Meet Our Staff
SAMANTHA ESMERALDA
Executive Director
About Me:
My passion for non-profit organizations and community development started when I was 16 years old and volunteered as an LIT for summer camp. Through the mentorship of leaders around me, I developed skills to move forward in my career in non-profit work. As a leader, I have a passion to enable neighbours to facilitate community growth.
What Community Means to Me:
Community to me means belonging, I believe when you have a sense of belonging you are called to action.
My Guilty Pleasure:
My guilty pleasure is eating sour patch kids and binge-watching Gilmore Girls, even though I've seen it a hundred times!
JESSICA KROETSCH
Community Engagement Coordinator
About Me:
Hello Everyone! My name is Jessica and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator for Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre!
My favorite thing about working here is building relationships with the children and watching them grow up over the years.
What Community Means to Me:
Community to me is all about working with and building relationships with everyone in our neighbourhood.
My Guilty Pleasure:
My guilty pleasure is definitly candy or anything sweet! Once the kids are in bed the first thing I do is go find my self something sweet!
ASHLEY LAWNICZACK
Recreation Coordinator
About Me:
Since I was very young, recreation for me has been less about my soccer trophies and dance recitals and more about the friends I meet. Serving at Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre, I now get to watch those personal relationships being built everyday between the staff, youth, and parents who participate in our programs.
What Community Means to Me:
Community to me is what gives people the connections they need to feel love, joy, and support in our lives.
My Guilty Pleasure:
I am an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and cannot wait for the moment, (in the very near future), they win that Stanley Cup.
KENNEDY THOMPSON
Executive Assistant
About Me:
I have lived in Cambridge for most of my life, but only recently moved to the Alison Neighbourhood. You may have seen me walking my two dogs Bowser and Peaches in the evenings, we go almost every day! It is an absolute pleasure to join the dedicated ANCC team and get to work closely with the neighbourhood that I live in. I really love working behind the scenes of all your favourite programs and events in this amazing community.
What Community Means to Me:
Community is all about fostering connections and connectedness. As staff of your local community centre, we spend every day ensuring you have the opportunity to feel included and involved in your neighbourhood.
My Guilty Pleasure:
I love going to the Drive-In movie theatre. Sitting in your own car with the windows mostly closed is the only acceptable way to talk during a movie!
