Our Team

Staff

  • Shayna Hammer

    Executive Director

    Shayna has always been drawn to problem solvers and people who love to match creativity with action. Growing up in Dawson Creek, BC, she was exposed to all kinds of makers, idea junkies, and innovators. With experience in managing non-profits, and as a business owner, Shayna values support for ventures and organizational evolution. Now part of the Yukonstruct Team, Shayna fosters collaboration, sustainable growth, and meaningful contributions to the Yukon community and innovation ecosystem.

  • Rick Yorgason

    Makespace Director

    Rick spent ten years as a programmer, designer, and project manager at an indie game studio, working with a small team of artists and programmers on an engine built from scratch using nothing but C++, DirectX, and passion. His other passions include traditional woodworking, electronics, leather working, and chocolate making.

  • Ratan Singh

    Operations Director

    Ratan joins the team as a recent graduate of Yukon University’s Multimedia Communications program, where he served as President of the Student Union. He is passionate about animation and gaming; and is excited to put his design skills and knowledge of computer hardware to work in his new capacity at Yukonstruct. Ratan plans to become a full time game designer in the future. Outside of work, Ratan loves playing Badminton and Basketball, and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.

  • Kealy Sweet

    Creative Communications Director

    Kealy is the brains behind Yukonstuct’s communications! If you find her in the wild, she’s probably trail running, mountain biking, or playing soccer. She has a passion for creativity and a love for the outdoors.

  • Erin Scott

    Director of Entrepreneurial Programming

    Erin is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals and navigate the complexities of the startup landscape. Helping businesses develop and execute their business plans, build their teams, find product market fit, and market their business. She’s eager to dive into her role and begin collaborating with local entrepreneurs and ecosystem members to gain insights into the programs and resources that are needed to better support the entrepreneurial community throughout the Yukon. She can’t wait to contribute to the growth and success of Yukon’s vibrant entrepreneurial community, and she looks forward to helping entrepreneurs both aspiring and current achieve their goals.

  • Cedrick Vinoya

    Social Media and Community Coordinator

    Cedrick is a proud Filipino community-builder who landed in Whitehorse after finishing his Business Administration degree in the Philippines and studying Liberal Arts at Yukon University. He’s all about connecting people, telling meaningful stories, and making everyone feel at home. At Yukonstruct, he brings his mix of marketing brain, customer service roots, and big community energy to everything he does. Outside of work, he leads the Beyond Borders Youth Network, supporting immigrant and refugee youth in finding connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging in the Yukon.

  • Orlan Lumantao

    Bookings and Admin Coordinator

    Orlan arrived in Canada in August 2022 to study Business Administration at Yukon University. Living in an opposite country is a mix of excitement, nervousness, fun, and lots of first. He felt very amazed seeing the snow for the first time as he thought he would never get a chance to see it in person. He is also happy with what’s going on in his life including being part of the team as an Operations Assistant. He looks forward to meeting new people, getting in touch with them, learning their stories, and helping them to the best of his ability.

    PS: He might have a poker or intimidating face but he can assure you that he can make you smile, LOL!

  • Simon Kishchuk

    Business Coordinator

    Simon first joined the Yukonstruct ecosystem in 2025 when he took advantage of the Pathfinding Services and the Entrepreneurial Fundamentals program as he got his business up and running. Now as someone who offers these services, he’s keen to help other entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. Simon is a retired ski bum and former public servant who spends his spare time snowboarding, playing soccer, hiking, cycling and (slowly) learning to play the ukulele.

  • Bec Weldon

    Makespace Program Coordinator

    Bec joined Yukonstruct in 2026 as Makespace Program Coordinator, bringing a background in live arts, museums, and digital production, along with a deep love of creative community. Guided by curiosity and a willingness to learn any skill someone will teach, she enjoys everything from embroidery and costume-making to upcycled DIY projects and immersive storytelling. She’s passionate about helping others build confidence through making. Outside the makerspace, Bec performs circus and cabaret, practices fire arts and aerials, and pursues delightfully unconventional creative projects.

  • Donna Onumara

    Social Media and Community Coordinator

    Donna brings her love for storytelling, creative communication, and people-centered connection to the Yukonstruct team. With nearly a decade as a Creative Director and digital storyteller, she has created content for brands across hospitality, food, beauty, wellness, corporate, and lifestyle spaces. She leads social media and drives engagement for workshops and events, capturing the everyday moments, conversations, and wins that make Yukonstruct’s community feel alive. She brings both creative vision and strategic structure, with an MBA and over a decade in administration and marketing. Outside of Yukonstruct, she runs her own digital practice and volunteers at Whitehorse General Hospital. She loves traveling, collecting memories, and healthy living, and is excited to share the creativity happening across the Yukon.

  • Maitri Vyas

    Operations Assistant

    Maitri is a curious soul who likes to explore and experience different opportunities in life. She has dedicated bunch of her time in volunteering at NGO’s back in India particularly in supporting under privileged kids and in realm of rural education. She likes to support and give back to the community whenever she gets the opportunity. A passionate baker and artist, she loves to express her creativity on canvas and by baking delicious treats. Apart from her passion she loves spending time with nature and doing outdoor activities such hiking and paddle boarding!

  • Dennis Athron

    Operations Assistant

    Dennis tends to take two forms: Yukonstruct operations assistant during the day, and the creative visual artist, Vionysus, at night. When he’s not helping people navigate the makespace; he’s neck deep in cables and colors, working on his next live performance for the growing local electronic dance scene. He’s still learning the ropes when it comes to some of the makerspace tools, but Dennis is all in—ready to grow his skills, lend a hand, and share what he knows with anyone curious enough to ask. Whether he’s behind the front desk or behind a projection screen, he’s all about improving the experience for everyone. And while he doesn’t always take himself too seriously, you can count on him to show up with genuine warmth and welcome vibes every time.

  • Ashnoor

    Operations Assistant

    Ashnoor studied in Ottawa, where she earned a degree in Interactive Media Design, and she now calls Whitehorse home. Originally from India, she loves cooking, baking, and curling up with a good book. She’s always up for trying a new recipe, especially if it means sharing the results with friends. She’s also a big fan of Korean culture and a dedicated binge-watcher of web series and dramas, so if you have a recommendation, she’s all ears.  

  • Tanya Van Valkenburg

    Bookkeeper

    Not just our bookkeeper, Tanya also shares her in-depth knowledge of not-for-profit administration and management. Before becoming a self-employed bookkeeper, she was General Manager of Whitehorse’s Nakai Theatre. She is a maker too; she’s been designing and making jewellery for over 20 years.

Board of Directors

  • Jaime Mellott

    President

    Jaime is excited to be a part of Yukonstruct’s Board of Directors and to support the organization’s many important projects. She is passionate about access to justice, particularly in streamlining processes and thoughtfully deploying tech to meet all citizens’ needs. Jaime loves language – she hosts a local storytelling night and dabbles in fiction. 

  • Chris O’Brien

    Vice President

    Chris is a Whitehorse-based management consultant working out of Yukonstruct’s Cospace, where he helps organizations grow through business modelling, financial analysis, strategic management, and research. A returning Board member, Chris previously served on the Executive during the pivotal transition to the 2nd Avenue facility. With a deep-rooted belief in supporting his community, he’s passionate about advancing Yukonstruct’s evolution and long-term financial resilience.

  • Norah Paton

    Vice President

    As a user of both the Cospace and Makespace, Norah sees the value of what Yukonstruct brings to the community. She’s interested in seeing how this organization can adapt to the community’s ongoing changes and needs. 

    Norah is interested in finding ways to contribute meaningfully to the Yukonstruct community. Despite (or because of) her background in the arts, she’s particularly motivated to find opportunities where her skillset is useful, but which are not in the same circles where she works. 

  • Jodie McKitchen

    Secretary

    Jodie McKitchen has lived in Yukon since 2016 and recently transitioned from her role as Executive Director of YWITT to launch Yukon Events, her own event planning and coordination business.

    She brings nonprofit leadership experience, a fresh entrepreneurial perspective, and a strong passion for supporting local businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs in Whitehorse.

  • Norman McIntyre

    Treasurer

    Norman is an Accountant and Partner with Crowe Mackay LLP, a Western Canadian accounting firm. Norman’s background is in First Nation Government fiscal relations and the taxation of family-owned businesses. Norman has also been involved in small northern businesses as a shareholder. Norman joined the Yukonstruct board with a keen interest in encouraging entrepreneurship.

  • Ashley Cummings

    Director

    Ashley Cummings (Komangaapik) is an artist and storyteller with experience in Inuit knowledge sharing, youth engagement, mental health advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. She brings a strong focus on Inuit and northern perspectives to program design and community work.

    A familiar face at Yukonstruct through her past roles, Ashley is excited to give back to a space she loves, especially its wood and metal shops.

  • Candice Gottschal

    Director

    Candice is particularly interested in serving on the Yukonstruct Board as she sees opportunities for growth and evolution. As the organization continues to pivot and adapt to new challenges, she believes her background in project management and event planning, along with her experience in marketing and community engagement, can offer valuable perspectives.

  • Laura Seeley

    Director

    Laura is a communications professional with federal and territorial government experience and has called Yukon home since 2021. She’s passionate about plain language, community connection, and making complex issues more accessible.

    She’s drawn to Yukonstruct’s role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across the North and sees the Board as an opportunity to give back to the community.

  • Murray Long

    Director

    Murray brings decades of experience in policy, communications, government relations, and privacy law, along with extensive board experience.

    A longtime Yukonstruct supporter, he has mentored Maker Academies and donated tools to the Makespace. After recently stepping off the Habitat Yukon Board, he’s looking for a new way to contribute to the community.

  • Tarek Bos-Jabbar

    Director

    Tarek is an experienced entrepreneur with expertise in business scaling, grant writing, financial system restructuring, business accountability, and sales. Tarek is the former CEO of ColdAcre Food Systems.

    Tarek has participated in programs such as Incubate North, the Trade Accelerator Program in Edmonton, and the Launchspace Bootcamp.

    In 2020, Tarek was inducted into Yukonstruct’s Hall of Innovators and received the Notable Innovators Award. His work with ColdAcre is currently on display at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.