We needed to talk more, do more.

Level Up started in the Summer of 2021 in the backyard of our home in Kitchener. Like many other families, we needed a way to talk to our kids about significant issues affecting our community, particularly in the aftermath of Black Lives Matters, the identification of residential school graves and the global pandemic.

We began to collect and play engaging and enlightening activities that promote critical thinking and civic action and curated them into what we are now calling Level Up. Our very talented and dear friends have contributed to the content, design and planning of the program. It feels like an amazing community effort by parents who really want to see a different world and who want to provide their kids with a space to be that change.

  • Anjali

    FACILITATOR

    Anjali (she/they) is a parent of two kids, a community organizer and a health system and equity professional. She earned her Masters of Science from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Founding Level Up with her kids is a long-time goal. She loves community, vegetables and the colour black green.

  • Brenda

    FACILITATOR

    Brenda (she/her) recently graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Master of Social Work. Currently she works as a System Navigator at Kind Mind Family Wellness, KW's first Afrocentric/culturally grounded counselling, education and research advocacy that addresses anti-black racism and systemic oppression and fosters Black community empowerment/resilience through culturally grounded services for all ages. Brenda's passions are mental health and wellbeing, community, learning and having fun. This will be Brenda's second session after facilitating Level Up at Adventure 4 Change. She is kind-hearted, gentle and intelligent.

  • Makilda

    FACILITATOR

    Makilda (she/her) is completing her fourth year at Laurier in International Education Studies. She is passionate about teaching and about expanding cultural awareness by exploring alternatives to euro-western styles of teaching and learning. She has held positions with the Catholic District School Board (namely International Ambassador with Colombian students delegation) and with Adventure 4 Change, House of Friendship and Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. Makilda is kind, creative and cheerful.

  • Maryama

    FACILITATOR

    Maryama (she/her) is a WRDSB elementary math and science teacher. She is passionate about community development, specifically breaking barriers to education for marginalized and disenfranchised children. She is an avid soccer fan and also enjoys baking and reading.

  • Michelle

    FACILITATOR

    Michelle (she/they) is in their fourth year at UW studying Environment and Business. They are passionate about community organizing and community education with a focus on climate action. They are a Regional Organizer with The Climate Reality Project, a role that takes them to campuses around southwestern Ontario to deliver presentations to encourage student advocacy for climate justice. Michelle is also a residence don. Michelle is knowledgeable, approachable and fun.

  • Randi

    FACILITATOR

    Randi (she/her) is completing her Master's in Social Work at Laurier. Her passions include children and youth mental health specifically, youth advocacy within the criminal justice system, adverse childhood experiences and their impacts. Randi keeps very busy between her school placements and volunteer work with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She has tremendous experience supporting kids to learn in creative ways that also allows them to experience their full potential.

  • Sheena

    FACILITATOR

    Sheena (she/her) is an Early Childhood Educator in the public school system. She is passionate about equity, education, and food insecurity. Sheena enjoys hiking, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family.

  • Tania

    FACILITATOR

    Tania (she/her) is a seasoned community care professional having spent the last 25 years in children's mental health. She has her bachelor's in education. Tania is the supervisor of Safe Haven, a youth shelter in downtown Kitchener, where she mentors youth and coaches them through challenging social situations. She is looking forward to connecting with the kids through play, movement and general silliness.

  • Tessa

    FACILITATOR

    Tessa (she/her) is a Program Leader with the City of Waterloo's Community Leisure Programming team. She has facilitated various Littles and Kids programs, including summer camp! The team is very lucky to have Tessa as she always puts a smile on all participants' faces with her positivity and caring nature. Tessa's goal is to one day be a journalist!