuing a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alberta.
Before joining YFNED, Zia worked in First Nations schools around BC for her SLP practicum.
She is excited to join YFNED to explore the Yukon and support children and families in the ways that work best for them.
In her spare time, she likes hiking, travelling, running and reading. She’s hoping to ski more this winter!
Pat Berrel
Behavioural Specialist
Hello, my name is Patrice Berrel. I was born in France and immigrated to Canada when I was six years old. I have been an educator for the past 50 years! I have taught grades 2 to 12, been a resource teacher, vice-principal, principal and superintendent. Following my retirement, I worked in different Yukon communities; including Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Faro and Dawson. I joined YFNED as a behavioral consultant because I wanted to work with students at risk. Outside of work, my passion is gardening and creating a safe place for bees.
Wellness
Jay Aubichon
Junior support worker
Jay is originally from Vancouver, BC. She is Metis (Tlingit). Her parents are Nicole Aubichon and Scott Ward.
Before she joined YFNED, she worked in retail, at the rec centre, and the Humane Society Yukon.
YFNED provides the opportunity to be a role model and positive outlet for First Nations Youth.
Outside of work she enjoys art, writing and hiking with her dog.
Torin Haslam
Wellness Support Worker
Torin is originally from Calgary, Alberta, with his mother from the East Coast and his father from Onion Lake Cree Nation. As such, Torin is a status Cree.
Torin has studied at the Alberta University of the Arts, where he enjoyed classes in art history, drawing, painting, fiber and media arts as well as critical and creative studies.
Torin first came to the Yukon for the summer when he was 7 years old and then slowly spent more time in Whitehorse until he finally moved up full time.
He has worked as a chef at Wayfarer Oyster House, and as a glass blowing artist/teacher at Lumel Studios, as well as wide array of other jobs. Torin enjoys working with YFNED on the Wellness Team to provide fun, educational experiences and workshops for youth in communities to give them means to express themselves and learn skills that they otherwise may not have had the opportunity to gain.
Outside of work Torin enjoys playing “Magic: the Gathering” card game as well as skiing and biking. He enjoys traveling out of country as well as visiting family in Calgary and Onion Lake.
Bradley Joe-Malegana
Wellness Support Worker
My given name is Bradley Joe-Malegana. My traditional name is Yawata. I am a member of the Crow Clan and belong to Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. I am in my third year in the Indigenous Governance Degree program at Yukon University which has truly opened my eyes to viewing life with a contemporary yet traditional approach. I try my hardest to live my life with one hand on the keyboard and one foot on the land. My work background ranges from cooking and construction, to IT and mining. I spent 4 years on Council for CAFN as a youth and am working hard at getting involved again, most recently being appointed to the Champagne and Aishihik Trust. I’m excited to use and pass on all these unique skills through this position at YFNED. Outside of work, I can usually be found at my family’s cabin in Klukshu, hanging out with my Grandma down in Chilliwack, BC, or partaking in my lifelong passion of video games.
Reg McGinty
Community Engagement & Connection Worker
Reg McGinty is Northern Tutchone of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and belongs to the Wolf Clan. Reg was born and raised in Mayo and grew up living off the land with guidance and teachings from many family, friends and Elders. Over the years, Reg has worked in many fields with a focus on youth empowerment and leadership.
In collaboration with the Walk Tall Program, he started the Warrior Camps Program to help empower troubled First Nations youth in Prince George with a focus on youth leadership. This program was also supplemented with Reg’s martial arts background which includes a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, 20 years of experience with Muay Thai and many years of international travel where he competed and taught at the professional level.
Reg returned to Mayo to work with youth as a Community Education Liaison Coordinator for NNDFN. Alongside this work, Reg has been supporting youth across the Yukon through work as a drug and alcohol counsellor as well as a treatment centre manager. Reg also has worked in the field of trades and is a Journeyman Electrician.
Most recently before joining YFNED, he worked at the Council of Yukon First Nations as the Gladue Coordinator and he also worked in the Whitehorse Correctional Centre where he focused on supporting inmates and youth in the justice system. Reg believes that all First Nations citizens should be proud of who they are and where they come from, and also believes that the land is the best medicine to help guide youth.
Jared Nukon
wellness support worker
Jared is Vuntut Gwichin from Ross River, Yukon. He attended FH Collins High School in Whitehorse.
He brings a hard working, friendly attitude to YFNED. Jared is excited to join friends who work for the organization.
In his spare time, he likes to play guitar, hike, hunt and listen to music.
Jeremy Parkin
wellness support worker
Born and raised in Whitehorse, Jeremy is a member of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. He has also lived in Toronto, Vancouver, and Orlando, Florida.
After graduating high school, Jeremy pursued independent music production, something he has been learning since he was 14 years old. He loves to share his skills and passion for music with youth, and has been involved in many exciting projects in the Yukon to provide youth a venue for expression and connection. Jeremy is thrilled to join the team at YFNED.
“I love to form connections with people through art,” says Jeremy. “Whether it’s visual, music, written—art is one of the most fulfilling and motivating outlets.”
When he’s not working with youth at YFNED, or making music, you can find Jeremy making music videos, painting, altering clothing—basically anything creative.
Jeanine Smith
community therapy assistant
Bio to come!
Lorraine Wolfe
wellness support worker
Yeikunasheen by her Tlingit name, Lorraine is Dakhl’awèdí Eagle/Killer Whale Clan of the Inland Tlingit.
Lorraine’s childhood years were spent in the bush on Francis Lake. Her parents instilled adventure and optimism into Lorraine and her sibling’s lives, and together these skills ingrained a strong work ethic, creativity, and a high level of self-sufficiency within the family.
Lorraine grew up in the community of Teslin, Yukon, where she raised her four children with traditional Tlingit values of the Elders, and a strong connection to the land.
In 2015, Lorraine graduated with a Diploma through the Freda Diesing Northwest Coast Fine Arts Program in Terrace, BC. Lorraine’s brother, Master carver Keith Wolfe-Smarch, is her greatest inspiration and his commitment and passion gives Lorraine the motivation to, one day, carve on a regular basis.
Lorraine’s main focus is to contribute her knowledge and energy through our art, our songs, our language and our history, so that we make a powerful statement as First Nations people for the generations to come.