Meet the Team!
The WorkAbility Project is rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our community.
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team is the backbone of WorkAbility Project.
Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
Sinead Mccarthy
Vice President of Development, Programs & HR
Sinead has lead the mental health programming and expansion across YES, Nationwide, and oversees a suite of programming including Work Ability, the Lighthouse program, and many others.
Sinead has a Bachelor of Social Science Degree from University College Cork, a Harvard Business School diploma in Non profit leadership, a Certificate in Labour Relations from Sheridan College and a Certificate in Financial Management for Non-profits from the Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is currently working toward a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation.
Shari Raghoo
Senior Project Manager
Shari Raghoo is the Senior Manager of the YES WorkAbility Project. She joined YES 2017, and was instrumental in overseeing YES’ national initiatives and launching YES' tech workforce development programs. Shari holds an HBA in Sociology and Communication Culture and Information Technology from the University of Toronto, along with a Diploma in Community Work Outreach and Development from Sheridan College. Recently, she completed a Project Management Certificate from the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.
A passionate advocate for healthy communities nationwide, Shari's commitment to social impact extends beyond her professional role. Prior to joining YES, she worked with grassroots organizations and contributed significantly through various volunteer roles. Shari continues to strive for positive change across the country. In her spare time, Shari enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks, and experimenting with new recipes.
Stacey Brookes
Regional Manager
Stacey is a Regional Manager with Workability, YES’ national education program for building employer capacity around hiring, retaining, and promoting persons with Mental Health barriers.
Stacey joined YES in 2021 and has worked in employment related fields across the public and private sector for 10 years.
Lucie Mabadi
Regional Manager
With a diverse background rooted in Johannesburg, South Africa, Lucie Mabadi brings over five years of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and project management across various sectors. Her career spans international student mobility initiatives, higher education, the automotive industry, venture capital, and digital start-ups, where she has successfully developed communication strategies that resonate with both internal and external stakeholders.
Bilingual in English and French, Lucie excels at building meaningful relationships, guiding individuals in decision-making processes, and driving initiatives that foster growth and visibility. Having worked with several corporations, Lucie is now focused on contributing her skills and passion towards causes that make a meaningful impact. Currently based in Toronto, she serves as the Programme Manager for the Workability Programme, leading efforts to empower individuals and promote inclusive workforce opportunities.
Gabriella Evans
Regional Manager
Gabriella Evans is a registered social worker and regional manager for the WorkAbility project. Her work in the inclusive employment sphere began over eight years ago after completing her Masters of Social Work with Wilfrid Laurier University.
Gabriella has been involved in various mental health and employment programs at Youth Employment Services including the Lighthouse Project and the YES Mentorship program. She is passionate about community collaboration as a response to removing structural barriers in the workforce.
Teresa Wesz
Regional Manager
Teresa started her career in the fashion Industry after graduating from Seneca College and completing her degree in Psychology at York University. She worked as a District Manager working for various brands where she became a certified facilitator. Her journey continued to transition to the telecommunications industry. She thrived in driving sales, training, people development and leading change through difficult times.
Her next steps led her to YES, currently as the Regional Manager of the Work Ability program. She is passionate about contributing in a meaningful way to the lives of the people she encounters.
Jessica Bitton
Coordinator
Jessica (She/Her) began her career at YES in 2021. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Social (BSW) and specialized SSWIR for working with Immigrants & Refugees. Jessica has experience providing support for vulnerable populations of young people facing a range of mental health concerns and works to create safer spaces for youth to work on their personal development goals.
Jessica is a dedicated ally and brings a history of engagement working with an Indigenous non-profit where she led impactful campaigns and fundraising initiatives, while also delivering wholistic mental health support to youth through social media. Her commitment is a testament to her comprehensive approach to community empowerment.
Jeshna Ittoo
Coordinator
Jeshna Ittoo is a dedicated professional with a Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. With over six years of diverse experience, she has honed her skills in creating impactful HR solutions. Bilingual and a certified Neurolinguistic Practitioner, Jeshna is dedicated to continuous learning and is currently working towards her CHRL certification to further advance her expertise.
In September 2024, Jeshna embraced a new opportunity by joining YES' Workability program as a Bilingual Program Coordinator. This role allows her to combine her professional skills with her passion for making a difference in people’s lives. When she’s not immersed in her professional pursuits, Jeshna enjoys exploring new destinations, trying out various cuisines, and expressing her creativity through baking. Her vibrant energy and commitment to both her career and personal interests make her a unique and inspiring individual.
Chelsea Ghelani
Coordinator
Before joining Youth Employment Services (YES) in 2015, Chelsea gained valuable experience in education, working in shelters, and supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. Over her nine years at YES, she has excelled in multiple roles, contributing to several of YES's programs. Recently, she played a key role in developing curricula that was shared with our national partners. Additionally, Chelsea worked on YES's Lighthouse Project, where she supported participants with mental health disabilities in finding sustainable, long-term employment. She is a passionate advocate for safe, accessible, and inclusive workplaces for everyone.
Chelsea holds a BA in Child and Youth Studies and a MA in Clinical Psychology, complemented by various certificates. In her spare time, you'll find her and her family at a local playground/park, playing music, or she will be practicing yoga, or Pilates.
Halcyon Zoubaidi
Coordinator
Halcyon is driven to inspire equitable change by helping youth build successful careers. In her current role, she develops and provides foundational mental health resources and training supports to employers.
She completed her Hons. Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto. Halcyon then obtained her TEFL certification and Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy shortly thereafter.
Halcyon is also an artist; her work has been showcased on numerous occasions by UofT, the AGO, and for mental health advocacy and environmental conservation in Canada and the United States.