CYPT Groups & Aligned Groups
CYPT Groups and Aligned Groups work to support the well-being of children and youth in Waterloo Region. They may work collaboratively or independently of the CYPT. They may align with the CYPT Strategic Plan or with complementary, self-governed initiatives.
Leads of CYPT Groups and Aligned Groups are invited to CYPT Voting Member meetings. This gives them an opportunity to network, collaborate with other partners, and stay informed about what’s going on at the CYPT. However, participating in these meetings does not grant voting privileges. Leads can only vote on or endorse decisions made by the Voting Members if they are the designated representative of a CYPT Voting Member organization.
CYPT Groups
CYPT Groups are action-oriented collaborative groups that contribute to advancing the CYPT Strategic Plan.
Data Research and Evaluation Group (DRE)
An ongoing group of data, research, and evaluation experts from CYPT member organizations. The group is responsible for tracking, collecting, and analyzing the data to support our shared measurement and the Child and Youth Well-being Dashboard.
- Dan Vandebelt (Backbone & Chair) DVandebelt@regionofwaterloo.ca
- Mohamed Billie Hassan (Chair) mhassan@caminowellbeing.ca
- Silviu Kondan (Chair) silviu.kondan@mail.utoronto.ca
Communications Action Team (CAT)
An ongoing group of communications experts from CYPT member organizations and the broader community who volunteer their time to help advance the work of the CYPT Strategic Plan – specifically around Knowledge Mobilization and Influence.
Group Lead:
- Christine Frim (Backbone & Chair) CFrim@regionofwaterloo.ca
Measurement4Change Group (M4C)
Measurement4Change Group, formerly called the Well-being Shared Measurement Group, is focused on bringing measurement resources to partners across Waterloo Region so that they way belonging data is collected and measured across our community is consistent.
Group Leads:
- Wanda Kampijan (Co-Chair) wanda.kampijan@ytr.ymca.ca
- Silviu Kondan (Co-Chair) silviu.kondan@mail.utoronto.ca
If you’re interested in joining this group, you can sign up for their mailing list here.
Early Years Community of Practice Group (EYCoP)
The EYCoP is a group of CYPT members who are affiliated with various Early Learning and Care-related organizations in Waterloo Region. They gather to meet and discuss topics related to Early Childhood (age 0-6).
Group Leads:
- Solami Okunlola (Backbone & Chair) CESLCYPT@gmail.com
- Stacey McCormick (Co-Chair) stacey.mccormick@ytr.ymca.ca
Equity Design Thinking Group (EDT)
A group of members who are advising on the upcoming Equity Design Thinking project. Jennifer Gordon from Pineapple Flags also worked as a consultant with this group from January to September 2024. Read the list of recommended actions here.
Group Lead:
- Alison Pearson (Backbone & Chair) APearson@regionofwaterloo.ca
Free Transit Ridership Group
We heard from an overwhelming number of youth that they want affordable and accessible transit. In response, our Free Transit Ridership Group is bringing together Grand River Transit, school boards, and municipalities to look into free transit ridership for high school youth in Waterloo Region.
Group Lead:
- Alison Pearson (Backbone & Chair) APearson@regionofwaterloo.ca
Aligned Groups
Aligned Groups are committed to improve the well-being of children and youth in Waterloo Region. They are independent and operate with their own governance, membership, and mandates.
Early Learning and Literacy Alliance (ELLA)
The Early Learning and Literacy Alliance of Waterloo Region (ELLA) exists to ignite and fuel an early learning and literacy movement to help ensure a higher quality of life and a stronger community in Waterloo Region.
Group Lead:
- Kathilee Porter (Chair) kathilee@ella-wr.ca
Lead Agency - Mental Health
The Lead Agency Advisory Council with decision-makers representing the other seven core service providers. The Council then works through Starling Community Services to make recommendations to the provincial government on funding allocations to maintain and develop the system.
Group Lead:
- Heather Fedy (Chair) hfedy@starlingcs.ca
Parenting Alliance of Waterloo Region (PAWR)
The Parenting Alliance of Waterloo Region (PAWR) links knowledge and best practices with community partners who serve parents and caring adults.
Group Lead:
- Wanda Kampijan (Chair) wanda.kampijan@ytr.ymca.ca
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Collaborative
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Collaborative in Waterloo Region is a network of local organizations and community partners led by the Waterloo Region Family Network. The Collaborative helps connect families with services and resources, identifies gaps in support, and works to improve the experience of families navigating an ASD diagnosis.
Group Leads:
- Sue Simpson sue.simpson@wrfn.info
- Erin Sutherland erin.sutherland@wrfn.info
Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of Waterloo Region (PMHC)
The Perinatal Mental Health Coalition (PMHC) is committed to creating a community where the mental health and well-being of all pregnant and parenting people are valued, supported, and cared for. The coalition works to build community capacity, connect individuals and families with services and resources, and advocate for the needs of parents and caregivers.
Membership is open to anyone who shares this vision and would like to support this work. If you are interested in joining the coalition, please contact Wanda Kampijan.
Group Leads:
- Wanda Kampijan wanda.kampijan@ytr.ymca.ca
- Megan Snyder msnyder@ourplacekw.ca
Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative Waterloo Region (SNRC)
The Special Needs Resourcing Collaborative (SNRC) is a partnership between KidsAbility and KW Habilitation. Together, they work with licensed early learning and child care programs across Waterloo Region to support children of all abilities. The SNRC collaborates with educators, caregivers, families, and other caring adults to help every child succeed and thrive in their early learning environment.
Group Leads:
Kristy Heimpel: kheimpel@kwhab.ca