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.

Victoria Blackwood

Program Manager

Victoria grew up in Newfoundland but has called the Yukon home since 2018. She is currently on maternity leave spending time with her new precious little girl, but will return to us in the summer of 2025. Victoria has a background in both Business Accounting and Early Childhood Education, with a passion of learning new skills. She loves to create, to spend time outdoors, getting lost in a good book and good cup of coffee.

Carrie-Anne McPhee

Family Literacy Program 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 Family Literacy Programs and Centres, where she runs literacy-based programming with enthusiasm and joy. 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.

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!

Darby MacWilliam

Program Manager

Darby grew up on Vancouver Island and in 2016 discovered the magic and mystery of living in the Yukon. Darby values life-long learning and contributing to healthy community endeavours. She is a strong believer in hands-on learning and is invested in helping people enhance their overall sense of well-being through ongoing literacy and essential skills development. She believes this happens through fostering trusting and caring individual, and community relationships.

Mark Steudle

Youth Program Coordinator

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.

David Martin

Youth Program Coordinator

David was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2014. He loves biking, skiing and anything that will take him outside. His passion for art and the outdoors brought him to the Yukon in 2016 where he worked as a ski technician and as a hot glass instructor. The skills gained from these positions will continue to expand as he learns and grows at the YLC.

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.

Kiana Palamar

Program Coordinator

Kiana is a born and raised Yukoner! She has been involved in the community since a young age, from working at her family’s grocery store, to playing/coaching a variety of sports. After spending a few years living on Vancouver Island, she decided to move back home in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys pottery, biking, and spending time outdoors with her dog and friends.

Larissa Winslade

Program Coordinator

Larissa is from Tauranga, New Zealand but spent many years of her upbringing living in Manila, Philippines. In December 2018, she set off on a new adventure and landed in the stunning Yukon, where she has found a second home. With a degree in Tourism Management, Larissa has a passion for building community connections and fostering cross-cultural understanding. When she’s off the clock, you can find her exploring the great outdoors—whether she’s hiking, camping, snowboarding, or kicking around a soccer ball.

Andrew Elines

Program Coordinator

Andrew grew up in the small town of Cookstown, Ontario. He obtained an Advanced Diploma for Sports Management and has worked for various sport and recreation organizations since, where he helped offer a diverse range of programming and experiences. After travelling and working in New Zealand where he discovered a love of mountains, he ended up in the beautiful land that is the Yukon Territory. With YLC, he aims to utilize his skills to offer accessible programming that can benefit the community. His interests include soccer, hiking, camping, or kicking it back with any type of game.

Jolene Walsh

Office Administrator

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.

Dana Palmer

Family Literacy Program Coordinator

Dana grew up in Saskatchewan and moved to the Yukon recently. She has a Bachelor of Education and has worked as a teacher for the last 5 years. Dana is excited to bring new ideas and her experiences to the Family Literacy Program. When not at work Dana enjoys being anywhere near the water. She is loving all the exploring she is getting to do in the territory!

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 the past 8 years. He moved to the Yukon in February, 2024 and recently joined the YLC team to help with the development of the new Food Truck initiative, putting his barista skills to work. Sihyeon loves to work out and make music in his free time.

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.

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