Cayleigh Sexton attended Brock University for Child and Youth Studies and a Bachelor of Education. She also completed a Master of Arts Degree at Brock for Child and Youth studies where she completed a research study about young caregivers within a stress and coping model. She has been working with Young Caregivers Association since 2013 and currently started a new role as the Executive Director of the organization. She has worked as a frontline staff with young caregivers for the past 8 years and has gained valuable insight directly from the young caregivers she works with. Cayleigh is very passionate about developing curriculum specific to the needs of young caregivers within the school context and sibling experience.

She has a keen focus on new evaluation trends and innovative practices to ensure young caregivers are always the centre of YCA’s work. She currently lives in Brantford, ON with her husband, son, and their 3 cats.

Chrissy Sadowski is the Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Manager at Young Caregivers Association. Growing up as a young caregiver herself, she understands the stress that can come along with that position. Now as a parent of a child on the spectrum, she recognizes the toll it can take on siblings as well. Her children were involved in Powerhouse programs beginning at a young age and still utilize their supports today. Between her own children and countless others, Chrissy sees the importance that Young Caregivers provides through counselling, programs, camp and more.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Brock University and a Broadcasting Diploma from Niagara College as well as a rich Montessori background in leading CASA, Lower Elementary and teacher training, Chrissy has a wealth of experience and knowledge in supporting children, being an advocate for marginalized communities and public speaking.

She lives with her four children, husband, 4 cats and 2 dogs in Niagara.

My role at YCA is to create and implement programs and activities that help reduce isolation, increase well being and create positive experiences for our Young Caregivers. On top of my role as Team Lead, I oversee the Social Recreational side of our organization.

I have been blessed to work for YCA for almost 10+ years. Previously I spent eight years working on cruise ships all over the world implementing children’s activities. I had the opportunity to work with children from ages 3 to 18. I have a diploma in Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure and a certificate in Children’s Mental Health.

Coming from being a young caregiver myself when I was younger and now being more a mother hen to many family members, I am able to really bond with our members and sympathize with what may be going on. It is great to be able to talk to someone else, but even better to have that comfort level not to just talk but maybe run around, or laugh and tell jokes while acting silly. I truly stand behind everything YCA has to stand for, and enjoy the opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face and make them feel heard, seen and have a safe place to express themselves.

At the YCA I hold a few different hats! First, I am the first person families will connect with as they complete their intake. Introducing families to our programs, getting all of our registration material out of the way, and welcoming them to the Powerhouse Family! Second, I oversee the Clinical Department here at YCA. This includes working with our amazing Young Caregiver and Family Counsellors to make sure that everyone is as supported as possible for both staff and YCA families! Additionally, you may see me at guest lectures, conferences, and community roundtables representing YCA’s clinical department!

I am so happy to have worked for YCA for 5+ years, previously having volunteered back in 2012! Additionally, I am a Registered Social Worker and Social Service Worker. I hold a Masters of Social Work from McMaster University, an Honours Bachelor of Social Work from York University, A Graduate Certificate in Psychosocial Rehabilitation from Mohawk College, and a Diploma in Social Service Work from Loyalist College.

I originally got in touch with YCA as I was a Young Caregiver for my father, and since my first day as a volunteer I knew I did not want to be anywhere else. I love having the opportunity to work with our families directly, and am honoured to be able to hear each of your individual stories. As the Clinical Lead, I also love having a chance to share the amazing work we do here, and hopefully be able to build awareness and provide support to as many families and young caregivers as possible within our community and country!

My role at the YCA is to design, implement, and oversee programs that support the personal, social, and emotional development of young caregivers.

I have an advanced diploma in Child and Youth Care. I have also been actively working in the field for 5 years, in many different local organizations.

I feel so passionate about working with the YCA because of my love of children’s programming and empowering young caregivers, making a meaningful impact on their emotional well-being, and helping them grow.

My role at the YCA is to create and implement programs that focus on supportive, engaging, and strength based activities for the development of our young caregivers.

I have completed my Bachelor of Social Work degree and have experienced and volunteered with many organizations with diverse focuses, such as trauma, grief and loss throughout my career so far.

I love working with the YCA. Not only because of my experience as a caregiver, but  I enjoy working with our kids, their openness to new experiences and their ability to offer fresh, insightful perspectives always surprise and inspire me.

My role at YCA is to work one on one with young caregivers through counseling to help them navigate some of the tricky things in life! This can be a variety of things like helping with anxiety, anger, and helping them navigate through a tornado of emotions. You may also see me popping into recreational programs from time to time to say hi!

I have been working with YCA for 2+ years now! I am a Registered Social Worker and Social Service Worker. I hold my Honours Bachelors in Social Work with a minor in Criminology from Wilfrid Laurier University, and my Social Service Worker Diploma from Fanshawe College.

I love working at YCA because of the young caregivers themselves. Each young caregiver comes with their own unique stories, and it is such a treasure to have the opportunity to get to know them. Young caregivers are so resilient and it is so empowering to watch them learn and grow whether that is through their one on one sessions with me, or through our programming. I am so passionate about bringing further awareness and support to the needs of young caregivers. They make my job worth a million bucks!

My role at YCA is to work one on one with young caregivers and their families through individual counselling. We will work towards your goals in a way that feels comfortable and positive for each individual client!

I am a registered social worker and have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Becoming a social worker has been a dream of mine since I was in grade 9. I am so thankful for everything that I have learned along the way and I cannot wait to help support and empower others with the YCA!

My role at YCA is creating social-recreation programs for young caregivers in Niagara that aim to reduce isolation, build essential life skills, and foster a sense of community amongst young caregivers. I’m also responsible for creating all-ages virtual programs, allowing young caregivers to connect with each other from the comfort of their homes!

I graduated from the University of Guelph in 2020 with a BASc in Family Relations and Human Development. I have a wide range of program experience with ages across the lifespan, from early childhood education to adult life-skills education.

I am so excited to join the YCA team this year! As a young caregiver myself, I’m very passionate about building supportive communities and inclusive third-spaces for youth navigating similar challenges and obstacles. I can’t wait to bring this passion into my role to create awesome programs for you!

My role at YCA is helping with behind the scenes work and managing our social media accounts.

I graduated from Mohawk College’s with a diploma in Marketing. I have been working with YCA since 2022, and have volunteered with the organization throughout highschool!

Seeing the impact YCA has on Young Caregivers and their families makes me know i’m working at the right place. Although I’m behind the scenes most of the time I always look forward to the times I can help with all the fun at programs and connect with everyone!

Trevor is a resident of St. Catharines where he has spent many years serving the local community in a number of capacities. He can frequently be found at local arenas and fields or on the shore of Niagara’s waterways supporting his two sons who are active in the hockey and rowing communities amongst other activities.

Professionally, Trevor currently serves as the Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Stelco, Canada’s premier integrated steelmaker with locations in both Hamilton and Haldimand County. As part of the senior management team for Stelco, Trevor acts as the company’s primary point of contact with government officials, community agencies and media outlets in Canada.

Keith is a CPA CGA and runs his own practice in St. Catharines, ON.  He lives with his wife, 2 kids, mother-in-law, and former foster son. Keith’s son has severe disabilities and requires 24-hour care which has led him to become passionate about helping other families in similar situations.

His daughter has been a participant with Young Caregivers Association programs, and he can see first-hand the benefits this organization provides.  In his spare time he plays in a weekly Cribbage league and enjoys following the Buffalo Bills and Sabres.

Cathy has 37 years of experience in healthcare, spanning acute, long-term, and community care. She currently holds a senior leadership role overseeing Quality and Patient Experience at CarePartners.

Cathy is a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, as well as certifications in Quality and Risk Management and Program Evaluation. She is also a certified patient safety trainer and manages activities to maintain the organization’s Accreditation Canada status.

In her free time, Cathy enjoys yoga, Pilates, and has recently taken up golfing.

Daniel is the founder & CEO of Elderado.  Daniel is a family caregiver, long-term care volunteer, and elder care advocate.  When Daniel isn’t working he enjoys cycling & running, going on adventures with his wife, Lisa, and his dog, Mochi, and travelling.

Kailene is a law student at Osgoode Hall Law School who brings together strong policy expertise and lived experience as a young caregiver to her role on YCA’s Board.

She has developed a diverse professional background through roles at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health as well as in the non‑profit sector. Kailene holds a Master of Arts and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys getting outdoors, reading, taking in live music, and spending time with her pets.

Nancy Norton is a resident of Port Dover, Ontario, who brings over two decades of leadership and educational expertise to her role as Director with the Young Caregivers Association. As an Elementary Principal, Nancy has championed student achievement, well-being, and inclusive practices, while leading school operations and supporting diverse learning needs.

Her academic background includes a Master of Business Administration in Educational Leadership and Policy, and Master of Education in Curriculum and Program Development. Nancy is also a seasoned instructor and course developer for multiple Additional Qualification programs across Ontario universities.
Outside of her professional life, Nancy enjoys hiking and spending time in nature and travelling.