Kiara (she/her) became an alumni with Motivate Canada after attending the Activate Leamington Forum in 2016. She has 9 years of experience participating in various committees and studies that have centred around amplifying the voices of youth, creating and participating in responsive action. From Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, to Student Representative Council, to sitting in various committees at the college level. She’s a certified Breathwork Facilitator and in the process of completing her certification in Somatic Stress Release. Kiara is passionate about community, connection, listening, learning, communication, dimensions of wellness, safety, resilience and cultivating a felt sense of aliveness

Curtis Brown
Sherbrooke, Quebec

"For YOUth; By YOUth"

Serene joined Motivate Canada as a delegate in 2021 during the online summit. She is now a ViaYOUTH Committee Member. Serene came to Canada as a Protected Person in December 2016. Her background is in Interior Design and she works in her field. But since she came to Canada she's been a part of a few local non-profit organizations as a volunteer, and a Canada Summer Job Employee. She was a part of the YMCA (As a volunteer and a member in a youth supporting program), MCC, and WEST (As a Canada Summer Job Employee and as a volunteer). She also volunteered for other local organizations, by creating logos, posters, and websites. Serene always strives to give back to the community in any way possible as a way of thanking everyone who made her feel at home.

Curtis grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and he now lives in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He graduated from Cape Breton university in Sydney, Nova Scotia where he earned his bachelor of education degree. He has taught grade 2 in the Northwest Territories. Curtis has also taught adults in Ottawa, and now he is an elementary school resource teacher in Quebec. Curtis loves sports, specifically soccer, gymnastics, working out, and football. He also enjoys everything related to wellness. For instance, Curtis has been taught mindfulness and meditation by Buddhist monks and nuns while living in Cape Breton. Curtis has a healthy obsession with enjoying each and every moment. He has spent the past decade practicing present moment living. He says “it has been a lot of trial and error but I truly feel very happy as a result of my spiritual practices.” Lastly, Curtis enjoys spending time with family and friends. He comes from a big family and Curtis will often play guitar and sing songs at family gatherings. Curtis absolutely loves the Motivate Canada community and he is very excited to connect with everyone!

Kiara Clement
Leamington, Ontario

Patrick Whitten
Barrie, Ontario

Serene Elbalkhi
Windsor, Ontario

Stevie Polga
Calgary, Alberta

Stevie is proudly born and raised in Calgary Alberta and is currently a teacher specializing in elementary education. She is very passionate about mental health, life-long learning, and music. Stevie joined Motivate Canada as a delegate in January 2019 at the National ViaYOUTH Summit in Gatineau. She then attended the 2020 ViaYOUTH Summit in Vancouver. The 2023 ViaYOUTH Summit will be the third year Stevie has served as a member of the ViaYOUTH Summit Committee. She is excited to bring her energy, passion and love of Motivate Canada into the 2023 summit adventure!

Patrick Whitten is a future focused leader and has volunteered with Motivate Canada since 2015.Patrick is a strong advocate for youth leadership and addressing the stigmas associated with young community leaders. Patrick previously served as Student Trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board, representing the voice of over 50,000 students. Patrick received a diploma from Sault College and served as the Board Chair for the Sault College Students Union and later as the college’s Student Governor.In addition to serving on student government, Patrick worked part time for the Canadian Mental Health Association as a Peer Support Worker and worked as a campus Residence Advisor, providing support for first year students.Patrick has a strong passion for the environment and worked for Ontario Parks for ten years, serving in roles such as the youngest Assistant Park Superintendent and an advisor to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.Patrick recently completed a BA in Nature Based Tourism Management with a Specialization in Indigenous and Cultural Tourism at the University of Northern British Columbia. Patrick currently serves as the Director of Operations to Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Conservation & Parks.