Staff
Altiera Essensa - Executive Director
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My name is Altiera, and I am the Executive Director here at BBBS Stratford. I began my journey with BBBS early 2008, when I volunteered for Bowl for Kids Sake. Shortly after, I joined the Board of Directors, where I held the roles of Member at Large, Vice President, and Acting Treasurer. In January 2010 when a position on the staff became available, I stepped down for the Board and applied to become a staff. My staff role as Development and Administration Officer brought me out in the community meeting new business partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers. I also had the chance to meet many of our families and little brothers and little sisters. My journey led me to accept the Interim Executive Director’s position March 2011, and Executive Director September 2011. I have been told on many occasions that I ‘glow’ when I talk about my job. I truely believe that we are making a difference in the lives of our children and youth. The best part of my job, is all of the amazing people I get to meet, and being surprised by just how generous people are. When I am not working at BBBS, I teach first aid and CPR at St. John Ambulance, and am also a volunteer with Stratford Community Players. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, whether it is for a stroll by the river, a cup of coffee or a shopping day! And when I can manage it, a trip up north for a weekend or week at the camp in Massey! My two main hobbies are reading and photography. There is no better way to relax than curling up with a great book.I truly believe that I can make a difference in the lives of children in my community, and love to see the smiles and rewards that can come from hard work! If you are interested in seeing those smiles, come and talk to us! |
Ellen deKoning – Case Manager
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It is my pleasure to introduce myself to all of you, my name is Ellen deKoning. I am excited to be a part of the team and look forward to get the chance to talk and meet with you. Let me tell you a little bit about myself! I grew up in Clinton, Ontario, and moved to Waterloo to attend Wilfrid Laurier University in 2005. I currently live in Stratford and enjoy all the wonderful things the city has to offer. I graduated in 2009, from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Honours Arts Degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in History, and also received the honour of the Dean’s List upon graduating. Since Grade 10 Civics class, I knew I wanted to be a social worker, and am steadily building and developing my career in the social services. Up till now, I have primarily worked in long term residential care facilities, working with children and teens with various developmental delays, mental disorders, and behavioral problems. My hobbies include scrapbooking, writing songs, poetry and stories. I have a passion for music; I have been playing the piano for 14 years, and have also taught myself the basics of guitar, and recently being songwriting. Most of all I love meeting new people, making friends, and sustaining relationships. I am very excited to be a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters team. I will continue to keep regular contact for match updates and to inform you of the various events hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Stratford and District.ellen.dekoning@beamentor.ca |
Erin Frape – In-School and Site Based Co-ordinator
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My name is Erin Frape and I am thrilled to be joining the BBBS team as the In-School and Site Base Co-ordinator. I was born and raised in a little country town just outside of Waterloo. I still call the KW area my home. I did my Bachelors degree and Masters of Social Work degree at Wilfrid Laurier University. I am very proud of my degrees, as I have dyslexia and was told many times (in school) that I would not have successes in post secondary education. My spare time is mostly taking up with my two passions, drama and sports. I have been a member of a medieval festival called Robin in the Hood for over 10 years. You will rarely see me playing one of the ladies of the court, but rather holding a sword and battling in the knights tournaments. I have been the festivals Assistant Director for a long time now and it’s the children and children at heart that keep me dedicated and excited to be there year after year. I also play competitive Ultimate Frisbee and spend the summer touring in local tournaments. Any spare time I still might have, is spent with my family, friends and my many pets. My job as the In-School and Site Base Co-ordinator means I will be overseeing and working with volunteers and schools to run programs and workshops. This includes our In-School Mentor volunteers, Go Girls and Game On programs and working with the local high school Co-Op students. I enjoy the energy and passion children have and I am excited to be able to work with such a great organization and off course to work with the students.erin.frape@beamentor.ca |
Camellia Hoonaard - Bachelor of Social Work Intern
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Simon Skowby- Bachelor of Social Work Intern
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