About YLC

Discovering our potential, together.

Welcome to the Yukon Literacy Coalition, where we believe in empowering individuals through education. 

Who we are

Dedicated to improving the lives of people in the North

Founded in 2004, the Yukon Literacy Coalition is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people of the North by providing accessible and culturally appropriate learning opportunities. We serve the Territory in many ways including: Literacy and Skills for Success embedded workshops and programs, conducting and participating in regional and national community-based research projects, operating the Family Literacy Centre (FLC) in Whitehorse, and running a vibrant Yukon-wide outreach program. We work in partnership with First Nation governments, Yukon government, municipalities, local businesses and other non-profit organizations.

A woman is focused on reading a book in a library, with rows of bookshelves creating a serene and studious environment

What we do

A unique approach to learning

Mission Statement: We are a society of people dedicated to improving the quality of life of all Yukoners. We do this by building the foundational skills required for lifelong learning; acknowledging we are all adapting to an ever-changing world. 

Our History

Building capacity and confidence since 2004

Milestone 1

YLC was founded in 2004.

Milestone 2

YLC, in partnership with the City of Whitehorse, opened the North’s first Family Literacy Centre at the CGC in 2008.

Milestone 3

YLC, NWT Literacy and Nunavut Literacy Council (now known as Ilitaqsiniq), hosted the first Pan-Territorial gathering in 2012.

Milestone 4

YLC opened the Learning Garden at the Pioneer Hotel in 2021.

Milestone 5

2024 marks the 20-year anniversary of YLC.

Our Team

Meet the people of YLC

Together, our staff are a team of dedicated professionals who are enthusiastic about fostering a love of learning and supporting the Yukon community. Whether we’re developing new programs, engaging with participants, or working behind the scenes, our team is united by a shared passion for literacy and lifelong learning.

Beth Mulloy

Executive Director

Beth is a lifelong Yukoner and a founder of the Yukon Literacy Coalition. She studied theater and has a Masters in Communications. Lifelong learning is her passion and her work at the YLC has been a study in change and growth. Although she loves the Yukon community and culture, she is also a traveller and you may find her in warmer climes in the dead of winter.

Lisa Young

Director of Operations

Lisa has worked in education for 14 years. She holds an education degree from Memorial University and was raised in Flowers Cove, Newfoundland. She moved to the Yukon in 2008 and worked as a teacher in rural Yukon before moving to Whitehorse. Lisa also has a daughter who is a valued member of the YLC community!

Carrie-Anne McPhee

Community Outreach and Engagement Manager

Carrie-Anne holds a Bachelor of Education and an Associate of Arts Degree in General Arts. Her work with children and families spans the continent and two decades and includes daycare, teaching, intervention therapy, summer camp, and support for folks with special needs. Carrie-Anne’s lifelong love of reading and crafting are put to great use in our programs. Carrie-Anne believes whole-heartedly that everyone is capable of learning- regardless of personal limitations, and she hopes to spend the next two decades involved in meaningful work in her community.

Mark Steudle

Project Manager

Mark was born and raised in Calgary, AB. He is a Graduate of the Glass Faculty at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), where he was granted a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. His background in teaching the art of glassblowing and working creatively have made his skills a good addition at YLC. He has quickly adapted to the lifestyle of the Yukon with his love of the outdoors and all things wild, and has called the Territory home since 2013.

Victoria Blackwood

Family Literacy Project Manager

Victoria grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and has proudly called the Yukon home since 2018. With training in both Early Childhood Education and Business Accounting, she brings a strong blend of creativity and organizational skill to her work. Recently returning from maternity leave, becoming a mother has deepened her passion for creating welcoming, meaningful experiences for families. Vic feels that this work is exactly where she’s meant to be — supporting connection, growth, and joy in the community. Outside of work, she loves making memories with her little family, crafting, exploring the outdoors, and settling in with a great book and a good cup of coffee.

Gracie Twomey

Family Literacy Program Coordinator

Gracie was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and has been living in the Yukon since spring of 2023. She developed a passion for working with children at a young age which led to three fulfilling years as a nanny. This experience laid the foundation for their position with the Yukon Literacy Coalition. Outside of work, Gracie enjoys spending her time hiking and camping, fully embracing the beauty of the Yukon.

Lisa Moore

Family Literacy Program Coordinator

Lisa studied Natural Resource Management and has varied experience working for all levels of government, First Nations, NGO’s and as a consultant. She has a passion for the outdoors and loves to teach through play, observation, curiosity and exploration. She has been involved with the Family Literacy Centre since 2017 and fills her spare time teaching art and natural science to children, youth and adults. When she is not at the Literacy Centre she can be found in the woods, in the garden, playing music or at the pottery studio.

Jolene Walsh

Program Coordinator

Jolene is a Yukon Lifer. She enjoys working with people and supporting them to reach their goals. She has a background in trades and human services studying at Yukon University and S.A.I.T. Jolene enjoys her time with small children and youth, having outdoor adventures and doing crafts or all 3 at the same time. She loves how the Yukon Literacy Coalition provides opportunity for the growth of knowledge and skills.

Sihyeon (Sean) Kim

Program Coordinator

Sihyeon was born and raised in Busan, Korea but moved to Seoul when he was 20. He lived in Seoul for over 10 years. Sihyeon graduated from Kookmin University with a degree in Law. He worked in the music industry for 8 years. He moved to the Yukon in February 2024, and joined the YLC team to help with the development of the new Food Truck initiative, putting his barista skills to work. Sihyeon is currently working with the N.E.S.T program. In his free time, Sihyeon loves to work out and make music.

Nava Taghvai

Program Coordinator

Clara Kary

Office Administrator

Clara is from Calgary, AB and recently moved to the Yukon. She is the newest member of our team. She has a degree in Education in French from Campus Saint Jean of the University of Alberta. Clara taught in French Immersion classrooms for 5 years and is excited to expand her skills with Yukon Literacy. Clara loves the outdoors, especially cross-country skiing, hiking, running and gardening.

We’re Hiring!

See what career opportunities await you at YLC!

Our Board

Meet the Board of Directors

The Yukon Literacy Coalition is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors. Our board consists of volunteers representing eight Yukon regions, including members from the Yukon French community and a designated seat for a Yukon First Nations Elder. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and unwavering commitment to our organization. 

Kelly Johnston

President

- Teslin/Carcross/Tagish

Dawn Marino

Treasurer/Secretary

- Carmacks/Pelly

Deb Chadwick

Director

- Watson Lake

Patricia Brennan

Vice President

- Francophone

Sam Johnston

First Nations Elder

- Yukon

Shelaine Charland

Director

- Whitehorse