Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Code of Ethics

The Youth and Family Wellness Camp is proud to operate under the guidance and care of Ogimaawabiitong (Kenora Chiefs Advisory). As a subsidiary of KCA, our work is rooted in the same ethical foundation and responsibility to serve First Nations children, youth, families, and communities in a good way.

Our Code of Ethics is guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings, which shape how we show up on the land, in relationship with one another, and in service to our communities. Culture is not an add-on to our work—it is at the centre of everything we do and is recognized as a vital determinant of health, wellness, and belonging.

The Camp is committed to creating culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces that support healing, learning, and connection. We strive to strengthen coordination across systems, honour Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, and deliver programs and services that respond to the real needs of our communities.

In all that we do, we are guided by responsibility, integrity, and care—working together toward pathways of healing, wellness, and a stronger future for the generations to come.

Seven Sacred Teachings

Love Zaagi’idiwin

Love means showing compassion and understanding towards yourself and others.
Aspiring to live in truth & harmony.

Bravery Zoongide’ewin

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in; take risks and learn something new.
Step out of your comfort zone.

Truth Debwewin

We are all personally accountable for what we say and do. If you believe in yourself, respect your actions.
You are the living truth.

Respect Manaaji’idiwin

Respect means never hurting or humiliating your colleague by unkind words or gossip.
To honour all of creation is to have respect.

Humility Dabasendiziwin

Show your humility by asking colleagues for their opinions and giving credit for their assistance and ideas.
To be humble is to acknowledge our limitations.

Wisdom Nibwaakaawin

Wisdom is seeking to learn all that we can in a respectful manner and to take the time to reflect upon our teaching.
Be wise and share knowledge.

Honesty Gwayakwaadiziwin

Don’t lie or steal.
Walk with honour.

Staff Profiles

Stefanie Bryant
Executive Director

My name is Stefanie. I’m a member of Lac Seul First Nation, grew up in Sioux Lookout, and have been raising my family in Kenora for the past 14 years. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my children, being on the water, and starting craft projects (and even sometimes finishing them!)

Camp, to me, is connection. I get to witness connections being formed every day I’m here: to the land, to one another, to the animals, and to the culture. Camp is a space that holds stories, relationships, and possibilities, and I feel grateful to be part of it.”

Katie Root
Camp Director

Katie Root is the Camp Director at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp. With a background in education, recreation, and outdoor learning, her journey has taken her from Toronto to Kenora, where she now works closely with her team at camp. Inspired by the strength of community and the role that land, culture, and sport play in wellness, Katie is proud to support land-based, culturally grounded teachings that foster connection, learning, and wellbeing. Outside of camp, she has a deep love for sport; football, basketball, and baseball, enjoys cooking and sharing meals with others, and has a strong appreciation for animals, all of which influence the way she creates welcoming, inclusive spaces at camp.

What Camp Means to Me: Camp to me is a place where relationships are built across communities and youth are encouraged to challenge themselves, try new things, and grow beyond their comfort zones. It’s seeing confidence grow through connection, culture, and shared experiences on the land.

Adriana Novak
Program Manager

“I’m Adriana, the Program Manager here at the camp. I began my journey here in 2022 as a summer student, originally planning to move into a teaching role that fall. When I was offered the opportunity to stay on as an Education Coordinator, I decided to continue – and I’m so grateful I did!

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of watching this beautiful property grow and develop, while also reaching new milestones in my own life – becoming both a wife and mom during that time. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the meaningful connections and learning that happen here.

As a teacher by trade, I’m passionate about creating opportunities that inspire learning and connection. I’m proud to be part of a team that helps hundreds of youth each year build confidence, curiosity, and lasting memories.”

Jennifer Coulis
Events Manager

I am the Event Manager at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp. I moved into my role at the Camp in July 2023. Having been involved in planning many community events over the years, the transition felt like a natural fit.

What I love most about working at the Camp is seeing firsthand the positive impact it has on our community. Camp creates opportunities for fun, connection to the land, and meaningful connections with each other. The laughter of children can always be heard throughout Camp – and to me, that is the best sound ever.

Isobel San Martin

Executive Assistant & Communications Lead

Hello! My name is Bel. I’m originally from the Gold Coast, Australia, but fell in love with the lakes, the trails, and getting to experience all four seasons here in Canada, so I’ve been in Kenora since 2023! I love to experience the outdoors and I feel fortunate to get to learn more about the land and life around me here on Treaty 3.

In my role, I get to witness my incredible coworkers pour so much heart and care into all they do, and immediately after I am able to see and document the direct impact it has on the youths and families we serve. I feel that everyone on the team here really is passionate about what we’re doing, and the smiles and memories I see being made as a result feel all the more special because of it.

Terry Parisien
Sports & Rec Manager

Boozhoo! My name is Terry Parisien, I am from Kenora and work out at the Youth & Family Wellness Camp as the Sports and Recreation Manager. I love playing sports and doing outdoors activities.

Camp means a lot to me, especially seeing all the youth smiling during all the activities that happen here.

Steve Novak

Property Manager

My name is Steve! I’m the Property Manager here at Camp – I make sure the land is respected, safe, and ready for visitors to our property to enjoy.

Dylan Ricklef
Executive Chef

Hey I’m Dylan. Food has always been a passion – not just the food itself, but the stories, conversations, and connection that come both with preparing, and sharing a meal. I try to bring that energy to everything we do out here at Camp. When it’s time to unwind you can find me hiking the trails with my dog.

Patrick Enns

Equine Manager

Hello! My name is Patrick, and I’m the Manager of the Equine Program here. I get to spend my day with our great team, which includes chickens, ducks, horses and bunnies.

Jyles Copenace

Cultural Lead

Boozhoo! My name is Jyles. I am from Naotkamegwanning and I am honoured to bring our culture to the next generation: to reawaken it within our future and share our stories. I enjoy travelling and the outdoors, and spending time with my beautiful family.

Hamed Enns

Land-Based Educator

Hi! My name is Hamed. I work closely with Jyles to bring programming to our visitors. We spend time out on the land, learning to live alongside and with it. I enjoy crafts, hikes, and spending time with the ones I love.

Ally Turcotte

Right to Play Community Mentor

My name is Ally! When I’m not at work bringing fun programming to youths in community, you can find me playing sport or spending time with my loved ones.

Zack Reykdal

Maintenance Team

My name is Zack! My journey at Camp has seen me doing all kinds of jobs – they call me the Zack of all Trades. I’ve worked in the kitchen, with the youths, and now work happily alongside the maintenance team to bring the dreams of Camp to life. From clearing trails to building sheds, I get to see many of our exciting projects through from start to finish!

Nicky Dartialh

Head Chef & Culinary Educator

My name is Nicolas, the journey of my life started in France many years ago, followed by an extended stay in Cape Town, South Africa, where I met my Canadian wife and started a family. Soon after, we found ourselves crossing the ocean to settle in Kenora!

My back ground in cooking allowed me to thrive in various ways and to work in some very cool places over the years! This is one of them! My daily commute takes me along the shores of Lake of the Woods, to the “Farm”, through  pristine forests, only to open up to “ranch like” pastures that a multitude of horses call home and a Youth and Family Wellness Camp geared for rest, relaxation and cultural programming!

Youth & Family Advisory Committee

The Youth & Family Advisory Committee exists to ensure the Camp is guided by the voices, experiences, and priorities of youth, families, and community members. The Committee supports the Camp’s mission, programming, spaces, and future direction through shared leadership, lived experience, and community knowledge.