AREA DIRECTOR

I'm Rebecca and I am the Area Director for Parkland Young Life. Young Life / wYLdLife wasn't available to me when I was a kid growing up in Parkland, but I was invited on a YL snowboarding trip as a volunteer leader 26 years ago...and I was hooked for life! I've had the privilege of being a volunteer leader and committee member for a number of years before formally coming onto staff in 2019. It's been so great creating lasting relationships with my teen pals in Young Life and getting to show them who Jesus is and what a relationship with him looks like. It's such a privilege to do life (the highs and the lows) alongside young people here in Parkland.

YOUNG LIFE LEADER

Hi, I'm David I’m a police officer in the School Resources Officer Unit and a volunteer with Parkland Young Life. This is my first year involved in Young Life. I've always felt a calling to work with and advocate for youth. The experiences they have at this age will impact the rest of their lives. I want the opportunity to show Jesus to them.

I also play in a couple country bands and I love basketball!

YOUNG LIFE LEADER

I’m Rae-Lee, and I’m a passionate member of the Young Life community. Having grown up in Spruce Grove and experiencing the life-saving effects of Young Life in my younger years, I am committed to ensuring today's youth have the same opportunity to be seen, loved, and encouraged in their faith.

Kids need hope, love, and friendship, just like the rest of us and I feel privileged to offer all 3 in the name of Jesus Christ.

I’m a little clumsy, a little zany, and a lot of caring. I’m a full-time oncology RN who likes to snowboard, play the piano, and soak in the hot tub in my spare time.

YOUNG LIFE LEADER

Hey, my name is Heidi. I am an avid traveler and I love nature and playing sports. Watching my mom work with kids and youth in the community throughout my whole childhood has inspired me to become a volunteer leader for youth and has allowed me to understand and want to undertake the role of a mentor and a leader. Young Life has given me the opportunity and privilege of being able to work with youth and help guide them through life and on a path to finding Christ.

YOUNG LIFE LEADER

Hi, my name is Keira! I'm in my final year at MacEwan University, completing my Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Management. This is my second year as a volunteer leader at Young Life, and I've loved every crazy second of it!

I'm excited to meet new teens this year, continue building relationships with my Young Life friends, and have the opportunity to share who Jesus is with them. As you know, teenagers go through a lot as they navigate this challenging time, discovering who they are and who they want to become.

In my free time, I love hanging out with my border collie, Bailey, and going snowboarding with my family.

YOUNG LIFE LEADER

Hi, I’m Eric! Husband to my lovely and fun wife, Uncle to more nieces than I can count and a few nephews. I’m a carpenter, but in my free time I love snowboarding and enjoy hunting.

You never know if I’m being silly, serious, or I’m not even paying attention and I’ll never say no to an adventure.

Teens are important and need love just like everyone. When I was a teen it meant a lot when people came alongside me and took time to get to know me. That’s why I decided to become a Young Life leader. That and the fact that teens tend to be more fun than the rest of the population. 😉

JUNIOR LEADER

Hey, my name is Jonas. I volunteer as a Junior Leader for parkland WyldLife (Gr.6-8). I enjoy the outdoors a lot! Fishing, camping in the bush, climbing mountains and also sailing. I am currently working on my apprenticeship in carpentry and finishing up high school. I am involved in Young Life because it gives me a chance to lead and show Jesus’s love to teens through my actions. It is amazing to see how kids' lives are changed and watch them come out of their shells.

JUNIOR LEADER

Hey, I'm Noah, recently embarking on my role as a volunteer WyldLife leader to grade 6-8 students this year. A distinct calling from God has stirred my heart, leading me to volunteer with Young Life. This experience has proven transformative, fostering personal growth in my community connections and deepening my walk with Jesus. Enjoying moments with children and sharing meaningful experiences is a source of profound happiness for me, and I look forward to the rest of this year.

JUNIOR LEADER

Hi! I'm Maddy and I love Jesus, fishing and crafts! I'm a High School student who volunteers as a Junior Leader for WyldLife Club (Gr. 6-8). I want to encourage young minds to seek the Lord. We all have our journeys and YoungLife has played a big part in mine. Building these friendships has helped me gain confidence, personal growth and I’m passionate about helping others do the same.

JUNIOR LEADER

Howdy! My name is Charlie. I am a Parkland WYLdLife volunteer junior leader for kids in grades 6-8.  

I like things like music, fishing, mountain biking, camping and hiking.

Ever since I became a part of Young Life I feel like my faith in Jesus has deepened greatly.  I love being a volunteer leader because I get a chance to meet and mentor amazing youth, walking with them, and showing them the never ending love of Jesus Christ!

JUNIOR LEADER

Hi, I'm Hannah! I love spending my time outdoors biking and hiking, organizing things, and baking. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and family, and I never say no to a good coffee date. Most importantly, I love Jesus and strive to live out my faith every day.

Recently, I joined the Jr. High leader team, and I'm thrilled to be a part of shaping the lives of teens as a role model of Christ. YoungLife has had a huge impact on me, and I’m excited to see how God uses me to share His love and make a difference in the lives of others.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

I have been blessed by the commitment of those from Parkland YoungLife with my own teen. I have seen her come out of her shell and blossom in the accepting and loving environment so central to Young Life's mission. As a mom of 4, I want to ensure that Young Life will be around to continue blessing not only my own kids but also all youth in our community. Our teens are our future and worthy of investing deeply into. It's an honor to be a part of this wonderful mission and serve alongside compassionate and dedicated people.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

I joined Young Life because of the meaningful impact it had on my own teenage years. I see the heart of this organization and its people and I value their commitment to youth. As a mother of a teenage girl, this has never been more purposeful to me than right now. I delight in being of service to a vision that has a strong desire to see our young ones thrive in safe environments that embody their innate longing for belonging and identity at such influential ages. The relationships they form now are pivotal in setting them on a path that will either nurture their identity or lead them astray. I'm honoured to be on the nurturing end of that impact with a team that is so devoted to our children.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER
FINANCIAL CHAIR

I along with my wife, Beth, was asked to become members of the Parkland Young Life volunteer board.  We have the privilege of knowing great friends who have been involved with Young Life.  As a result of knowing the experiences they’ve had, it was a no-brainer to become part of this ministry focused on building authentic relationships with the youth in our community and introducing them to the love of Jesus. 

Working alongside such a passionate group of volunteers, whether they be board members, leaders or staff, and of course the youth, makes this commitment to our next generation very meaningful and most enjoyable. 

I bring varied business and life experience that can be helpful in carrying out the mission of Parkland Young Life - helping it thrive as a place where teenagers can connect, grow in faith, be themselves and find their purpose as they mature into adults.

If any of this resonates with you, I would certainly encourage you to get involved with this ministry, whether it be in a small or big way. You won’t regret it!

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

Hi, I’m Beth and I decided to get involved with Young Life, along with my husband Glenn Scheideman. I have seen various youth and adults impacted positively by Young Life.

In my day job, I’m a Registered Psychologist and know how life-changing it can be for teens to have a place like Young Life that provides a safe and connected place where they can find support, acceptance, fun and mentoring. Having these supports in place through adolescence can be a game changer as well as a support to families in Parkland County.

The staff and leaders of Young Life are so passionate about coming alongside kids and helping them navigate into adulthood! There is nothing like this that I’m aware of, or would want to throw my time and energy into. 

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

Life as a teen was messy and difficult when I was in Jr High School, and it has definitely not gotten easier.  To this day, I cherish the adults that walked alongside me in those challenging years.

Every teen needs positive mentorship. Every teen needs to know they belong and are loved. Every teen deserves to be introduced to what a relationship with Jesus looks like and the beautiful plan he has for their life.

It is a privilege to support the staff and volunteer leaders that are out there loving teens where they are at- helping them navigate the messy high school years.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

I’m Amy and I am a lifelong Spruce Grovian. I am a wife, mom of 2 boys and I work in Spruce Grove. 

I’ve had a heart for youth in this community for many years serving as a youth leader and coaching youth sports. I have seen the positive impact that Young Life has had on teens and I wanted to get involved.

I’ve been a supporter in the background for many years and more recently joined the committee. Knowing that Parkland Young Life provides teens with a safe place to connect with other teens and adults and have fun together is important to me and is imperative for our community to thrive. I’m honoured to be part of such a great group of people with hearts to see young people meet Jesus and grow in their faith. 

I love nature, camping and travelling with my family. I also love playing pickleball and I am on a dragon boat racing team. 

LOCAL VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER

Hi, my name is Delnita Torhjelm and I’m happy to be back volunteering with Young Life. I’ve been part of Young Life for 28 years in many different roles. 

I believe strongly in youth connecting with their purpose in who they were created to be.  I’ve worked for the Good Samaritan Society off and on for almost 50 years now.  I am currently working in the rehab therapy/rec program.

My goals in life is to have a positive impact on people.  I believe everyone needs Jesus and everyone needs a place to belong. 

My passion is spending time with my family - I have 4 daughters, a husband and 18 grandchildren!!  They truly are my priority.  I love biking and going on holiday adventures. Meeting new people along my adventures is a true bonus!