Courtney Wheelton (On Leave)
Director, FIRST NATION INITIATIVES
Courtney Wheelton is from the Tahltan Nation based in Telegraph Creek, British Columbia. She is a born and raised Yukoner, with family ties to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. She comes from the Wolf Clan and is a member of the Etzenlee family. Her Tahltan name is Begehyäle.
Courtney completed a Bachelor of Arts in Directed Interdisciplinary Studies from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. She has managed several projects for the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association, Adaka Cultural Festival, Our Voices Yukon, and Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre with a particular focus in cultural programming, information management and events management. She is also an active Board Member for the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association.
Courtney has a passion for her culture, whether it is going to her family’s fish camp in Tahltan Territory to fish for salmon every year, picking cranberries in the fall, or tanning moose hides under the guidance of traditional teachings.
Brenda Stehelin
URBAN NUTRITION COORDINATOR
Brenda Stehelin was born and raised in Whitehorse and is a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. Brenda has raised four children in Whitehorse with her husband, Warren, and is a proud grandmother of three. In her free time, Brenda is a stained glass artist, and enjoys family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, and contributing to her community in positive ways.
Jonah Platko
Rural Nutrition Coordinator
Jonah started with YFNED as a Cook but then moved to our Rural Nutrition Coordinator position where he can use his skills to support all Yukon communities to facilitate their Nutrition program.
Jonah was born in Fort St. John and raised in the Vancouver area. He moved to Whitehorse in 2012 for a summer job and never left. His ancestry consists of Cree and Polish (paternal) and the UK (maternal).
Jonah went to school in Burnaby, BC, but struggled to attend. Growing up with a single mother raising two kids he felt the pressure of food insecurity even at a young age, and opted to start working fulltime at 16 to help pay for himself and to relieve some of his mother’s financial burden. He left school short of a diploma but with a strong work ethic. A few years later he took a break from work to finish school.
He is a Red Seal cook with a vast background in the restaurant industry. With the plan to help others achieve their goals and with rising food costs, he decided to step away from the kitchen. Though the decision to put away his knives was hard, food insecurity for families and children are close to his heart and he will do his best to help anyone in need so they won’t have to choose food over education.
Sierra Devilliers
first nation initiatives administrator
Sierra is an Inuvialuit artist who was born and raised in Whitehorse. Before joining YFNED, she previously worked as an office manager.
She joins YFNED because she sees how much the organization helps families and wanted to be part of helping as much as she can.
In her spare time, she is a self-taught tattoer! Or she is off handing out with one of her brothers or cousins.
Vic Rideout
Expediter
Victor “Vic” Rideout is from a small outport fishing community off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Vic moved to the Yukon with his wife and son in 1997 and now considers Yukon his home because of the community closeness.
Vic graduated from the Baie Verte Community College in masonry. However, he is considered a jack of all trades with experience in tire maintenance, vehicle detailing, construction, and more.
He joined YFNED to expand on his own experiences and to support the Indigenous children in our community.
Vic is very close with his family and misses them dearly. His knowledge of fishing and hunting comes from his father’s teachings when he was a young lad, accompanying him on many trips. As an outdoors man, he enjoys spending his free time in nature, and most importantly, with his family.
Cooks
Robert Arlint
urban nutrition program cook
Robert is originally from Surrey, BC but moved to the Yukon about five years ago. He graduated from North Surrey Secondary School and has been working in the hospitality industry for over 15 years.
He’s proud to join this organization because “YFNED gives a purpose for a cook. The ability to work with kids and provide for them is so important.”
In his spare time, Robert hangs out with his two boys and plays video games.
Arnold Bautista
urban nutrition program cook
Bio to come!
Tyler Blackburn
Urban Nutrition Program cook (team lead)
Tyler Blackburn is a born-and-raised Yukoner. Tyler’s first culinary foray was inspired by his mother at the age of seven when he was denied pancakes. With little knowledge and a lot of nerve, he made his first meal (impressing the socks off his Mom). He was first introduced to a professional kitchen in the High School Foods and Nutrition Program. He showed such promise and skill that he was even poached by a large local hotel chain and was personally under the wing and tutelage of the chef. Tyler has experienced hunger pangs firsthand as a youth – and now dedicates his work as a Cook with YFNED to rectifying the injustice of food insecurity among the youth he serves.
Tereca Bradley
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Tereca is a Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in citizen who comes from Dawson City.
After graduating high school, she moved to Whitehorse in the mid 1980s and completed Yukon College courses in Social Work. Tereca graduated from the Supported Independent Living Worker Program in 2000.
Tereca joined YNFED as a cook in summer 2023. She says: “I believe in what they strive for. Our children are our future.”
Tereca loves to sew, bead, craft and cook for family gatherings.
Zayne Bradley
Urban Nutrition Program cook HELPER
Zayne is a Trondëk Hwëchin First Nation citizen who grew up in Whitehorse but enjoyed summers in Dawson City. He works as a Cook Helper out of the Cache, where he is happy to prepare meals for Indigenous kids in Whitehorse schools. Zayne has a lot of experience in kitchens, working at Trails North since 2010. He’s happy to be at YFNED and says “The people I work with are friendly and I like feeding kids.”
Eduardo Calimlim Jr.
URban nutrition program cook
Bio to come!
James Chowdhury
Urban Nutrition Program Cook
Bio to come!
Shane Clennett
Urban Nutrition Program Cook Helper
Bio to come!
Joanna Cole
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Joanna Cole is of English and Irish heritage, born and raised in Newfoundland, and later, Nova Scotia. She was studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nelson, B.C. when she made the decision to visit the Yukon for the summer. That was over 12 years ago and she has been living here ever since. Joanna has had a lifelong passion for nutrition and cooking. She has been in the food industry for nearly two decades, working front and back of house in restaurants, and running a small catering business for several years. Recently, Joanna felt ready for a change from the restaurant industry, and was glad to learn that YFNED was employing cooks. Joanna is very grateful to have the opportunity to use her skills and passion to feed Yukon children.
Chantal Dick
rural Nutrition Program Cook
Bio to come!
Kassi Elanik
Urban Nutrition Program Cook Helper
Bio to come!
Jolene Geddes
Rural Nutrition Program Cook
Bio to come!
May Giron
Urban Nutrition Program cook
May was born and raised in the Philippines. She has been living in Whitehorse since 2012. She graduated from an Information Technology program in the Philippines and finished a Professional Bookkeeping Series program at Yukon University. May appreciates the beautiful nature and friendly people in the Yukon. She loves to sing and put a smile on everyone’s face – and enjoys learning new things, biking, cooking, dancing, and listening to music.
May always wants to bring excitement, joy and a sense the true purpose to life and is honored to be a part of YFNED’s Urban Nutrition Team.
Daniel Hager
Urban Nutrition Program cook helper (mayo)
Daniel is originally from Whitehorse, Yukon. His mother is from Teslin and his father is from Whitehorse. The beautiful unaltered land of the North has kept him here. He graduated from F.H. Collins high school. Prior to working with YFNED, he worked at the Yukon movie theatre and absolutely loved it. He began to hear about YFNED through staff and thought he should join, seeing it as a great work opportunity. Cooking for his job has been a dream. He loves cooking and his super friendly co-workers. This work helps him feel very happy and fulfilled. Daniel is also creator of the iconic YFNED logo! Outside of work, he likes learning new things and he loves art which includes painting, drawing, digital arts, music and theatre.
Elizabeth Javar
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Elizabeth was born and raised in the Yukon. She is passionate about cooking and trying new things in the kitchen. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids. Her hobbies include going outside, hiking, fishing, and in the rare quiet moments: reading a good book.
Ofelia Javar
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Ofelia Javar is originally from the Philippines and has been living in Whitehorse for ten years with her loving family. Ofelia worked as a Government Secretary of the Armed Forces for the Philippines for 35 years. Now she is very happy and fulfilled working with YFNED’s Urban Nutrition Program. She is always eager to learn new things. She likes walking, gardening and listening to music.
Ronaldo Manabat
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Ronaldo is from the Philippines and was drawn to the Yukon for the job opportunities but also for the simple and quiet life. He attended the university of Manila and finished a three-year degree in hotel and restaurant management. Ronnie is a world traveler, working in Saudi Arabia in 1990, Taiwan in 1993, and then Japan in 1997. When Ronnie first heard about YFNED he was excited to learn about the great opportunities and excellent benefits YFNED provides for their cooks. There is great company at YFNED and Ronnie loves cooking for the kids. Outside of work hours Ronnie likes playing basketball and karaoke.
Paul Nagy
Urban Nutrition Program cook (TEAM LEAD)
Paul Nagy was born and raised in Quesnel, B.C. He’s enjoyed a passionate cooking career working with family and travelling. In 2015, he found himself venturing around the Yukon and has since never left. He enjoys fishing and other outdoor adventures. Paul believes that cooking is a great way to bring family and friends together and is very excited to be part of YFNED. He is looking forward to cooking some amazing food and inspire others to do the same.
Earon Ollie
Rural Nutrition Program cook
Bio to come!
Jeff Pigeau
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Jeff was born in Northern Ontario and raised in Southern Ontario. He’s been cooking since he was 13. While continuing to work in food, he had a lengthy career in the automotive industry. After his time in the automotive industry, he dove head first into cooking. He has his diploma in Culinary Management from Fleming College in Ontario and he’s a red seal chef.
From owning my own food truck, working in five star resorts, to working in a small but very busy café, Jeff has seen a lot of different kitchens! He heard about YFNED in early 2022, before he moved to the Yukon.
“I really believe in what we're doing for the kids which makes me very proud to be a part of this organization.”
Maria Lizza Pulido
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Bio to come!
Armil Ramos
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Armil Ramos is originally from the Philippines but moved to Canada 25 years ago, and lived in different places like Calgary, Hay River, and Nanaimo, BC.
He and his wife are blessed with two kids, Daniel & Isabelle. For 20 years, he was in the restaurant business with his wife, serving Asian cuisine and fast food. He was also a cruise line photographer and trained barber.
“I am so glad to be part of the YFNED nutrition team, not only to enjoy my passion of cooking, but I can also help feed young people and be part of their journey towards their goal. This is not just a job, for me, it’s a ministry.”
Mei Ramos
Urban Nutrition Program cook (TEAM LEAD)
Mei Ramos moved from Hong Hong to Canada at 9 years old, and then to Whitehorse 3 years ago.
Her family is always been in the restaurant business and that’s where she developed my passion for cooking. It led her to Vancouver Island University and where she obtained a Certificate in Culinary Arts in 2011.
She and her husband have the same passion for cooking and operated a few successful food businesses in the NWT and BC for over 30 years.
Working with YFNED Nutrition Program allows her to create fun food ideas for young people.
Glen Rear
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Glen was born and raised in Whitehorse. His grandparents were Sue and Alex Van Bibber, and his parents were also raised in Whitehorse. He has a large family in Yukon with two kids. Glen received his Red seal at NAIT Alberta. He worked at the High Country Inn for 13 years. He then heard about YFNED through his cousin Bonnie (another YFNED cook). He loves that this job means he is able to feed children, knowing that it is helping them with their learning. Outside of work he loves to hunt moose and sheep, and cut wood for others.
Nino Rey Visperas
Urban Nutrition Program cook (TEAM LEAD)
Nino is a cook who works enthusiastically with preparations for all kitchen operations at Jack Hulland elementary school. Nino learned his skills by his experiences from training, working in restaurants, and working onboard a ship as a cook/cook helper. He also studied hotel and restaurant management at Jose Rizal universities in the Philippines.
Nino believes that life is a continuous learning process. He finds that this kind of outlook on life makes working in schools the best fit for him. Nino is happy to help feed the kids and making them full everyday to boost their interest going to school and help them focus on their studies.
Denise Robson
Rural nutrition Program Cook - Faro
Denise is from Liard First Nation.
Natalia Shelley
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Born and raised in the Yukon, Natalia has always had a passion for and interest in cooking. Preparing delicious and nutritious meals for the students is a work of joy for Natalia. She is proud to be a part of the YFNED team, seeing all the amazing work being done in the schools and the positive impact it has on the students educational growth. In her spare time, Natalia likes to enjoy the outdoors, travel and spend time with her nieces and nephews.
Ryan Stewart
rural nutrition Program cook - ross river
Ryan is originally from Ontario where he got a Culinary Arts Degree from George Brown College.
Prior to joining YFNED, he has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years.
Ryan is happy to be part of YFNED to really be a part of the community for whom he cooks.
Tamara Stewart
Urban Nutrition Program Cook helper
Tamara is Tetlit Gwichin from Fort McPherson. She received her certificate in Culinary Arts and previously worked at Yukon University.
Tamara is exciting to work for YFNED because of the cultural aspect of the position.
Outside of work, she likes to cook, read, forage and take language lessons.
Stephanie Stewart
Urban Nutrition Program Cook
Bio to come!
Miles Thompson
Urban Nutrition Program Cook
Bio to come!
Kimberly Trinidad
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Kim is originally from the Philippines and has been living in Yukon for two years. She has a Bachelor in Hotel and Restaurant Management and has many years working in hospitality and food services in the Phillippines, United States, and now Yukon. She worked four years at a Starbucks, including as a supervisor.
She enjoys working at YFNED, and believes she can contribute her skills and knowledge towards implementing the purpose of Jordan’s Principle.
In her spare time, she has a second job cooking at a local restaurant and enjoys hanging out with her friends watching movies and singing karaoke.
Vanessa Younker
Urban Nutrition Program cook (TEAM LEAD)
Vanessa Younker is originally from the East Coast and has been living in the Yukon for over 20 years. She obtained her Chef’s Red Seal in 2008 and is a cook at the Individual Learning Centre. She believes food brings people together and a creative way to enjoy life. Vanessa has a diverse background in culinary arts. Even after many years spent cooking in the kitchen, she is always learning and excited about food.
Raul Yuson
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Raul Yuson is Filipino from the Philippines. He arrived in Canada in 2010. Yukon is the first place he arrived in Canada and he loved living here ever since. He is passionate about cooking and sharing food with all of his friends, co-workers and family.
Lyn Fabio
Urban Nutrition Program cook (TEAM LEAD)
Lyn Fabio is a chef and mixed-media artist. Apart from living one and a half years in Italy, she has called Whitehorse home for 35 years. Food has always played an important role in Lyn’s life and her mixed cultural background. Being Argentinian/Italian on her father’s side and Slavic on her mother’s provided a rich environment for both her culinary and creative paths in life.
Lyn graduated in 1976 with a Bachelors of Education in Fine Arts from McGill University, Montreal. Upon moving to Whitehorse, she worked 20+ years at the Chocolate Claim, during which time she obtained her Chef’s Red Seal papers. She feels grateful to have had the opportunity to work in a great variety of jobs, both in the North and abroad.
Her life is divided between two passions – food and art. Foreign travels and her love of the outdoors are enriching aspects of life that inform her work. Lyn enjoys incorporating local foods and foraged edibles in her cooking and is keen to share this knowledge with others.
Casidy Lawrence
Urban Nutrition Program cook
Casidy is originally from Atlin, B.C. Her mother is from Atlin and her father is from Australia, raised in Dease Lake. She grew up in a small town and “didn’t come from a lot from a little log house.” She was raised by her grandma and mom who were both camp/outfitter cooks. While growing up, she recounts her grandmother always enforcing traditional foods and cooking. She has always felt very connected to the land, the nature is her second home.
She attended school in Atlin, then Whitehorse, followed by attending a culinary program at Yukon College. She then ran her own donut shop for two years, then working at a lot of restaurants, catering and even was a personal chef for a couple years. Casidy was catering for her kids’ school when she decided to apply to YFNED. She feels strongly about our mandate. She loves working with YFNED, she feels more involved with the community, connecting with kids, and she finds it super fun passing on knowledge. Outside of work Casidy can be found creating art, forging, being on the land and making her own natural remedies.