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.
RHYS DESMOND
Youth Engagement Leader & Recreation Supervisor
About Me:
I have always had a strong passion for community development and helping others reach their potential. I come from a background in community sports, where I have strived to keep kids engaged and having fun so they want to come back year after year. I now take the same approach with the ANCC as I strive to provide the best possible experience for the youth, staff and volunteers in our community.
What Community Means to Me:
Community to me means everyone coming together to build something special, and to connect with each other and their surroundings. Everyone should be included, involved, and feel like they are part of something greater.
My Guilty Pleasure:
I love to go for early morning runs to clear my head and reflect. After that, I always need to stay hydrated with enough green tea to rival the Queen of England.
