Our Team
We have a dynamic Board of Directors championing our cause, while helping to strengthen the organization and scale our impact.
Mary Martin
Chair
Mary has been passionate about the safety of youth for many years, starting with being involved in the start up of Kids Help Phone in Surrey. She was also a member of the Board of Directors of the David Foster Foundation, advocating for families of young children going through major crisis in their lives. During her tenure as a City Councillor for the City of Surrey for 13 years, she had the opportunity in meeting Joe, and recognized immediately the significant impact that YBYG had on the many vulnerable youth. With the support of her colleagues on Council, she was able to establish funding for the program in Surrey which is ongoing today. In her downtime, Mary can be found running around with her 3 grandsons and spending time with her large family.
Kevin Torvik
Interim Vice-Chair
Kevin has been a police officer for 23 years, working in patrol, drug, outlaw motorcycle gang and gang enforcement units, as well as having supervisory roles in the recruiting, human resources and school liaison sections. At that time, he took a leave from policing to be a senior adviser to Canada’s Minister of National Defense. Kevin’s passion for supporting youth-targeted anti-drug and gang initiatives helped lead to the creation of YBYG. He first met Joe when they were both students at Templeton Secondary; little did they both know the positive impact that would result years later.
Barry Capozzi
Barry Capozzi brings over two decades of experience with the Teamsters, where he has served as a union representative and shop steward for five years. His extensive tenure has given him a deep understanding of various trades and professions, enabling him to facilitate career pathways for union members. Being instrumental in developing the YBYG-Teamsters partnership for the last three years, Barry is poised to contribute meaningfully as a member of YBYG's board of directors. Passionate about advancing YBYG's youth mentorship and employment initiatives, he aims to empower young individuals by bridging the gap between education and stable, good-earning careers with promising trajectories. His dedication to fostering opportunities aligns seamlessly with YBYG's mission and vision.
Dylan Van Rooyen
Dylan is a career firefighter and community advocate known for his leadership within the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society. Through his Vice President role, Dylan has overseen substantial budgets, coordinated fundraising efforts, and forged partnerships with numerous charitable organizations. His commitment to community engagement is evident in his support for over 80 charitable organizations, including the Child Development Foundation, Surrey Hospital Foundation and Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. With a proven track record in nonprofit management and a passion for making a difference, Dylan is poised to bring valuable insight and dedication to the YBYG Board of Directors.
Sarah Soukhaphonh
Sarah brings over a decade of experience working in administration and accounting with RC Morris Capital, alongside a rich history of supporting charities as a dedicated volunteer. Upon moving to Vancouver, she joined YBYG, leaving behind a large family with many cousins and siblings who had instilled in her a strong sense of community and belonging. In her new city, she felt a deep need to reconnect and found the perfect outlet by giving back to the community.
As a mentor, she has become a guiding presence and a big sister for countless young people during crucial times in their lives.
Now joining the board of directors after years of volunteering as an accountant with YBYG, Sarah is driven to ensure the organization continues to grow securely amidst an increasingly uncertain economy, believing that good people, good ideas, and good kids deserve protection and support.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and practicing Jujitsu.
Paulo Sarmento
Paulo has been an educator for years and the principal of two schools in the Surrey School District for eleven years. As the principal of one of YBYG’s largest and most engaged schools, he has been a strong advocate of YBYG. Paulo became involved with YBYG early on when it started in Surrey and has witnessed firsthand the impact YBYG has had on children, schools, school districts, and communities. YBYG has done remarkable work in collaboration with districts and law enforcement, continuing to be a key partner in the community. The values, mission, and vision of YBYG for creating impact with youth have always been in alignment with Paulo's own. He hopes to continue supporting YBYG in some capacity as he retires from his education career. In addition to his career in the school district and working with youth, Paulo is passionate about athletics, music, and traveling.
Justin Borsato
Justin has been teaching in Vancouver’s inner-city for over 20 years. He is passionate about education and providing his students with opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. He is the first recipient of the 2012 UBC Alumni Teacher of the Year award and completed his Master of Education in urban learning. Justin spends his time coaching basketball, soccer and hockey in addition to volunteering with the HEROs hockey program at the Britannia ice rink. Justin is excited to be a part of the YBYG team and looks forward to having a positive impact on the youth he mentors.
Yves LaCasse
Yves spent 28 years in law enforcement, retiring from the RCMP in 2013 as the Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment. After his distinguished career in law enforcement, he transitioned to the private sector, where he served as the President and CEO of the Dawson Group until his retirement in April 2024. In this role, he oversaw the operations of five large businesses with 32 offices across the province, managing an overall annual revenue exceeding $200 million.
Yves has also been active in community service, serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club and the United Way. He chaired the United Way campaigns for two years. In 2023, he was asked to lead the Memorial Cup Hockey Tournament as the event's Chair.
Yves brings unique and diverse experiences and is passionate about helping youth succeed in life.