The Opportunities Are Endless…
Our Staff
Will White
Chief Executive Officer/
Co-Founder
Will oversees the daily operations here at TOP. He has a hands-on approach and can often be found working directly with staff and assisting with various programs. His main focus is ensuring the organization is operating smoothly as a whole and that the philosophies the organization was founded on stand true.
Hailey Parsons
Youth Development Coordinator
(GFW)
Hailey directly manages many aspects of the day-to-day activities at TOP and is responsible for projects like Karma Kafe & Find Junque and our youth training programs. Hailey also leads the development of new projects and is always working on ways to improve our current program offerings.
You can reach her at hailey@topyouth.ca .
Tina Di Fruscio
Rural Development Coordinator
(NWV)
Tina's key role is overseeing our programs in New Wes-Valley, NL. Tina facilitates local programs and manages Textile Exchange. The focus of her work is to develop intergenerational programming in the area. She's also one of our Kids Trainers!
You can reach her at tdifruscio@topyouth.ca.
Board of Directors
Whitney Roberts
President/Co-Founder
Whitney has a background in the arts and psychology. She studied visual arts and psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and later completed a Community Studies Diploma at the College of the North Atlantic. Whitney completed a Bachelor of Community Studies (Psychology) at Cape Breton University. She has also worked closely with youth initiatives throughout her life and has gained a passion for working with at-risk youth. Whitney works as a Child and Youth Care Worker with Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador. Whitney's previous experience includes various positions with local youth centres, Manager of Programs at Youth Centres Canada, as well as sitting on several boards. She actively volunteers with initiatives that provide opportunities for youth, young women and the LGBTQ+ community.
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Olivia Hiscock
Secretary
Olivia Hiscock was born and raised in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland. She completed a diploma in Community Studies at the College of the North Atlantic in 2020.
She worked with Exploits Valley YMCA for a number of years. She began as a swim instructor, then became a lifeguard, working her way into Aquatics Team Leader, Coordinator of Youth Programs and Swim Lessons Coordinator. She also works as a student assistant and TLA for schools within central Newfoundland.
She spent many years volunteering with the Special Olympics Exploits Hurricanes as coach of the rhythmic gymnastics team and swim team. She enjoys working with children and youth through recreation and educational programs!
Laura Pollard
Vice-President
Laura grew up in Newfoundland, chasing whales and cod fish as most do. When the time came to choose a post-secondary study, she chose early childhood education at the College of the North Atlantic. It wasn’t long before she uprooted her life and travelled across to British Columbia. There, she decided to switch things up and take on welding at Selkirk College in Nelson. Now, as a third-year welding apprentice, she resides in Newfoundland, as she knows there’s no place like home.
She volunteers with youth as she's growing a family of her own!
Sarah Simms
Treasurer
Sarah is based in Western Newfoundland. She has a background in Community Studies and Child/Youth Care. After completing her associate's, she is working towards her BA in Community Studies at Cape Breton University. She's passionately worked with youth in care for the last four years, making a positive impact on their lives! Sarah is trained in counselling, mental health first aid and crisis intervention. Sarah also supports children at school as a student assistant. Sarah's experience with the CNA Student Council and the Student Union has brought her to us with great leadership and teamwork skills!
Hannah Taylor
Director
Hannah is based in Western Newfoundland. With a Bachelor's in Psychology, she is now studying for her MA in Clinical Psychology. Hannah has experience with at-risk youth and works in the Social Work department with NL Health Services. Hannah is passionate about healing and runs The Barn, an equestrian center that connects children with horses through care, responsibilities and fun! Hannah's goal is to couple her therapy practice with animal therapy!