YESS employs a dedicated and diverse team, of which each member is wholeheartedly committed to walking beside youth who access our programs.
Our team welcomes your questions and comments. Contact us for any information you need!
Youth Programs
- Mario Borba
Chief Programs Officer - Delalie Mortotsi
Director of Programs
Fund Development
- Joyce LaBriola
Chief Development Officer - Deb Lucas
Director of Fund Development
Board of Directors
Corey Mowles
President & CEO
Corey Mowles is an accomplished, forward-thinking executive with a 20-year portfolio of leadership experience across diverse industries. Intellectually agile with a track record of quickly building trust-based relationships, he possesses a unique blend of skills in strategic planning and execution, talent development, coaching, and non-profit leadership. Recognizing it is people who drive results, he is a self-professed Culture Champion who encourages teammates to grow by “failing up.”
Corey has been fortunate enough to have held leadership roles in not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations in Edmonton, including the Alberta Construction Safety Association and the Edmonton Humane Society. Most recently, Corey has been an integral part of YESS in the role of Chief Operating Officer, devising and executing both strategic and operational plans, building new organizational infrastructure, cultivating a positive work culture, establishing and sharing best practices, and optimizing process efficiency.
An advocate for youth in crisis, Corey is passionate about YESS and is grateful for the opportunity to lead the organization’s bold new strategic plan to establish 24/7 Youth Support Centres across the Edmonton region. Corey is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where young people can thrive and reach their full potential.
Originally from Edmonton, Corey is married to his wife Talli, and they have three teenage daughters. A lover of live music and a lifelong fan of the Edmonton Oilers, Corey is a graduate of MacEwan University and earned his MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Steven Ewaskiw
Chair of the Board
Steven Ewaskiw is the VP Finance at the Cantiro Group. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s School of Business and holds a major in accounting as well as a Chartered Accountant designation. Steven has volunteered as a minor hockey coach since 2003, giving him many years of experience building relationships, empowering and positively impacting young people.
Maryann Everett
Vice Chair
Maryann is a retired senior public servant and active volunteer engaged in governance, advocacy, and fundraising across several nonprofit organizations, including YESS, Employ Abilities, and CNIB Deafblind Community Services. A former Assistant Deputy Minister with the Government of Alberta, she holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and has extensive experience in workforce development, policy, and international cooperation.
Kurtis Letwin
Treasurer
Kurtis is a Senior Associate at Dentons Canada LLP, practicing in restructuring, insolvency, bankruptcy, and corporate/commercial litigation. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta and is committed to mentoring emerging legal professionals. Outside of work, Kurtis enjoys playing on his men’s league hockey team.
Sarah Denholm
Secretary
Sarah is a commercial and civil litigator at Field Law LLP. A graduate of the University of Alberta with both a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor, she has practiced law in both Vancouver and Edmonton. Sarah brings a strong understanding of community engagement and the importance of youth programs and advocacy.
Krista Brower
Director
Maria Di Stasio
Associate Director
Maria Di Stasio is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Health and Community Studies at MacEwan University. She has made significant strides in her field, focusing on children and youth’s social and emotional development. Her research delves into the social contextual factors and learning climates that influence the well-being of sexually and gender-diverse youth and their self-determination.
Maria holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and a Master in Education from McGill University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
Her dedication extends beyond academia; she has volunteered for the YESS foundation and later joined its Board, driven by her passion for youth advocacy. Maria is studying the impact of learning climates in postsecondary institutions on gender and sexually diverse students who face multiple minorities.
Outside of work, Maria loves to dance and visit her friends and family back home.
Pooja Gandhi
Director
Pooja Gandhi is an experienced and thought provoking strategic leader. With over 10 years’ experience in operations she has established herself as a key component for success for businesses across Canada. In each of her roles she has helped to improve and drive company growth all while furthering her education and being a mom to her son, Everest. Pooja graduated from the University of Alberta in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and most recently has completed her MBA with the Australian Institute of Business. In addition to this, she also holds an Advanced Accounting Diploma from NAIT and a Project Management Certification from Grant MacEwan University. As VP Business Development – Sodexo Canada, she manages a team dedicated to delivering a customized solution for Operators across Canada. Additionally as a consultant she assists companies managing a vast executive team spanning Operations, Clinical, Marketing and Human Resources. She has an empathetic and thoughtful approach to management and takes pride in the relationships she builds with her stakeholders and teams. She has also undertaken several advanced workshops and training in areas such as leadership, coaching, talent mapping and conflict management. Pooja enjoys time sitting on various Boards including Synergy where she is past President, past board member of Boyle Street; Current Treasurer for Jerry Forbes Foundation; and Senior Living CaRES fund.
Sheila Harrison
Director
Sheila Harrison is an accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of diverse experience spanning government, non-profit, and industry sectors. Known for her strategic vision and effective leadership, Sheila has driven transformative initiatives that foster organizational growth and high-performing teams. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, policy development, project management, and community and economic development.
Sheila’s career highlights include serving as Vice President of the Alberta Forest Products Association, where she led teams focused on environmental policy, Indigenous relations, and sustainability. In addition, Sheila worked in several Government of Alberta departments leading files related to infrastructure, Indigenous Relations, Economic Development, Employment and Training and social policy. Sheila was also awarded the Premier’s award for leadership after being nominated by her branch.
Sheila has participated in several Board of Directors over her career. Sheila’s dedication to impactful leadership and community-focused outcomes has positioned her as a trusted figure in developing innovative solutions that align with strategic goals.
Amanda Kim
Director
Dr. Amanda Kim is a specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology practicing in Edmonton, Alberta. She earned her MD from Dalhousie University in 2001 and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr. Kim holds an appointment as Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta and serves as the Facility Lead for Surgery at the Misericordia Community Hospital. Her clinical practice encompasses women’s health, prenatal care, and gynecologic surgery.
Sherry Saulou
Director
A lifelong resident of Edmonton, Sherry Saulou has dedicated over 28 years to education. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University with a minor in music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, she has worked in various roles within Edmonton Public Schools. Sherry is now a retired Principal and remains passionate about supporting students, staff, and families while fostering a safe, inclusive, and dynamic environment. She looks forward to continuing her work in the community, using her experience to make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth.
Cynthia Zutter
Director
Dr. Cynthia M. Zutter is a professor of Anthropology at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. She holds graduate degrees in anthropology from the University of Alberta and has conducted archaeological and archaeobotanical research in North Atlantic and northern-ecology contexts. Recently her work is focussed on urban wellness and how building community is essential for city planning. She looks specifically at community gardens and how these contribute to overall green spaces and healthy cities.
Danny Luk
Associate Director
Danny Luk is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors, bringing strong expertise in financial stewardship, governance, change management, and organizational transformation. With a foundation in accounting and corporate finance, he supports boards through budgeting, risk management, and long-term organizational sustainability. Professionally, Danny has advised executive teams and led complex initiatives for a wide range of non-profit, community-based, and health-focused organizations, including primary care, workforce development, and youth-serving systems across Canada. Danny holds an MBA in Innovation Leadership and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Economics, and Law, along with professional credentials in project and change management. Based in Edmonton, he is committed to strengthening organizations that improve outcomes for youth and communities.
Kimberley Walker
Associate Director
Kimberley is an associate portfolio manager at ATB Investment Management (ATBIM), which she joined in 2015. She is registered as a Portfolio Manager with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and a member of the Institutional Portfolio Management team, managing tailored investment programs on behalf of Canadian organizations. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as senior manager on ATBIM’s product strategy and research team for the over $25 billion invested in the Compass Portfolios and the ATBIS Pooled funds. She is also a voting member on the ATBIM Investment Committee.
Hannah Hamilton
Associate Director
Hannah Hamilton is a community organizer and strategist with over a decade of experience in communications, government relations, advocacy, and partner engagement. She is deeply motivated by community-building and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She currently serves as Program Manager of Safe Communities at the Alberta Motor Association (AMA), where she works with municipalities, schools, and community partners to turn complex policy into practical, people-first programs—many focused on youth and community wellbeing.
Michael Fox-Junker
Associate Director
Michael Fox-Junker is an Edmonton-based business development professional and entrepreneur with extensive experience in building relationships, supporting organizational growth, and working with senior leaders across the technology sector. He currently works at Keeran Networks, where he focuses on developing strategic partnerships and helping organizations navigate complex technology and business challenges.
Michael’s career has centered on trust-based selling, long-term relationship management, and aligning solutions to real client needs. He brings a practical, governance-minded perspective to the YESS Board, with a particular interest in how strong partnerships and sustainable funding models can support mission-driven organizations.
Michael is deeply committed to community involvement and believes that early support, stability, and access to opportunity can meaningfully change life outcomes for young people. His involvement with YESS is rooted in a shared belief in meeting youth where they are and helping create safer, more secure futures.