Discovering a Passion in Youth Services: Annabella’s Journey at Wesley

Annabella, Wesley’s Youth Services Supervisor, brings a unique perspective and commitment to her role. In her time working in social services, she’s worked with both seniors and youth, each experience demonstrating her natural ability to connect with people of all ages.

Before Annabella started her journey at Wesley two years ago, she graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Health and Aging, specializing in Mental Health and Addiction. Upon finishing school, she worked at a children’s reach-out center.

In her first role at Wesley she worked in the Seniors Outreach Program. Thinking back on that role, Annabella remembers helping an isolated veteran secure housing as one of her most rewarding achievements. This early experience showed her the true meaning of Wesley’s mission and led her to a role as an Intensive Case Manager in Youth Services, and eventually to her current role.

Annabella’s transition from working with seniors to teenagers is a testament to her adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges, especially not having worked with this population before. Now, in her role as supervisor, she works with youth ages 16-21 during an important time in their lives. They have their entire future to look forward to and being able to support them in choosing a path that best suits them is incredibly rewarding for Annabella. She remembers the experience of being a teenager herself and is grateful that she’s able to use that to connect with them through an approach grounded in empathy and understanding. Her easy-going, open-minded personality helps to make those connections even stronger, building mutual trust and respect with clients.

It’s often eye-opening to realize that you can’t always see what young people are going through just by looking at them. Many of the youth in Wesley’s programs have experienced significant trauma, from family conflict and substance use to homelessness and more, beyond the usual difficulties of being a teenager. Reflecting on her own high school years, Annabella wonders what her classmates may have been dealing with behind the scenes. She understands the importance of working on a case-by-case basis, as each young person brings unique experiences and perspectives that require a tailored approach to truly make an impact.

For Annabella, the most fulfilling part of her job is witnessing the growth and achievements of the youth she works with. Every accomplishment, big or small, brings her happiness, whether it’s seeing a resident land their first job or make progress in their personal journey. Having been there through their lowest and highest moments, she cherishes the excitement on their faces when they succeed. She feels energized by her work and the rewarding experiences of seeing young people grow and mature. Seeing clients go from feeling hopeless, like nothing will ever get better for them, to speaking with confidence, positivity, and having the drive to achieve their goals, this is what makes her excited to get to work each day.

Overseeing both Youth Housing and Youth Services at Wesley, Annabella sees how these programs create a safe and comfortable space where positive relationships are built and youth can truly be themselves. Youth centers offer a relaxed, supportive environment, providing youth with a rare chance to unwind or even take a quiet moment for themselves, which is especially meaningful for those who may not have privacy at home. Being able to just lay down to recharge might seem minor, but for them, it’s impactful.

Beyond these comforts, Wesley’s programs support larger needs and goals too, helping youth go to school and find jobs, which eventually allows them to secure independent housing. With connections to mental health, employment, and other programs often run by Wesley’s partner organizations, youth receive ongoing support that continues even after they exit the program. These resources are often life-changing, providing young people with stability, a sense of community, and the tools they need to thrive independently.

In her role as a supervisor, Annabella finds fulfillment in supporting and guiding her team, especially the newly hired staff who are fresh out of school and new to the field. She enjoys helping shape their approach, encouraging them to adopt a client-centered perspective and a trauma-informed, strength-based approach when working with youth. For Annabella, mentoring her team and promoting these values is essential to ensuring that each staff member provides thoughtful, compassionate support to the young people they serve.

Annabella is now applying for her master’s in psychotherapy, driven by her commitment to mental wellness and a realization through working at Wesley that she would like to continue working with teens for the foreseeable future.

To future Wesley job applicants and staff members, Annabella says that working at Wesley offers a unique chance to explore different areas and apply your skills with a supportive, caring team. It’s a place that encourages growth, letting you discover your strengths while making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career where every day is an opportunity to create positive change, Wesley is a rewarding place to be.

Are you or is someone you know interested in joining the Wesley team? Find our current job openings by clicking here.