Raine Sparling

Hi everyone! I’m Raine (They/Them), and I’m so excited to experience another in-person DTL with you all! Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and co-facilitating the Rainbow Connections program through The New Mentality. In all of my work and volunteering, I believe in the power and importance of community and youth-led work, and I’m so excited to see what you all make of DTL 2025! Some fun things about me: I find it incredibly awkward to write bios, I love to read, geek out over animated films/movies, knit, bike, and just generally be outside exploring the world!

Robyn Sharpe

Hello All! I am very excited to be part of the hosting team at DTL this year and hope to bring a unique perspective from an Adult Ally lens. Currently I am counsellor with Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services and Adult Ally for TNM group Fortitude Youth Initiative. I have deep passion for helping youth navigate life’s challenges and find their path toward emotional well-being. Outside of my professional life, I am an avid theatre enthusiast and have years of experience directing youth theatre. In my downtime, I enjoy capturing the beauty in everyday moments through the lens of my camera and I cherish time with my husband and my four kiddos! Fun fact about me is my obsession with giraffes and the representation they bring of “standing tall” and being fearless through life challenges.

Gerard Sagassige

Ahnii N Boozhoo! Since I was young, I’ve wandered around Turtle Island and beyond. I am Mississauga Nation (Pottawami, Ojibway, Odawa) Anishnabek and a registered member of Curve Lake #35 First Nation. I am a proud dad, stepdad, and grandad. I have facilitated workshops and seeded cultural language camps throughout Indigenous territories and have been a spiritual advocate for well over 30 years. Overall, I think the way I was raised and who raised me contributes to my humour, knowledge, and, most importantly, lifelong protocol to all Nations. I reference myself as an “ol time mentor,” if anything. I have an old teaching style with simple living within Creator’s spirit, Miigwech.

Violetta Ilkiw

Hello all! I am so very excited to be a part of DTL again! I have been part of this community for at least 10+ years, sometimes facilitating, other times mentoring and supporting, and sometimes cheering in the background. I bring many years of experience in designing and implementing high-engagement processes. These include finding different ways to help groups work with their diversity, work through conflicts and tensions, learn about themselves, and work more fluidly and effectively together. I am part of the Art of Hosting community, studied Process Work for conflict facilitation, and have worked with many different groups (across different ages and abilities) and organizations (nonprofit, government, for profit). I used to work with the Laidlaw Foundation and brought youth engagement into the organization’s decision-making structures, and shifted funding to focus on youth organizing.

Samara Brown

Meet Samara! With her focus on child development spanning ages 3-19 and backed by a BFA in Fine Arts specializing in Dance Performance, she offers a distinctive and creative perspective to her work, especially in engaging youth from marginalized communities. Samara is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work, with notable expertise in program development, facilitation, and youth advocacy. Her passion for the arts is matched by her commitment to enhancing practices that combat anti-black racism, and empowering young people through creative expression. Samara thrives on promoting mental and physical wellness through community engagement, forging lasting connections with youth and young adults.

Caralyn Quan

Hello! My journey with TNM started in 2013, when I joined as the Network Coordinator. Since then I’ve also held the role of TNM Program Manager and have had the honor to be part of many DTLs. It’s a true gift to be immersed in a network of people taking courageous action to build the experiences and world they want to live in. In my current role as Director of Youth and Family Partnerships at CMHO I’m excited to continue to support the TNM network to expand its impact and create positive change in the child and youth mental health system. Professionally I have a background as a Youth and Community Worker; I also have lots of experience leading engagement initiatives and designing participatory leadership processes. On a personal level, I was born and live in Toronto, and some things I love are sports (especially hockey), music, and being in nature and around trees. And DTL 🙂