2023 - 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Vacant

    External Co-Chair

  • Andrea Cleland (she/her)

    Internal Co-Chair

    Born and raised in London, Ontario, Andrea has always had an itch to explore! After University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, she moved all over Canada making every stop her home. In 2011, she moved to Yellowknife and met a community she adored. She stuck around for 3 and a half years falling love with the North and all it has to offer. She moved away for a while, got a post grad in business management but ultimately returned with her partner and little kiddo to settle down. She hopes to raise her child in a 2SLGBTQIA+ safe environment and wants to support kids and adults alike to be themselves in all Northern Communities.

    She feels privileged to be on the Board of the Northern Mosaic Network and hopes she can help to create a loving, empathetic and safe space for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

  • Jacqueline Ho (she/her)

    Treasurer

    My name is Jacqueline Ho. I am a first generation Canadian Chinese that spent my childhood in Hong Kong. I fell in love with the North when I first moved to the Sahtù in 2014. After moving to Yellowknife in 2016, I continue to be in awe of what the North has to offer.

    I started volunteering at the Northern Mosaic Network in 2020, and joined the Board of Directors in 2021. I am proud of Northern Mosaic Network for providing support, a safe space, resources, and a community for 2SLGBTQIPA+ folks. What I am most excited about is Northern Mosaic Network expanding NWT wide in the last few years, so that our services are more accessible to other communities as well.

    In my spare time, when I am not cuddling with my puppers Nanook by my woodstove, I am cuddling with her on the land. I also love being active and doing different kinds of sports.

  • Christine Hsu (she/they)

    Secretary

    Bio coming soon!

  • Jessica Florio

    Bio coming soon!

  • Jordan Mathieu

    Bio coming soon!

  • Chelsea Thacker (they/them)

    Executive Director

    Chelsea Thacker is a non-binary, queer settler who came from Ontario in 2015 to work with houseless youth in the North; they previously worked with the first organization in Canada to debut a 10 Year Homelessness Plan doing Housing First (Youth) case management. Chelsea’s career as a Child and Youth Counsellor has been focused on working with vulnerable youth and helping them reclaim safer spaces. They are passionate about 2SLGBTQIPA+ issues, community safety, youth leadership and amplifying the voices of Northern youth.

  • Emily Smith (she/her)

    Peer Support Coordinator

    Emily is a queer settler who grew up in Sǫ̀mba K'è (Yellowknife). In 2016, she graduated from Trent University with a Bachelors of Arts and Sciences. Since then, she has worked in her community in a variety of roles including canoe instructor, facilitator, education assistant, and outdoor leadership program coordinator. She joined the NMN staff team in 2023. At work, and in her community, Emily aims to create accessible, affirming and joyful spaces where 2SLGBTQIPA+ people of all ages can thrive. When she’s not at work, Emily is probably reading queer fiction or enjoying some time outdoors.

  • Cheyenne Haogak (any pronouns)

    Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator

    My name is Cheyenne Haogak! I’m a queer, gender non-conforming Inuvialuit and Sahtu-Dene Northerner from various communities in the NWT. From the high arctic Sachs Harbour to the capital, Yellowknife, I’ve lived in the Northwest Territories all of my life!

    Growing and learning has always been a priority for me, I’ve always believed in “you learn something new everyday” and I’m excited to use my position as a way to carry that message to my programming. I want to encourage learning, skill-building, and comfort and safety for all, I have big dreams for what I can accomplish here. My focus is on the 2SLGBTQIPA+ and Indigenous communities not only within Yellowknife but for every community. I aim to learn all that I can to bring the best experiences for all!

  • Jonny McColl (they/them)

    Territorial Training Coordinator

    My name is Jonny McColl and I have recently moved to Yellowknife after growing up in England. I have spent the last 3 years facilitating social groups for 2SLGBTQIPA+ young adults, educating others and strengthening relationships among the community. My time in England was spent providing life skills sessions and harbouring a safe space for queer youth to meet like-minded individuals.

    I am excited to be in a role where I can spearhead discourse about what it means to support 2SLGBTQIPA+ people, amplify voices, actively untangle misconceptions some may have about the community, and learn more about those I look to serve. At my core, I aim to uplift others and be a positive trainer; these workshops are a great way to uphold my goals as they build people’s confidence in discussing issues and provide support to them when they need it.

  • Tineke Kippers (She/Her)

    Mentorship & School Supports Coordinator

    Tineke is a queer settler who grew up on Treaty 45 and a half territory in Southern Ontario. She moved to Yellowknife after obtaining her MA in International Development at Queen’s University where she was trained in Gender Based Analysis. Her thesis project examined the intersections of gender, race, and violence in community development and care.

    Tineke is passionate about promoting joy and connection amongst queer youth. She believes that we can all learn from each other and strives to create inclusive and empowering educational spaces. When Tineke is not at work she enjoys painting and spending time with her silver shaded Persian kitten, Cherry Blossom.