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The Program Team
British Columbia
Laura Benson
YMCA of Greater Vancouver (Tong Louie)
14988 57 Ave, Surrey BC, V3S 7S6
(cell): 604-218-7542
Hello! My name is Laura (she/her), and I'm the regional coordinator for British Columbia. I'm so proud to call Canada home.
I grew up predominantly in BC, and have a passion for exploring this incredible country. When I'm not enjoying the beautiful sights of Vancouver, I love to play fastpitch, watch hockey and spend time with my pup, Chip.
The Prairies and the Territories
(AB, SK, MB, YK, NWT, NU)
Karen Romero - Regional Coordinator
YMCA of Northern Alberta
9538-103A Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5H 0J3
780-974-2188 ( cell)
Hi everyone, I’m Karen Romero and I'm the Regional Coordinator for the Prairies and Territories. I’ve lived in Edmonton all my life and was fortunate enough to go on an exchange to Quebec as group leader. Now, I’m having fun experiencing the Youth Exchanges Program from the other side.
Ontario
Joanne Reinhold - Regional Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Toronto
1800 - 365 Bloor St E
Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
647-330-5322 cell
Hi, I’m Joanne Reinhold, I have been the Ontario Coordinator for the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program since 2000.
I live in Toronto and love all the city has to offer. I love the outdoors, working around the house and spending time on the water with my husband in our kayaks.
My first exchange experience was 22 years ago when I spent six weeks in the Czech Republic on an international exchange. Then two years later, I started with this program and have been involved in over 450 exchanges since. I have had the opportunity to visit every province and territory, some more than once!
I just celebrated 25 years of employment with the YMCA!
I love my job and would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in seeing all that this country has to offer.
Quebec and Atlantic Canada
(QC, NS, NL, PEI, NB)
Christopher Craig - Regional Coordinator
514-718-5542 cell
Toll Free 1-866 332-9622 ext 1235
My name is Chris Craig and I am the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Regional Coordinator for Quebec and the Atlantic. I have lived all over Canada and have been travelling extensively since I was a young boy. I have lived in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and now I call Quebec home. I am a musician, a writer, a cook, an activist and most importantly a father. I love the summer festival season in Montreal and I am thrilled that we once again are permitted to enjoy food trucks.
Darryl Sherwin
Senior General Manager
Hello, my name is Darryl Sherwin and I am the Senior General Manager for National Programs including both the Summer Work Student Exchange and YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Programs. I have been with the YMCA for 29 years and started working at the Y with school-age children and summer camps while I was in university. Over the course of my career, I have had the pleasure of working with many great colleagues and participants. My favorite to-do at work is to get out of the office and meet those who are part of these two great programs!
I wish everyone the best and look forward to our paths crossing someday!
My name is Erin Gorman and I am the National Manager of the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program. I am from Toronto, Ontario. I love going to our local farmer’s market on the weekend. My first exchange experience was at 14 when my family and I hosted a young woman from France and then I spent a month with her and her family in Versailles!
Jess Leduc Robert
Program Coordinator
National Administration
YMCA of Greater Toronto
Hello! My name is Jess Leduc-Robert and I’m the National Program Coordinator for the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada program. I'm bilingual and grew up in Ontario while speaking French as a first language. In my spare time, I love to swim, hike, and cook.
Kamini Sonnadara
Administrative Liaison
YMCA of Greater Toronto
kamini.sonnadara@ymcagta.org
Hello! I am Kamini Sonnadara and I have been working with the Youth Exchanges Program since 2002 as an administrative staff.
I currently live in Toronto, and I have had the privilege of living in four different continents in my life. Being exposed to different cultures and environments at an early age has instilled in me a system of values that enables me to live in harmony with my surroundings.
