Our staff make up the backbone of our organization. Through performing outreach with youth, hosting programs, and collaborating with teachers, principals and parents, our staff rises to the challenge of supporting our youth.
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Ines joined CanTYD in January 2011 in an effort to guide youth in a positive direction, and to assist young immigrants with the transition to becoming Canadians. As CanTYD’s Operations Manager, Ines supervises staff to ensure the smooth operation of projects on an ongoing basis, drafts reports to funders and the Board, and is responsible for securing funding opportunities to expand and develop new projects.
Prior to joining CanTYD, Ines volunteered at church youth groups, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Providence Centre, and was a freelance writer for T.O. Tamil Magazine and Eyecon magazine. Ines enjoys playing the piano as well as reading novels and writing articles and poems.
Ines holds a B.A. in History with a minor in English & Philosophy from the University of Toronto, and a Legal and Corporate Administration Diploma from Seneca College.
Kausalya was a Youth Outreach Worker in 2008 and is currently the Program Coordinator. As the Program Coordinator, Kausalya oversees CanTYD’s programs and services across several high schools and at the CanTYD office, provides training, support, and supervision for CanTYD’s staff, and is responsible for the coordination and recruitment of new members to the organization.
Prior to joining CanTYD, Kausalya volunteered with the Daily Bread Food Bank, Scadding Court Community Centre, and Tropicana Community Services, and completed an 8 month internship with the Children’s Aid Society. Kausalya has a strong passion for Hip-Hop dance, and her choreography earned her dance team 1st place in the Kalaikal 2009 inter-university dance competition.
Prior to joining CanTYD, Kausalya volunteered with the Daily Bread Food Bank, Scadding Court Community Centre, and Tropicana Community Services, and completed an 8 month internship with the Children’s Aid Society. Kausalya has a strong passion for Hip-Hop dance, and her choreography earned her dance team 1st place in the Kalaikal 2009 inter-university dance competition.
Kausalya holds a Bachelor of Social Work from York University and intends to pursue a Masters in Social Work.
Kausalya Vimal, Program Coordinator
Mathusan joined CanTYD in March 2011 and has been involved as a member and volunteer with the organization since 2005. As a youth from an at-risk area, Mathusan joined CanTYD to develop his skills and was the recipient of CanTYD’s Most Improved Student award in 2009. As an outreach worker, Mathusan enjoys connecting with youth and mentoring them in guiding their lives in a positive direction. Prior to joining CanTYD, Mathusan volunteered with the Malvern Family Resource Center. A music aficionado, Mathusan also enjoys an active social life and emphasizes the importance of balancing a social life with academic and professional success.
Mathusan is currently pursuing a degree in Criminology and Justice at UOIT.
Mathusan Senthilmurugan, Youth Outreach Worker
Max has been involved with CanTYD since attending his first after school drop-in while in Grade 10 and assumed the role of Youth Outreach Worker in March 2011. In his role, Max mentors high school students during lunch hours and after school, and makes an effort to get to know each youth personally and address each individual’s issues. Having experienced CanTYD’s impact on youth through various projects, mentorship programs and sports tournaments, Max credits CanTYD for molding him into the person he is today. Prior to joining CanTYD, Max was a CHAP worker for Respite Services where he assisted individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Max has a strong passion for theatre and acting.
Max holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto with a double major in Psychology and Theatre and Performance Studies.
Max Mahalingam, Youth Outreach Worker
Jananie became a part of CanTYD in July 2011 to contribute to an organization that had played a significant role in her formative years, and to become a mentor and guide for youth. As an outreach worker, Jananie hosts drop-ins and workshops on youth issues at several high schools. Jananie is also the head of CanTYD’s Youth Council and Parent Council. Outside of CanTYD, Jananie is a part-time photographer specializing in fashion and modeling portfolios. An accomplished bharatanatyam dancer, Jananie was the co-founder and classical dance choreographer of the Oshawa Titans dance team at UOIT.
Jananie holds a B.HSc. in Health Sciences from UOIT and was the recipient of the Health Information Management research award in her final year.
Jananie Baskaran, Youth Outreach Worker
Shagee joined CanTYD in July 2011 to make a difference in the community and to eradicate social stigmas towards Tamil youth. As an outreach worker, Shagee conducts workshops and hosts drop-ins at several high schools, and engages youth in discussions about issues such as peer pressure, bullying, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. Shagee also mentors and advises youth on possible career paths. Prior to joining CanTYD, Shagee tutored students in Math and English, and hosted a homework club and music club for grade school students. In her free time, Shagee enjoys outdoors activities including skating, rollerblading and rock climbing.
Shagee holds a B.A. in Sociology & Children’s Studies from York University.
Shageevita Gnanenthra, Youth Outreach Worker
Dela has been involved with CanTYD since August 2010 when she volunteered with CanTYD’s Selvy’s Circle initiative for young women. Dela assumed the role of Mentorship Program Coordinator in July 2011, and now works in pairing youth with mentors to establish healthy relationships. Dela also spearheaded the Ammavum Naanum program, encouraging open dialogue between mothers and daughters in discussing issues unique to young Tamil females. Prior to joining CanTYD, Dela was involved with writing and editing for York University’s college paper, the Arts & Literature Journal, and York student governance. Dela’s interests include public speaking, and among her hobbies are creative writing and singing when nobody is listening.
Dela holds a B.A. Specialized Honours in English from York University.
Dela Muhundarajah, Mentorship Coordinator
Varoun joined CanTYD in October 2011 as he saw it as the perfect opportunity to put to practice his passions – media production and web development – for a community organization with a good cause. As the Capacity Development Coordinator, Varoun is responsible for developing and maintaining CanTYD’s website, and helps put together multimedia productions for CanTYD. Prior to joining CanTYD, Varoun performed freelance design and development of websites for 7 years and now owns his own web development and media production company. A car enthusiast, Varoun’s passions include deep sea fishing, beaches and his dog, Max.
Varoun holds a diploma in Digital Media Art from Seneca College.
Varoun Maharaj, Capacity Development Coordinator