We are the YA Apprenticeship Program staff team. We are delighted to get to know you and support you on this mentorship journey! Our role is to support you and your apprentice in this learning experience. From time to time, we will be checking in with you to see how things are going. We will organize some online meet ups and of course the amazing farm tours! But if anything comes up in between these times and you want to talk through something – we are here for you!!! Give us a text, call or email anytime.
Here’s a little more about us:
Alberta Coordinator: Steve Olsen
Hi everyone, I’m Steve! I love raising pastured broiler chickens, and growing herbs and veggies. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, yoga, and spending time with my dog Mocha. I have experience working with several not-for-profits and have taught Permaculture and Agroecology classes. I have lived in BC, Alberta, Quebec, and all over Central and South America. steven@youngagrarians.org
Saskatchewan Coordinator & Program Administrator: Alieka Beckett
Hey folks, I am Alieka. I love hobby vegetable and flower gardening, breath work, and being in the good company of trees. The best part of working with YA is building community and creating opportunities for aspiring farmers.
saskatchewan@youngagrarians.org
Manitoba Coordinator: Sara Yagelniski
Hey, Sara here. I grew up on a poultry farm near Russell, MB and I currently live and work in Winnipeg Treaty 1. I keep my rural roots alive growing garlic near Erickson, MB where I have spent several years on the land. I’m a new mom to a 1 year old who I haul along on farming and camping adventures. I have co-managed a veggie CSA and worked on several vegetable, livestock, and grain farms in SK and MB. I love the farming communities and am inspired and encouraged by those who are keen to tend the land. saray@youngagrarians.org
BC Coordinator: Kiyomi Ito
Hi! I’m Kiyomi. Growing up in a city in Japan, I knew nothing about farming until one day in my 2nd year of university, I met dairy cows in the Fraser Valley of BC – and that was it. I took a winding path through cow behaviour, market gardening, microgreens, eggs, IPM, land matching, and am back again with cows and hens on Salt Spring Island. I love cows, jiujitsu, and learning to farm over and over again! I’m here to support fellow learners discovering their own paths in farming. kiyomi@youngagrarians.org
Program Manager: Kalynn Spain
Hi folks, I’m Kalynn! I have worked with the Manitoba farming community for over a decade, from lobbying to event planning to supporting young farmers. I am a first generation farmer living on my partner’s family farm north of Winnipeg (Treaty 2) with our two children. I look forward to meeting host farms and apprentices and fostering matches. manitoba@youngagrarians.org