Our Team

Didem leads program development and enhancement, supporting teams across the city to deliver responsive, high-impact services. She is committed to systems change and to ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have the support they need to thrive.

With over a decade of experience, Didem has worked with immigrant and refugee youth, families, and communities to create equitable pathways to opportunity and wellness. She is a passionate advocate and systems thinker who co-creates trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community-driven programs.

Her work in the nonprofit and academic sectors has focused on health literacy, social determinants of health, youth advocacy, gender-based violence prevention, and inclusive education. She has led collaborations that connect communities, researchers, and service providers.

Didem believes in the power of youth leadership and is dedicated to creating programs that build belonging, confidence, and the drive to make change.

Having an immigrant background myself, it gives me a special meaning to work with an immigrant serving agency like CBFY and make a difference in the lives of newcomer youth and their families using my rich experience in the immigrant sector, my knowledge, cultural competence, and skills. In my current role as a program supervisor, I do this by contributing to the design, development, and implementation of programs that respond to the various settlement and integration related needs of newcomer youth and their families. My background in legal studies, International Relations, certificate trainings in leadership, project management, and other relevant areas, coupled with my passion to engage and work with people of diverse backgrounds, help me deliver well in the role I am playing now - and will play in the future.

Stay tuned!

In my current role, I organize and lead programs for youth, fostering academic and personal success by cultivating a sense of belonging and community. With international experience in Turkey, Oman, and Ukraine before settling in Canada, I am fluent in Uzbek, Russian, and Turkish. I am a strong advocate for lifelong learning, pursuing a Master's in Education and learning French. As a mother of three busy kids, I believe in the importance of investing in the future of children and youth. My career at CBFY aligns with my passion for empowering youth and contributing to their support system. If you ever need assistance in Uzbek, Russian, or Turkish, please feel free to reach out.

I arrived in Canada as an immigrant 25 years ago. I also endured many challenges and roadblocks throughout my time in Canada so I relate with the struggles that families may encounter while transitioning to a new country. I can help provide you with information regarding education systems. I have resources for afterschool programs, as well as the ability to connect your children to various tutoring programs. We host information sessions that focus on different topics for children and adolescents that occur monthly or quarterly. If you require assistance with opening an account in PowerSchool or contacting the school regarding your children I can act as your main point of contact.

My name is Catherine Clark or Mama C to the hundreds of youths that I have worked with over the past 9 years in the Afterschool Program. My passion is helping youth navigate through high school, providing them with homework support, opportunities to gain knowledge, and have new experiences that will help them grow in confidence for their future school and work. I have the privilege of walking alongside these youths in the NxtGen Program as they find friendships and build connections in their school community.

Aileen Singh is a distinguished Settlement Worker and a parent educator with 13 years of invaluable experience in supporting newcomer immigrants. Her approach to settlement and education is founded on the principle that thoughtful support and deep understanding are the catalysts for unlocking the vast potential within each individual. She has a master’s in counseling psychology and firmly believes in the transformative power of support, facilitating academic success, and enabling individuals to thrive in their new environment.

My family moved to Canada in 2007. I have been working in the non profit sector in Calgary for about 15 years, more than 11 years from CBFY. I am passionate working for community and social development. I have knowledge and experience in settlement practice, resource advising, case management, and SWIS program supervision.

Monica Moosbauer, leading the Downtown area NNESST Team. My fervor lies in assisting newcomer students in adapting to a new country, leveraging their strengths, and persistently pursuing their goals.

I have dedicated the past 3 years to CBFY with a passion for guiding youth toward success in their chosen paths. With a diverse background in social services and youth advocacy, I bring extensive experience in financial management, marketing, and a Diploma in Criminal Justice. Prior to CBFY, I spent 8.5 years at Alpha House shelter and 2 years at YWCA, where I provided housing and support to vulnerable homeless women struggling with addiction. These roles have equipped me with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized populations.

Cristina Balamban brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources in Alberta. Hailing from the Philippines, Cristina holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Cristina distinguished herself as a Sales and Marketing professional for over a decade.

Her journey in Canada began with work at CIWA, Theatre Calgary, and the Distress Centre.

Since 2018, Cristina has served as the Human Resources and Volunteer Resources Manager at CBFY, where she has made significant contributions to organizational growth and development. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in creating positive changes within the organization.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Cristina finds joy in her family life, cherishing moments with her husband, three children, and beloved furbaby, Chanel. She also enjoys hiking, singing, and reading motivational books.

Lorraine Kinsman, CBFY's Director of Programs since July 2022, boasts a distinguished 33-year career with The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) as a principal and teacher. Recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in 2014, she led the opening of two notable Calgary schools, Cranston School in 2010 and Eric Harvie School in 2016. A Sessional Instructor at St. Mary’s University, Lorraine co-authored the ‘Math Makes Sense’ series for grades 3/4/5. Past roles include chairing The Calgary Young Writers’ Conference, The ATA Women in Leadership Committee Local 38, and the Elementary Principals’ Association.

A passionate advocate of Peace Education and Literacy Learning, Lorraine's conference presentations, including U-Lead 2022 and Pathways to Prosperity 2023, emphasize these themes. Integrating her passions into her work at CBFY, she supports newcomer and refugee youth. Originally from Nova Scotia, Lorraine migrated to Alberta in 1978 with her husband, Michael.

I have dedicated many years to CBFY, starting as a volunteer and progressing to roles as Settlement Worker in schools and now as a Team Lead. My academic background includes Community Development and International Relations. Drawing from my years of teaching experience, I have a deep understanding of working with youth and their families. Collaborating closely with educators, my team and I strive to assist newcomer students in settling and integrating into their school and community. My goal is to empower youth in their journey of settlement and integration into Canadian society.

Bibhu has worked with CBFY since 2010, including her previous role as SWIS Worker, Senior SWIS Worker and present position as SWIS Supervisor. She has a M.A in Sociology and B A in English & Social service from the University of Nepal . She has had a lifetime wish for travel and for learning from other cultures. She is passionate in her desire to help newcomer youth and their families settle and integrate into their new life in Canada.

Fahri Duman is one of the SWIS Program Supervisors at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Kinesiology degree. He is a foreign-trained teacher and speaks Turkish. In his work with the Calgary Board of Education, Fahri Duman demonstrated a strong commitment to encouraging global perspectives in young people while preparing and supporting students for and through positive educational experiences. His abilities to anticipate and prepare for challenges while problem-solving with and advocating for others have enhanced his professional experiences both in Turkey and in Canada. I have worked at Crescent Heights High School to support students in developing their confidence, becoming active members of society, and fulfilling their potential.
Do not be afraid of change that is how we grow. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward you are always in the same place.

Frank is the CEO of the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth (CBFY), where he leads initiatives to support immigrant and refugee children, youth, and families. He excels at fostering collaboration across sectors like justice, healthcare, and social services. He's known for his innovative thinking in social justice, having launched several multi-million-dollar programs. Previously, he directed the Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe), coordinating experts from 14 agencies and architecting the Cross Roads Centre for integrated social services. With 25 years at the Calgary Police Service, Frank diverted young people from the justice system due to trauma, addiction, homelessness, and mental illness. He holds a University of Calgary Bachelor of Arts degree, various leadership certificates, and actively volunteers in the community.