Youth Action Committee/Young Adult
Leadership Team

Cherie O'Brien

Hey my name is Cherie O'Brien, I am a Yukon native from the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations tribe of the wolf clan. I was born December 20^th 1994. I enjoy being out at camp and spending time with family and friends. I just recently became a member of YAC and attended the conference in Ottawa, August 2011, and I look forward to expanding knowledge of other youth about tobacco awareness.

Nicole Nicholas

My name is Nicole, I'm from Whitehorse, Yukon. I am a member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations tribe. I was born September 26th 1994. Some of my interests are snowboarding, sledding, dancing, and yoga. I am the youngest of 3 siblings. I have a great interest on helping youth make the right choices. This summer I was working as an education programs assistant where I started looking into how youth can help themselves and to lead a better life. I would like to see less youth and children smoking. I really enjoyed my summer job helping youth and would like to expand my help outside of work.

Maggie Quinn

Hi, my name is Maggie Quinn, and I am an eleventh grader from Vancouver, BC. In August 2011, I was thrilled to join the Youth Action Committee. Like many of the others involved, I have had several family members pass away due to the effects of nicotine. This has motivated me to get the message out to British Columbia's population. I am so excited to be able to work with such an inspirational group of people and to make tobacco awareness such a huge part of our lives. I love playing sports, including soccer and field hockey, and I want to put a huge emphasis on the effects of tobacco in sport in my YAC projects.

Charlotte Broadbent

Hi! I’m Charlotte Broadbent from Summerland, British Columbia. I am 19 years old and finishing my second year at UBC Okanagan studying Human Kinetics. After graduating I plan on working in health promotion. I love to travel and am a very active person; soccer, skiing, track and field amongst other sports were a huge part of my life growing up, as was leadership.

I was asked to become involved with the YLT the end of January 2012 and jumped at the opportunity. I feel privileged to be working with the YLT to make a difference in the lives of others by empowering them to make informed decisions about tobacco use. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work with such dedicated individuals from across the country.

Katie Heine

Hi, my name's Katie. I've been on the YAC and now YLT committees for the long haul, and have enjoyed every minute of it! I split my time between the NWT and Alberta, where I attend university. I find it interesting that even though the different communities I live in (and the ones the other members call home as well) have different specific issues and needs when it comes to tobacco, there's a lot of continuity across Canada. Our team forms a fantastic network that is passionate about addressing these issues. My background is in immunology and infection, and I am fascinated by the health side of things, which makes being on this committee such an honour. When school isn't occupying my time, I love to read, watch movies and travel whenever I get the chance.

Bernie Bernhardt

Hi! My name is Bernie Bernhardt.. I am 14 years old. I live in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. In the summer I like to bike and play road hockey. In the winter I like to go sliding, ski-dooing, make snow men, and play pond hockey. I joined the Y.A.C. because I would like my Dad to stop smoking. I do not like smoking. Smoking is NOT cool. I want my Dad to live as long as possible....

 

Michelle Baron

I'm a third year university student working towards my Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and a minor in Law and Society at the University of Calgary. The completion of my degree will be in 2013. I recently became involved with the YLT nearing the end of august 2011. Alongside attending classes in English, Law and Society, and Japanese, I am currently aiding the YLT's efforts in promoting awareness of the effects of tobacco to youth. I'm interested in the YLT because of the positive message they advocate to youth and young adults and I feel privileged to be a part of their team.

Chase Quewezance

My name is Chase Quewezance, I am 16 years old. I live in Edmonton, Alberta. I love playing football, its my favourite sport. I've been playing it since I was 8 years old. I do alright in school. I am planning on attending university to become a chemical engineer but hope to play pro football as well. Furthermore, I like to travel alot. It seems like I'm always on a plane going somewhere new. I've been in the YAC since March 2011. I like the YAC and what we do: the fact that we are able to share our thoughts (and not smoking) plus that people listen to what we have to say. My highlight of the YAC is the conferences we go to. I get to interact and meet members in the committee. I have met some great friends.

Curtis Angugatsiaq Taqqaugaq

My name is Curtis Angugatsiaq Taqqaugaq. I am twenty years old, and I live in Igloolik, Nunavut. I want to start by talking about myself. While I was in high school, I mainly concentrated on my school work. It was easier for me to talk to teachers than my friends for me. They helped me towards the right path and amazing opportunities. Unlike most of my friends, who showed me all the wrong things we could do. The people I looked up to were my teachers, who near the end of high school really helped me to take advantage and go after almost all the opportunities offered to me. Thanks to them, I met people across Nunavut, Canada, and the world.I strive to be a good role model mainly to Inuit. I tell people "Look at what happened to me BECAUSE I stayed in school and did my work as much as I could, or more than I ever thought Icould. The same thing or something similar can happen to you if you really try."

But not all of me is good... Like many people, I fell through the tiniest crack that's proven to be really hard to climb out of. I am a smoker, and have been for almost twoyears. There is a part of me that says I'm a hypocrite.It's one of the worst choices I've ever made.If I could go back just so that I could tell myself not to start smoking, I would most definitely take that chance. I know the bad stuff that comes from cigarettes, yet I still smoke, which proves not all smokers are bad people, they just haven't made the right choices.

I can say that I take pride in almost everything that I do. It would be amazing to see what people did because of my help. But I'm not proud of everything that I do. If you look up to me, please learn from myexperience, rather than copy me. Do what you can in school, and remember no matter how hard it seems: it will get easier for you. But please don't start smoking. Like me, you'll regret the day that you put the cigarette to your mouth and take the first drag.I'm not looking for recognition for all or any part of anyones life. Just hoping I can help people learn from me. Life may seem tough sometimes, but it IS possible. This is the first of many stories I have to tell. Please let me know where you are at in your lives, and who's inspired you to make healthy choices! Any feedback, positive or negative, is greatly appreciated.

Shanna Drozd

My name is Shanna Drozd. I'm sixteen years old, and living in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. My favorite sport is hockey, I love to snowboard, and I also enjoy playing volleyball and soccer. I keep myself busy with sports, work, and school. I became a member of the YAC in March of 2011. I really like that this is a group that is heard, and our voice is considered in decision making. I like helping others in quitting and preventing tobacco use, and influencing them to live a healthy life. In addition, I love the opportunity to meet and work work with so many great people!

Keegan Hanson

Hi, My name is Keegan Hanson. Most of my friends call me Rory. I live in a small village called Beauval (Beautiful Valley). I am 16 years old and I have been a part of the Students Commission since March of 2011. I love the outdoors, mostly when i'm hunting. I also commercial fish with my Grandfather. I love to cross-country ski. Skiing is my favorite sport. I also play hockey and soccer. One of my biggest dreams is to roller ski across Canada for cancer research. My goals as of now are to encourage young teens to quit smoking or not to start. That's about it!

Zondra "Pricelys" Roy

I was born August 12^th, 1989 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I am a first nations youth from Black Lake Denesuline Nation.

I have been involved in the hip hop culture since I was twelve. The art of rapping has been a medium of expression I have taken on. Using this gift I have evolved into an advocate for people who can't speak for themselves through storytelling. I have been involved in the community for seven years and have learned a lot through people across Canada on a true grassroots level. I now work at CRU Youth Wellness Centre doing after school programming based around the identified needs of an individual on the medicine wheel (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental). As a recent high school graduate, I've enrolled in the College of Business, in Saskatoon, and hope to pursue a business degree specializing in social entrepreneurship.

"The legacy is the process"

Aaron Yanofsky, Winnipeg

I have been involved with both the YAC and YLT committees since 2005, and have been active in the anti-tobacco committee since 2001. Initially I got involved because my uncle passed away from lung cancer from smoking cigarettes. Today I am involved because I like making a difference in my local and national communities, and promoting a cause that I believe in. I am an avid believer in healthy living, and being tobacco-free is definitely a big of living a healthy lifestyle. I have had the opportunity to network with other individuals, and make some good friends by being apart of the YAC and YLT committees; and have enjoyed sharing this common interest in tobacco-free living.

I am a big baseball fan, and Toronto Blue Jays fan. I love watching the games on SportsNet and love to watch sports highlights on TSN and the Score TV. I am studying to become an actuary, and am hoping to graduate in 2 years. What is an actuary you may ask? Well we use probability and finance to make company's a lot of money :) But if you want to learn more, just blog me, and I'll explain more.

I'm out!

Katrina Kaija

Hi! I'm Katrina Kaija, I'm 22 years old and I call a small city in Northern Ontario - Timmins (yes, yes the home of Shania Twain) - my home. I enjoy chocolate and long walks on the beach... oh wait? Wrong blurb, you say?! Oops!

Back to business - I first started in the field of tobacco control and prevention when I was 15 years old and invited to join the Youth Action Committee. After that first conference I was completely changed. Though my mother was a smoker when I was younger (she quit when I was about 8!), and I have many other family members who smoke, it wasn't until I was informed about the truth behind tobacco products that I decided this was a cause I wanted to dedicate myself to. From there, I was a founding member of my local Youth Action Alliance, spear-headed events at my high school, and while in university joined an Ottawa group called Exposé. I am currently in my last year of the Child and Youth Worker program at Northern College. I am an incredibly passionate French-Canadian who is a fan of quotes, loves people, cares too much and is a huge supporter of all things artistic.

"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'." - Yoda

Kayla Reid

Hi, my name is Kayla Reid and I am 15 years old. I was born on July 9, 1996 and I've lived in Toronto my whole life. Outside of going to school, I love playing sports like basketball, soccer and football. I also have a passion for helping people and I am willing to help whenever needed. I joined the YAC at the end of August and I really enjoy it. I think it's a great way to learn more about tobacco and how to help people to stop smoking it or chewing it. I love the fact that I am able to learn something new and then educate someone else with what I have learned. I am glad I'm able to be apart of the YAC so I am able to share with other people the knowledge I have gained and give them the opportunity to share with so many more people facts about the issue of tobacco.

Ashley Teo

Hi, my name is Ashley Teo and I am currently studying Economics and Psychology at the University of Toronto. I am a huge fanatic of all things social media and a passionate advocate for children's and human rights. I first became involved with the Youth Action Alliance in the summer of 2011. Both my uncle and grandfather passed away due to failing health attributed to their nicotine addictions. Since joining this incredible team, I have had the chance to meet so many remarkable individuals and discuss critical issues surrounding the regulation of tobacco in Canada. This committee is an invaluable resource for consultation and a wealth of insight for government bodies. I am very proud to be a part of this movement and hoping to remain as a dedicated piece of this group. Talk to me about all things social justice/TED/Non-Profit/Technology/Social Media/Networking/Social Entrepreneurship/Patient Capital / Global Health Policy/Current Events! Tweet at me @teo_ashley.

Katie Mattina

Hi! I'm Katie and I am currently studying Neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal.
I have been a part of the YAC and YLT committees since 2010 and I have enjoyed collaborating and meeting with other youth from across the country. In the past I have been involved in tobacco-related issues as a movie critic for www.smokefreemovies.ca and Peer Leader for the Youth Action Alliance Fresh Heir in my community of Caledonia, ON. These experiences have motivated me to continue using creativity and teamwork to educate peers about healthy living and the impact of using tobacco industry products. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, ultimate Frisbee, squash, Thai food and caffeinated beverages.

Taïna Toussaint

Hi, my name is Taïna Toussaint and I come from Québec. I have recently joined the group. I think this is a great opportunity because we are provided with means and information to make change, transform or eliminate tobacco use among youth. I am energetic and cheerful. I love to sing and dance. I want to effect change and will be persistent in this effort. I want to be remembered and make a difference. What I have learned through my experiences is that change is possible if you are determined, patient and if you believe in it. So believe in yourself and be a part of this great cause.

Laura Snow

Hi! My name is Laura Snow, I'm 14 years old and I'm from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. I love working on the YAC because I get to make a difference in my community and meet so many inspirational people around my age that are really passionate about this cause. I've only been on the committee for a couple of months, but so far it's been a really great experience. YAC is the first time I have really gotten involved in my community and it's cool feeling like you have a say in things, and even get to advise people from Health Canada about what we think.

Fun Fact: I train 10 times a week for swimming and I absolutely love it!

Nick Whelan

My name is Nick and I am from Bell Island Newfoundland. I am 23 years of age and I have been working with children and youth, of varying capacities, since I finished high school in 2006. From there, I went to pursue my education at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and developed a taste for Sociology! As a current graduate of Memorial, I have always been fascinated by the behaviour of humans in a various social settings. With a concentration on the social interactions of children and youth, some of the biggest questions that have boggled my mind, are why do kids smoke? What makes them smoke? What factors in the lives of today's children and youth, cause them to start smoking? And how do we stop it? Coming from a community where smoking was the norm, I felt compelled to try and find some answers to these questions. When I found out about The Students Commission, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to network, and meet people in similar situations, from all across the country! My experience so far has been nothing short of amazing and I would strongly encourage anyone to become involved. Throughout my education, work and volunteer experience as a member of the YLT, I am finally beginning to understand the true consequences of tobacco use.

Sara Hasson

I have only been a member of YAC for a short time now. But, every minute of it had been an amazing experience. I can think of so many reasons as to why I became so interested in making a difference in my community pertaining to tobacco use. Anything from watching so many of my friends standing outside in the freezing cold or pouring rain just to have that daily cigarette, to watching those gruesome anti-smoking videos in class. I'm not all about saying no don't so this, or no don't so that. I simply just want to inform, and be a helping hand. Something that a lot of kids never have a chance at getting!

I was originally born in Calgary Alberta, but now reside in the wonderful small city of Fredericton NB. I'm a grade eleven student, and loving every minute of. My schedules crowded with activities, and I can't imagine it any other way! Can barely remember what I did last week, not a clue what I want to do tomorrow. But, I know what I want to do today. Make my difference as a youth in my area!

"With enough time, we all find what we're looking for. Even if it was there all along."

Amy Haché

My name is Amy Haché and I am from Fredericton, New Brunswick. I got involved with the YLT in March of 2011 through a happy coincidence and some good luck. However, I stayed because of my very real interest and passion for youth engagement and the issues that touch the lives of youth and young adults. I have made some fantastic friends through this volunteer committee and feel that I am making a positive difference in my community and beyond. I like to keep busy (and am very good at it)... I love to read, travel and partake in some leisurely shopping now and again...

Jake Ivany

I've been involved with YAC since March of 2010 and absolutely love it. I enjoy work with today's youth in any way I can and the Youth Action Committee has opened another great door for me! Tobacco education, prevention, and cessation has become one of my biggest passions in the past years. I have found through the past conferences that this is one of the most productive, educational and involving groups I have ever been a part of. Through the work we've done with YAC I've been able to start up a tobacco action team at my school, do presentations and help a lot of youth around my community realize the risks of smoking. The friends and connections I've made from the conferences are amazing!

I am originally a Newfoundlander, but moved to Nova Scotia when I was very young. I am heavily involved in several different areas of activism and absolutely love it. I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to technology, I love seeing what new gadget has been put on the market. I am also a big fan of social media. Anything from Youtube, to Facebook, to Twitter, to Tumblr, and all the others in-between, I probably have them. I hope to continue my education with photography, graphic design, and video editing and production. I hope to stay with YAC/YLT as long as I possibly can!

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Morgan Conrick

My name is Morgan Conrick, I am currently living and working in Middleton Nova Scotia, I just recently became involved in YLT and am very interested in working with the team; after university and before I moved onto my career in real estate I decided to go to Africa and do some volunteer work while I was there I saw countless children begging for pocket change to go buy cigarettes, that affected me greatly and I decided I would love to be apart of something that can make a positive change in regards to smoking.

Meaghan Arsenault

Hi, my name is Meaghan. I'm 17 years old and I live in a small town in Prince Edward Island. When I'm not busy doing schoolwork, you can find me either hanging out with friends or on the rugby field. I've been involved with the YAC since the end of August and I love it. I really like being a part of my community and getting a say in what I think! The conferences we go to are amazing and so are all the people we meet!

Natalie Hennessey

My name is Natalie and I’m currently studying Biology at the University of Prince Edward Island. I have a strong passion for educating others on the dangers of tobacco use. My interest stems from growing up with a parent who was (*I’m so happy to say, is no longer! WAY TO GO!) a smoker for my entire childhood. I became a YLT committee member in March 2011 and have loved every minute of it so far! I am hoping to work in Health Care and think that joining this committee was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Working alongside young adults from across Canada who share the same interests has shown to be one of the coolest things that I have ever been a part of. In my free time, when I don’t have my nose stuck in a biology book and I’m not staring into a microscope, I love reading, photography, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends.