At Inclusion Yukon, our team is made up of people who bring a wide range of skills, experiences, and care to the work of building inclusive communities. Together, we support individuals, strengthen community connections, and work toward meaningful inclusion in the territory. Read more about us below!
Who We Are
Management Team
Jane Gillies — Operational Manager
Jane (she/her) grew up in Nova Scotia on the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. She undertook postsecondary studies in both Human Services and Office Management, and prior to joining the Inclusion Yukon team she worked in the customer service and retail sectors. Jane started at Inclusion Yukon as a support worker in 2019, and later become the Program Coordinator. She enjoys learning new skills, and being an advocate for inclusion and accessibility in the Yukon. Beyond the workplace, Jane is an amateur gardener, an animal lover, and enjoys cooking up all kinds of creations in the kitchen. She also doesn’t miss an opportunity to get to the ocean, whether it’s East or West coast.
Meriya Gmeiner-McPherson — Advocacy Manager & Support Worker
Meriya/Riya (they/she) is a Scottish/German settler born in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat (Toronto, Ontario). They moved to the Yukon 9 years ago and kept returning for the amazing community, the breathtaking land and love for their chosen family. They have been working at Inclusion Yukon since May of 2019 and have been passionate about trying to provide high quality care through support work and are a keen advocate for inclusion and accessibility in their community. Meriya believes that long-term community care work can change lives for the better and is keen to continue learning about disability justice, deconstructing ableism and how to create equitable futures for all. Meriya works as a support worker and advocate at Inclusion Yukon. When you can’t find Riya at work they may be spending time with horses, roller skating, crafting or being told to take a nap.
Nik Potapenko — Communications Manager, Labour Market Facilitator, & Support Worker
Nik joined Inclusion Yukon in 2022 as a support worker, and loved it ever since. He is passionate about creating inclusive environments in the beautiful Land of the Midnight Sun, helping people achieve their wok and life goals, bringing community together, connecting, networking, and engaging. He firmly believes in the world united by caring and empathetic people supporting each other and themselves.
Outside of the workplace, Nik spends time playing and hosting Dungeons and Dragons game nights, hiking, and doing photography.
Alex Maltais — Finance Manager
Alex joined the Inclusion Yukon team in 2025 as Finance Manager. She is a born-and-raised Yukoner, growing up in Whitehorse on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and began her work in the non-profit sector in 2022. She currently serves as Treasurer for another prominent local organization.
Alex cares deeply about sustainability and the strength of local communities. She values opportunities to keep learning and broadening her perspective — something she’s pursued through extensive travel and cultural and language immersion. Outside of work, she runs a small thrift and vintage business (yes, still working!), and enjoys snowboarding, baking (eating dough), and spending time with her friends and family.
Community Support & Programs Team
Lorraine Paddock — MentorAbility Hub Coordinator & Support Worker
Although Lorraine has lived from Coast to Coast and many places in between, she is a long-time Yukoner and considers it her home. Her journey with Inclusion Yukon started in 2019 as a support worker doing mostly job coaching. You have probably seen her at Canadian Tire, Wykes’ Independent Grocer, Lumel Studios, or any one of a number of other businesses in Whitehorse that have made inclusive hiring a priority. In 2024, Lorraine took on the additional role of becoming the Yukon Hub Coordinator for MentorAbility Canada. She is very much enjoying the challenge and considers it an honour to be part of this initiative. She looks forward to meeting and working with more and more Mentees and Mentors. To learn more about MentorAbility, check out our “Employment Supports” page!
Emily Ross — Community Education & Advocacy
Emily (she/her) is a settler of British, Danish, and Dutch descent who was born and raised on the territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. She is passionate about inclusive education that helps us cultivate supportive and sustainable communities. Emily holds a BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria and an MA in International Education from the SIT Graduate Institute. She is currently pursuing a post-degree Bachelor of Education at Yukon University, and is grateful to be deepening her understanding of how to create spaces of learning where everyone can thrive. Over the years Emily has worked for different community non-profits in areas like community outreach, arts-based and outdoor education, and youth and climate advocacy. When she’s not working/studying, you can find her hiking, reading, or attempting (sometimes successfully) to knit socks.
Jamie King — Support Worker
Jamie was born and raised in beautiful Whitehorse, Yukon on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Jamie stepped into her role as a support worker at Inclusion Yukon in the fall of 2024! Jamie is a strong advocate for inclusivity and equality. She actively works to create spaces where every individual feels seen, respected and valued, regardless of background! After work hours Jamie volunteers at many NGOs and community events throughout the year. In every day life outside of work and volunteering, Jamie is a resourceful artist from many avenues! She’s passionate about baking and cooking, sewing and art of all types, from recycled/used/thrifted materials, she believes heavily in recycling, reusing and sustainability!
Reuben Wurtak — Respite Coordinator & Program Support
Reuben (he/him) is aboriginal, part of the Crow Clan, and has happily lived in Whitehorse all his life. Living in the beautiful land of the Yukon has given him all that he has needed and he loves giving back. He volunteered at the elementary school he grew up in (ESES) for many months before he became part of Inclusion Yukon in 2019. He has continued as an Administrative and Program Support as well as Respite Coordinator. Through all his experience he has made it his priority to make Whitehorse a more supportive and welcoming place for the long term. outside of supporting the community, you may see him sun basking by the river or flying kites on windy days. He has always shown to be ready to exchange stories and jokes.
Rashid Sadykov — Support Worker
Rashid Sadykov is an artist, photographer, and graphic designer who joined Inclusion Yukon as a support worker. He is originally from Kyrgyzstan and his artistic journey began with studies in Moscow. Now residing in Whitehorse, Rashid draws inspiration from the raw beauty of the Yukon, which he captures through is en plein air watercolor paintings. He is passionate about his role as a support worker and is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive community.
Administration & Front Desk Team
Mallory Pigage — Office Administrator and Manager of Mallory’s Postering
Hi, my name is Mallory Pigage. I am a 35-year-old woman with an intellectual disability called Charge Syndrome. I work at Inclusion Yukon and manage my own business which is called Mallory’s Postering. The other part of my job is doing admin and working at the front desk. The sports that I am involved in at Special Olympics Yukon are bowling and bocce. In my spare time I like to hang out with my mom and dad (pictured here) and play Skipbo. I am a wonderful Auntie to three kids that I adore. I have an older brother and a wonderful sister-in-law. In my spare time I like to read books on my kobo, go walking, and listen to The Chicks.
Kortney Fernandes — Office Administrator
Kortney, born and raised in the Yukon, has always been interested in climate change but has started to be interested in neurodiversity and knowing that it’s okay to be yourself and not let society trick you. Kortney is passionate about bringing the community together in all aspects of life and spreading awareness or people experiencing disabilities. Kortney is currently working as an office administrator at Inclusion Yukon. She is grateful and appreciative of all the new things she has learned and is looking forward to learning more and helping wherever she can. Kortney has worked customer service jobs in the past but is liking office work better as it is way less stressful and more exciting. When Kortney isn’t working at the front desk you can find her reading and spending quality time with family.