EYC Staff Team

Jalesa L. Wallace

Hi! My name is Jalesa Wallace and my pronouns are she and her.

 I have worked in the mental health field for over 6 years before starting at Rapport Youth and Family Services in 2016. I worked as a Personal Support Worker, supporting both young and older adults on the ASD spectrum. This was such a rewarding experience for me personally and professionally, as it opened my eyes to the beauty and importance of understanding mental health. I have also sat on the access and equity committee with OCASI for two+ years. 

My journey at Rapport began as a placement student at ECLYPSE Youth Centre while in my second year of the Social Service Worker program at Sheridan College. I never knew that this path was for me professionally, but from the moment I entered the centre space, I knew this was home. This is where I would make a difference in the lives of those who needed it the most, a goal of mine in which I wanted to achieve for as long as I can remember. I am presently the Manager of Youth Outreach and Engagement Services for all three ECLYPSE Youth Centres in Peel Region. I am also a full time student at the University of Guelph Humber, in which I am in the process of obtaining my degree in Family and Community Social Services. 

Here at ECLYPSE I have facilitated our Girl Talk program and supported young women in areas such as self esteem, self worth, healthy relationships and goal setting. This is an area of passion for me, in which I am dedicated to be for young people, who I needed when I was that age. My goal at ECLYPSE has always been to be a light and inspire youth who feel as though they are undeserving of encouragement, love or opportunities. My goal professionally, is to encourage and support successful and healthy family units, whatever version that looks like; through therapy and other counselling opportunities. ECLYPSE has changed my life, so I could assist others in changing theirs.

Tamika Malcolm

My name is Tamika Malcolm my pronouns are she/her. I am one of the Program Coordinators at ECLYPSE. I have graduated from Humber College in Business Management and Child and Youth Worker I recently became a John Maxwell Certified Leadership, Coach and Speaker. I have been in this field for 10 years; I have a strong passion for youth and everything leadership. I believe we all hold the solution to a problem in this world and I wake up every day to help our children and youth tap into their greatness and reach their full potential. I currently facilitate the Raise your voice program helping youth to own their voice and confidently expressing it. My dream is to one day open a youth center where youth can express themselves through various art mediums, build their confidence and soar in society.

Prakash Seecharran

My name is Prakash Seecharran, pronouns he/him. My educational background: Bachelor’s of Applied  Science in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph. Diploma in Police Foundations
I originally started of as a placement student at ECLYPSE. At the beginning of it, I thought of the experience as something I just had to complete for school and that was about it. However, as I spent more and more time within the atmosphere, interacting with the staff and our wonderful youth, I started to enjoy myself and what I did. Long story short, I was fortunate enough to get hired within an organization where I loved what I did.
I have been with the ECLYPSE team now for 3 years and all I can say is that there has never been a dull moment. ECLYPSE and Rapport have given me continuous professional growth and development. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to be myself and this is something that I’m continually grateful for. 
 Working here has made me realize that helping or assisting those within my community is something that I would like to do for as long as I possibly can. Whether that’s in a position with ECLYPSE/Rapport or in some other form. Through out my time here, I’ve learned that you don’t have to be in a certain position or status to make a difference. Support and assistance comes in many forms, whether that you’re the inside or outside of the workplace. At the end of the day, I want to continue to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

Morgan Buchal

Hello! My name is Morgan Buchal, my pronouns are She/Her. I have always been interested in human behaviour and other human experiences. I believed this caused me to pursue my Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminal Justice. I have had experience working in several different fields; from customer service, to factory work and now social services. One thing I learned from all these different work environments is humans have the intrinsic need to be social and to be understood. While pursuing my degree I received the opportunity to be a placement student at ECLYPSE Youth Centre.

Since my placement experience I have had the opportunity to wear several hats within the agency. Starting off as a Volunteer, and moving into a Program Facilitator position and now Program Coordinator. In 2017, I was grateful to receive the opportunity to work collaboratively with a variety of agencies to built what would become our 2SLGBTQ+ program, PRISM, for Queer youth in Peel Region. Since then, I have facilitated several of our Youth Arts Against Violence (YAAV) programs such as; Social Justice, Hip Hop, Visual Arts, Life Skills, and Fashion. As of October 2020, I was transitioned into a Program Coordinator role at our 301 Burnhamthorpe, Mississauga location.

With more than 4 years experience, I look forward to diving deeper into my passion for youth, mental health and social justice. I believe it is important to educate ourselves so we can empower one another and learn from one another’s experiences; With empathy comes understanding.

Chennel Watson

My name is Chennel Watson(she/her) and I am the Program Coordinator of our Central Brampton location. I am an SSW graduate from Sheridan College, who chose the general stream to broaden my horizons and work with various populations. In the past, I did youth work with the YMCA, working with children and youth between the ages of 3 to 12, which gave me a great deal of experience and prepared me for my role here at ECLYPSE. Now, working with our current age group(12 to 24), I am convinced that this is where I want to be! I have always been very passionate about mental health, even more so about the mental health of our youth, so ECLYPSE is a very fulfilling place for me to work! I hope to continue reaching new milestones for my own professional growth, as well as doing the groundwork to get ECLYPSE’s services in the reach of as many youth as possible.

Alyssa Joseph

My name is Alyssa Joseph and my pronouns are she/her. I graduated from the Child and Youth Care program at Sheridan College in April 2020. During my time here at ECLYPSE, I have revamped and facilitated a number of programs, such as, Life Skills, Social Justice and Girl Talk to name a few. In addition, I have created two of our current programs; Rhythmic Expressions and Inside Out. Aside from programming, I have also created and oversee a Wellness Committee for our staff team, in which I provide opportunities for us to practice self-care and build our team dynamic, to ensure that our cups are full so that we are able to pour into the youth that we service. 

Outside of ECLYPSE, I have experience working in daycares, schools and correctional facilities.  Altogether, I have over 4 years of experience in the child and youth care field.

Just a few facts about myself: 1) I LOVE music 2) I LOVE to laugh, there is rarely a moment where you won’t at least see me crack a smile 3) I LOVE everything about what I do, from interacting with youth, to facilitating programs and offering support in any way that I can!

Rafael Buenaflor

My name is Rafael Buenaflor and my pronouns are he/him. I’m currently in pursuit of my Child and Youth care diploma at Humber college which I am projected to receive in the Spring of 2023. I am one of the program facilitators at our 83 Kennedy location. At ECLYPSE, I’ve facilitated a number of programs as a student such as Guy’s domain, It’s debatable and Mind time to name a few. Now, as a staff, I facilitate programs such as, Artistic Waves, Rhythmic Expression and Life Skills. I have even created a program called Health is Wealth, where we explore the many aspects of a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. Coming from a sports background, this program is very important to me and I can’t wait to change the lives of some youth with it. 
I have also worked at a correctional facility for male youth known as Cuthbert house. Along with some background as a basketball coach and being at this lovely workplace with ECLYPSE, I have an overall 2 years of experience in the Child and Youth care field under my belt. 
Some facts about myself: I love sports, I enjoy exploring new places to eat, I love to travel and there’s nothing I love more than making others smile! Being in this field has broadened my perspective on life and the impact I can make for those that I work with. As long as I am still able to, I will do what I can to make a difference for the next generation.

Chelsea Burnside

Hey there! My name is Chelsea Cheree Burnside, my pronouns are she/her. I am a program facilitator here at ECLYPSE youth center. My journey here has just begun as I was recently hired back in May of 2022.    

My experience since then has been nothing short of amazing. This position has allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow not only within the child and youth care field but also within my own personal life.                                                                                 

I’ve been awarded the opportunity to facilitate a number of programs, one being Leadership. This has allowed me to share my experience with youth alike, to help encourage them to be the greatest versions of themselves.  I aspire to inspire greatness and love within everyone I come into contact with, I am very grateful for this experience and I look forward to what God has planned for me in the years to come

Breann Marcelle