Office Team

Geoff Eaton

Geoff is a two-time cancer survivor and the founder and Executive Director of Young Adult Cancer Canada. Responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, Geoff has first hand experience attending support groups with people who are closer in age to his grandparents than to him. As a result, he recognizes that Young Adult Cancer Canada's vision is important and essential for young adults dealing with cancer.

Geoff is currently serving on the Adolescent Young Adult Task Force and the National Survivorship Working Group, initiatives of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

He spends personal time riding his motorcycle with his wife, Karen, playing "tickle and chase" with his daughter's Adia and Mira, staying healthy with weight training and hockey, and chasing that sometimes elusive state of "balance".

Recent posts by Geoff
Look Who’s Shaving for the Brave! (Geoff's blog)
Partnership to Thrive (Geoff's blog)
12th Holiday with Cancer (Geoff's blog)
First Holiday with Cancer (Geoff's blog)
Promise of Progress – International Young Adult Cancer Workshop (Geoff's blog)

Lesley Morrissey

Lesley is a graduate of Memorial University's Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) program. She has been happily employed at Young Adult Cancer Canada since January 2007, first as Program Director and now as Managing Director. Lesley is responsible for the internal operations of the organization and for keeping Geoff focused – this is a full time job in itself. Lesley is very proud of the YACC’s work and is looking forward to the future in this very exciting position.

Recent posts by Lesley
‘Make it Light’ – Big Thanks to Torbay! (Organization blog)
Congrats to Karalee Grant –Winner of the National Medal of Courage! (Organization blog)
‘Face the Sun’: Cool New Film (Organization blog)
Holiday Appeal – Thank you Survivors! (Organization blog)
Farewell to our Fabulous Director of Fund Development! (Organization blog)

Karine Chalifour

Karine is a graduate of Universite du Quebec a Montreal in Social Work and Psychology. She manages the delivery of the organizations key programs: Retreat Yourself, Survivor Conference, young adult workshops, and the public education program. Karine is outgoing, loves music, a good meal with friends and family, and never gets tired of looking at the ocean! She also loves to travel and is dreaming of a Safari in Africa and a road trip in the Grand Canyon. She feels privileged to be part of the YACC team and mission.

Recent posts by Karine
How long does it take to…41 weeks, really??? (Organization blog)
Retreat Mode (Organization blog)
What is out there for young adults? (Organization blog)
Hunting for the perfect spot! (Organization blog)
Cancer is preventable, treatable, curable… (Organization blog)

Beth Cranston

Beth is a graduate of Mount Allison University’s Bachelor of Arts and Memorial University’s Performance and Communications Media programs. She started at YACC (then RealTime Cancer) as Communications Coordinator in May of 2007. Now as Director of Special Events and Initiatives, Beth leads fund development and third party events, including the Shave for the Brave and The Climb, in cooperation with other staff members. She coordinates the Touch Yourself, Trust Yourself public education program, works on various communications initiatives, and provides administrative support for the YACC team.

While not working, Beth sings and plays for various choirs in the area. She keeps busy working on her new house, playing with her kitty Mannie, and seeking outdoor adventures whenever and wherever possible!

Recent posts by Beth
Frank Roberts Junior High Shaves for the Brave (Shave for the Brave News)
Upper Gullies Elementary Shaves for the Brave (Shave for the Brave News)
Solo Shaver Carson Chafe (Shave for the Brave News)
Thanks, Cameron Canada! (Shave for the Brave News)
Thanks, Jo’s Spa & Salon! (Shave for the Brave News)

Duncan de Young

Duncan de Young is a graduate of Memorial University's Bachelor of Arts (History) and Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative) programs. He's been connected to Young Adult Cancer Canada in one way or another since Geoff first spoke at Prince of Wales Collegiate in 2000. He's the guy that works on the website, designs some of the materials, and generally fills in the gaps. In Duncan's spare time... he loves hiking, travel, photography & cooking.

Recent posts by Duncan
Big thanks to New-Wes-Valley! (Shave for the Brave News)
Mount Pearl Intermediate and Glenmore Christian Academy Shave for the Brave (Shave for the Brave News)
Villanova Junior High Shaves for the Brave (Shave for the Brave News)
Media Coverage at the St. John’s Community Shave (Shave for the Brave News)
Celebrity Shaver in Calgary (Shave for the Brave News)

Janine Wilson

Event Coordinator, janine@youngadultcancer.ca

Janine Wilson is a recent graduate of Memorial University's Business Administration Program. Janine has been working with YACC since April, 2009 in different capacities and was recently hired on full time to coordinate school, business and individual Shaves in NL for the Shave for the Brave campaign. She is thrilled to have been welcomed onto the YACC team in this position and could not ask for a better group with which to begin her "real world career". When she is not working at YACC, Janine loves to cook, travel, read and spend time with family and friends. She hopes to help make this year’s Shave for the Brave the biggest and best yet!