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 Grandfather Teachings

Love

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

Bravery

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

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

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

Humility

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

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

Don’t lie or steal.
Walk with honour.

Staff Profiles

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.

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.”

Adriana Novak
Program Manager

Hey, I’m Adam! I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kenora Chiefs Advisory and the BOLD Retreat program for the last several years, recently making a very exciting move to continue supporting the organization in the Program Mentor role. Looking forward to helping bring retreats and baseball programming to life throughout the Kenora region in 2026, and to all the fun in store for us along the way!

Camp to me, is built on relationships. I’ve found throughout my life that camps like ours are such a special setting to craft important lifelong memories rooted in friendships created over the span of a day, a week, or even several years!

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.

Jennifer Coulis
Events Manager

I am the Event Manager at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp. I started working with KCA in 2019 but made the move to the Camp in July 2023. I had been a part of the planning for many events with KCA over the years, so this was a natural transition.

Working at the Youth and Family Wellness Camp allows me to daily see the positive effects that we are having on our community members as we provide a place of fun, a connection to the land and to each other. Hearing the sound of children laughing is everywhere at Camp. Best. Sound. Ever.

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.

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.