Rebecca Bisson
Executive Director
Rebecca joined NYA as a Program Officer before being named the organizations first Program Director, now Executive Director. Building on her background in working with youth, program development and organizational management NYA has provided the perfect environment for her to play a meaningful role in a small organization with big plans and a huge heart. Rebecca has been a part of over 15 NYA Programs with over 500 Participants (she can name them all), has travelled all across the North and beyond, and work with the most incredibly talented, passionate and dedicated people she can imagine.
As Executive Director Rebecca oversees the day to day operations of NYA, works closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders, takes Participants out for ice cream and makes really beautiful spreadsheets.
Kira Zanyk Davey
Program Officer
Kira started as a Staff Member with NYA in 2010 and appreciated the opportunity to return to the organization in January, 2012 after graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Global Development Studies. She also participated in the Trent-in-Ghana Program in 2009/2010, a year-long study and work experience program, during which she completed an internship with a human rights and environmental organization.
Building on her previous experience in the non-profit sector with youth-led organizations, Kira has enjoyed working directly with NYA Participants, supporting volunteers, and coordinating host families in her role as Program Officer.
Alissa Dotto
Program Officer
Lis joined the NYA team in 2017 while she was a student. She has since graduated with her Bachelor of Commerce and a Post-Graduate in Brand Management. After joining the team full time, she works with programming, tech, media, and communications within the organization. She is passionate about the work that NYA does, and spends her free time outdoors, canoeing, and camping.
Patti Wedawin
Program Assistant
Patti joined NYA as a part-time Program Assistant while she was a full-time student in 2018. She moved to Ottawa from Gamètì, NT to attend Algonquin College for their Tourism and Travel Services diploma program, which she graduated with in 2020. Patti also holds a certificate for Office Administration from GPRC in 2015. Her goals are to see the world, learn about other cultures all while sharing her own as a Tłı̨chǫ citizen. She loves helping others reach their goals, whether it’s for school, careers and beyond.
Patti is also an alumni of NYA from the 2013 Canadian and 2017 International programs. She fully believes that every youth should have the opportunity to gain education through travel, step out of their bubble to experience new things, create new friendships, and make unforgettable memories.
Mahasi Nateela
Program Assistant
Mahasi Nateela is a non-binary Inuk from Arviat/Baker Lake, NU. They completed the NYA Canadian Program in 2016 and the International Program in 2017. Mahasi currently serves as a Program Assistant for NYA and has previously demonstrated leadership as a Project Leader for the NYA Next Program.
In addition to their work with NYA, Mahasi is pursuing a degree in Anthropology at Carleton University. They are also actively involved in supporting youth by tutoring at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, having successfully completed the program online in 2021 and 2022.
Mahasi’s goal is to share the knowledge and experiences gained from the NYA and Nunavut Sivuniksavut programs while continuing to pursue their educational goals, aiming for a fulfilling career and a lasting impact
James Evaluarjuk
Operations Assistant
James joined NYA as a part time Program Assistant in 2023 then became a full time staff member as an Operations Assistant. He is the first male Alumni staff to join our team. He moved to Ottawa from Nunavut to gain independence and work skills. He has ambition in his dreams, loves traveling to new places and is open to learning new things.
James from Igloolik Nunavut, and is an Alumni of the 2018 Canadian Program and 2019 International program. He believes traveling is an eye opener and that getting out of your comfort zone grows you into your best version of yourself. NYA has changed his life for the better and he continues to encourage other youth from all over the North to pursue every opportunity that is given to them.
Dan Scott
Program Officer
Dan joined NYA for summer 2024 as Participant Achievement Coach on the Next Program, before taking a role as Program Officer. Before NYA, Dan worked as a Youth Worker and Program Co-ordinator in high-schools and youth organisations in New Zealand. He immigrated to Canada in 2024 with the goal of working with youth in a new cultural environment. Working at NYA has provided him with incredible opportunities to mentor and support youth from all over Canada – a dream job!
