About Us
GB Youth Learning Services is a community-based program that has been in operation for over thirty years. Our services are free and delivered by our generous volunteers.
We offer one-on-one assistance for school-aged children, 6 to 14 years of age, who are having difficulty with basic literacy or numeracy skills. Students are referred by teachers, parents, agencies or other student allies. We work with schools, libraries and many community organizations to help participants succeed.
We have an extensive collection of learning resources available to borrow for free to students and their families. These include: math and language games, books, manipulatives, worksheets, flashcards, and kits. We are continually expanding our resource library to reflect local school curriculums and to meet the needs of our volunteers and parents working with their children at home.
Our Mission
GB Youth Learning Services is a local, community-based organization whose mission is to provide opportunities and resources for school age children and youth to improve basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Our Team
Steven Morel, Program Coordinator
Steven Morel, Program Coordinator, joined YLS in 2024 after working with other NFP organizations. Steven and his wife, Jenny, ran the ‘Literacy On Its Feet’ program with the literacy organization years ago, so was very familiar with their work before coming aboard as their coordinator. Steven has degrees in Music Education and Physical Education, and an eclectic background as a comedic actor, writer, director and musician.
Louise McBride, Chair
Louise joined the Board in 2023, looking to share her knowledge. A classroom teacher with nearly 20 years of experience, Louise has worked with students from diverse backgrounds and understands that strong literacy and numeracy skills are essential. When she is not working, she can be found walking her dog, serving on various local committees, or with her nose in a book.
Geri Robertson, Director
Geri volunteers as a member of our board, having been a learning assistant with us for two years. She is a master professional clinical counselor working in her own private practice. Geri's clinical concentration is in brain development, preverbal trauma, and child behavior.
Shannon Ireland, Director
Shannon Ireland became a learning assistant and board member for GB Youth Learning Services because of her lifelong dedication to learning and literacy. She works in healthcare technology, focusing on improving accessibility and access to information for patients and caregivers.
Pam Michels, Secretary
Pam joined the Board in 2019. Pam retired after 35 years teaching where she taught grades 1 to 8 and spent many years as a special education/resource teacher. Pam has been a member of other NFP Boards and has volunteered extensively. She enjoys reading historical fiction and tutoring math.
Harvey McFadden, Treasurer
Harvey is a retired mechanic who has volunteered with our organization for over twenty years. During this time he has fulfilled various executive positions as well as being a tutor/learning assistant. Harvey feel that working with children and youth helps to keep him connected to our community. Harvey has been able to develop many beneficial relationships through volunteering with GB Youth Learning Services.