SchoolsPlus

My name is Aaron your Community Outreach Worker. I have been working in the SchoolsPlus program since October 2021. Prior to joining SchoolsPlus, I worked for Community Services for fifteen years. I was born and raised in Sydney, Cape Breton. I graduated from Riverview High School in 2000. I went on to study at CBU and graduated with honors in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies. 

As an Outreach Worker, we can support students and families in a wide range of areas. This is what I enjoy most about my job! I get to help families over come barriers, work with students in groups, and be a helping hand for families and there children during there educational journey. 

I spent most of my life involved in hockey, playing the game and then coaching it. I am very appreciative of the opportunities the game has given me. 

I am a husband and proud father of four wonderful kids.  In the summers you can usually find us combing the beautiful beaches of Cape Breton.

Jenna Szeto, Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYCP)

jszeto@hrce.ca

My name is Jenna Szeto (a.k.a Ms. Szeto /Burrito) and I have been a Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYCP) with SchoolsPlus since 2019. I hold a diploma in Child and Youth Care and have six years of experience in the field. Working with children and youth is my passion! 

As a CYCP, my role in schools is to build trusting and supportive relationships with students. I focus on students’ social and emotional well being and provide support to help them cope and function in the school setting. You can find me sitting beside students in classes, jumping into a game of basketball, and running small group programs. My goal is to help students realize that they are valued, heard, and amazing individuals, each with their own unique strengths and abilities. 

I’m originally from Amherst, Nova Scotia and moved to Halifax in 2017. Halifax has become my new home and I’ve had the pleasure to work in all the schools in the Prospect Community. I am currently working full-time at Atlantic Memorial-Terence Bay Elementary. 

In my spare time, I love spending time with my fiancé Steve, our four dogs, and my potbelly pig. I enjoy playing guitar, cooking, and have a background in dance.

“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” (Josh Shipp)

Christina Mouchayleh, Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYCP)

christina.mouchayleh@hrce.ca

My name is Christina Mouchayleh, and I am from Halifax, NS. I hold a diploma in Human Services/Child and Youth Care, and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies.  I am the Child and Youth Care Practitioner (CYCP) for Brookside Junior High School. I started with SchoolsPlus in September 2021, and prior I have worked in the field of CYC for six years, working with at risk youth ages 12-18. I collaborate with school teams to help implement proactive supports for our young people who may have difficulty coping in school settings due to social, emotional and/or behavior issues. My goal is to build connections by participating in and using day-to-day environments and life experiences to help with practical skills. Most importantly, I want students to feel like they are being heard and cared for. 

When I am not enjoying my time with students, I am enjoying it with my family and friends. You can find me watching basketball (waiting for another championship from the Toronto Raptors). I love cooking; I am a huge foodie and consider myself to be a professional eater.  

Characteristics that I think are essential to a good Child and Youth Care practice are, generosity, curiosity and hope. Everyone who does this work has influenced me, I have many long time friends and colleagues, but I continue to be amazed at how much there is still to learn. I hope to make a positive impact.