Learning Buddies Network

Meet our Featured Volunteers from May!

Jayna Rae Laserna– Mentor of the Month
Jayna has been a compassionate, adaptable and reliable mentor. She thoughtfully adapts her sessions to meet the needs of her buddy, focusing on vocabulary, comprehension, and phonics. Jayna helps her create a comfortable space where her buddy feels safe asking questions and growing from mistakes. Her enthusiasm and patience help her buddy build confidence in every session, inspiring her buddies to develop a love for reading that fuels them to explore different aspects of reading that they have yet to discover! Thank you, Jayna, for the inspiration and adaptability you bring to Learning Buddies.

Kiana Montakhab – Program Coordinator
Kiana brings genuine dedication, compassion, and warmth to every session in her role as Program Coordinator. She is hardworking and consistently comes prepared with thoughtful ideas to support both mentors and buddies. Kiana cares deeply about the wellbeing and growth of everyone in her pod, taking the time to encourage mentors, provide helpful feedback, and make sure they feel supported in their roles. She also keeps the buddies’ learning experience at the centre of her work by creating an environment where they can feel comfortable, motivated, and excited to participate. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and approachable nature help her build strong connections within the Learning Buddies community. Thank you, Kiana, for the commitment, care, and energy you bring so you can make a meaningful impact through the Learning Buddies Network.

Oniza Syed– Executive Coordinator
Oniza has shown incredible reliability, flexibility, and compassion throughout her nearly five years with Learning Buddies Network. Her growth as a leader is reflected in the thoughtful support she gives mentors helping them to tailor their sessions to their buddies' individual needs. She also helps make reading more engaging by incorporating the interests of each buddy into sessions. Oniza demonstrates her leadership and flexibility under pressure when she steps in during times of need to help with recruitment and mentoring. Thank you, Oniza, for your leadership and continued dedication to LBN!

Duneesha De Silva– Volunteer Team Member
Duneesha has been a reliable, supportive, and compassionate member of the Communications Team since 2023. As a Team Lead for the Design Team, she brings care and thoughtfulness to the way she supports those around her, helping create a positive volunteering experience for her team members. She is exceptional at independently addressing issues as they arise for the Communications Team members to ensure they have a smooth volunteering experience. She is communicative, dependable, and a true pleasure to work with. Thank you, Duneesha, for your care and leadership at Learning Buddies!

Join us in inspiring learning for youth volunteers and Little Buddies!

Learning Buddies Network is currently hiring for new staff:
⭐Executive Assistant
⭐Indigenous Program Manager
⭐Director of Operations and Programs

Whether you're currently an LBN volunteer or new to our organization, we welcome individuals who are keen to support our mission and grow in your own capabilities.

Visit our website for more information and to apply: https://www.learningbuddiesnetwork.com/careers

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures who lead with love, show up every day, and make life better in big and small ways. 💙