Meet Our Staff

 

Steph Bustamante (she/her/they/them)

Executive Director

Steph Bustamante joined the organization in the Summer of 2013. At the University of Regina, Steph studied Human Justice, with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights, as well as the Youth Criminal Justice System, and a Minor in Sociology with a special focus on the Criminalization of Indigenous People in Canada. Before joining the SYICCN Inc. team Steph worked as a Domestic Violence Counsellor, an Anti-Poverty Advocate, a Housing Support Worker, a group home youth worker, and as a custodian for many years. 

Steph sits and has sat on various Boards of Directors across the Province of Saskatchewan in areas of Community Development, Women's Rights, Immigrant Rights, Child Welfare/Group Homes/CBOs, etc.

Message from Executive Director:

Hello Networkers,

I'm Steph, I'm 41 and a Mom to two incredible small kiddos. Every day I am honoured to work with young people in and from care, you are the experts on life in care, and there isn't a day that you don't make me smile and want to keep doing the work we do. It's my job to ensure that the SYICCN is running smoothly so that we can create safe spaces for you to connect with one another and build meaningful life-long friendships--chosen family. Youth voice and expertise are so incredibly powerful, even after 10+ years in this role I am humbled daily by the ability of young people to come in and in a short time simplify, strategize, and solve something that we "adults" have overcomplicated. 

Change on a Provincial level can feel slow and sometimes like it is moving in the wrong direction, but together we are so strong and loud and can improve our own lives, as well as others.' 

Fun Fact: I am first generation Canadian. I'm a proud dork and I love love love reading. If I'm not with my kids, I'm reading or listening to a book.

Favourite Piece of Advice: You do not need to know everything. You don't have to be perfect. Just be willing to try, learn, and keep growing. 

 

 

 

Jesika Lonechild-Hamm (She/her)

PROVINCIAL OUTREACH COORDINATOR 

Hello Networkers,

My name is Jesika, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Provincial Outreach Coordinator here at SYICCN. I’m almost 34 years old (scary how time flies!), a proud mom of three beautiful children, I recently moved to Regina, SK from Saskatoon, SK . Some interesting facts on myself is I from a big family of eight siblings, mostly girls, so I’ve learned that no task or opportunity is ever too big or too small. I enjoy a good book and love connecting with new people, sharing a good laugh, and making a positive difference in our community.

In December 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to work with the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network as a practicum student during my mental health and wellness program. Those weeks were filled with memorable moments, helping me reach my goal of completing Year 2 in mental health. After finishing my schooling, I decided to move to Regina and apply for this position because I truly want to be your voice, advocate, and support—whether you're in Saskatoon, PA, or Yorkton , this beautiful flat land province is easy to connect.

My mission is to make sure your voice is heard, your rights are clear, and you never feel alone on your journey of self discovery. We’re all in this together, working to make a real difference not just for you but for our entire community.

Dream big !! Your potential is limitless!