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Youth Exchanges Canada Photo Contest:
As you embark on your exciting Youth Exchanges Canada adventure, we’re thrilled to gift you a special YEC flag to celebrate your journey. This flag represents unity, adventure, and shared experiences. Capture fun group photos with it, have everyone sign it as a memento, and keep it as a reminder of your exchange.
Don’t miss out on our Photo Contest! Snap creative photos featuring the flag at cool locations like famous landmarks or your exchange city sign, and post them on Instagram or Facebook tagging @ymcaexchanges, or share them via this form. By participating, you’ll have the chance to win an exciting prize while showcasing your unforgettable exchange moments!
Make sure to read the contest rules below before participating:
The Program Team
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.
Joanne Reinhold
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 27 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 32 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.
Felipe Acosta- Regional Coordinator
YMCA of Greater Toronto
1800 - 365 Bloor St E
Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
Felipe.AcostaMunoz@YMCAGTA.ORG
Hello! Bonjour!
My name is Felipe Acosta, and I am the Regional Coordinator for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. My journey with French began during a summer exchange in Switzerland, where I discovered the power of language as a tool for connection. That experience sparked my passion for language exchanges and cross-cultural learning, and eventually led me to work on projects supporting francophone newcomers, helping them feel welcomed and at home in Canada.
Outside of work, coffee and biking are two of my passions. Last summer, my friends and I took on a weekly 50 km ride around Toronto every Friday morning, always rewarding ourselves with an almond croissant and a cappuccino before starting the workday.
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!
Rachel Bowman
Program Coordinator
National Administration
YMCA of Greater Toronto
Hello! Bonjour! My name is Rachel Bowman (she/her), and I am the National Program Coordinator for the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA2+ community and a passionate advocate for inclusivity and equality. I am a small-town girl with a love for the outdoors. During the summers of 2020 and 2021, I planted over 100,000 trees in several forests of Northern Ontario. After my last season, I travelled by car across the country, hiking mountains and camping out with friends. I am a martial arts enthusiast, earning my black belt in Tae Kwon Do when I was 15, and currently learning kickboxing in my spare time. It's safe to say that I enjoy adventure, and a healthy challenge!
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.
