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CKY Advisory Group members and Mayor Canniff smiling in a group with a bookshelf behind them.

CKY Advisory Group

​​​​​​​The CKY Advisory Group brings together young residents to share ideas and provide feedback to Municipal administration, Council, and community organizationss on issues that impact youth in CK.

​Created in 2018 in response to the Chatham-Kent to the Power of Young People Survey, the group was formed to ensure young voices are heard and valued in shaping CK's future.​

Learn more by checking out the CKY Advisory Group Terms of Reference and the CKY Advisory Group 2018-2022 Review Infographic .

Follow the CKY Advisory Group  on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. or email CKY@chatham-kent.ca to connect directly.


CKY Advisory Group Members

Megan Siddall

Olivia Jones, Co-Chair - Chatham

I was born and raised in Chatham then moved away for 7 years to pursue an education in Kinesiology. In November of 2019, I made my way back to CK which I am proud to call home once again. What I appreciate the most about Chatham is how our population size allows for it to feel like a close community. I like being able to go to a store, a restaurant, or a festival with a high chance of connecting with someone I know. I have a passion for making improvements in sport & recreation within the communities of Chatham-Kent. My ​dream would be to see Chatham open the ultimate recreation complex that allows for different types of sports, exercise, and physical activity for all ages. 


Kaitlyn Smoke

Alexandra Robinson - Chatham 

I was born in Chatham-Kent, grew up in Alberta, and moved back during high school, eventually choosing to raise my family here. The pace of life and the chance to give my kids somewhere grounded to grow up made CK the right choice. That journey gave me a unique perspective on what makes a community worth staying in, and what can make it hard to put down roots. I'm passionate about building a stronger sense of belonging in CK and making sure young people have real opportunities to stay, thrive, and see a future here. I joined the CKY Advisory Group because I genuinely care about this community and want to help foster the kinds of connections that keep people invested in where they live. I hope to bring the perspective of someone who left, came back, and chose to stay, because I think that experience speaks to what youth need to feel at home here. If I could create something for young people in CK, it would be more spaces and pathways that help them connect with each other and with the community, so staying feels like an exciting choice rather than a default. 

I'm truly excited to be part of this group and to help shape a Chatham-Kent that young people are proud to call home.​​


Kaitlyn Smoke

Leah Cabral- Wallaceburg

Originally from the Toronto area, I moved to Chatham-Kent four years ago for a slower pace of life and the warmth of a close-knit community. When I'm not gardening or out with my two dogs, I am dedicated to my work as the Executive Director of CK Victim Services (CKVS), where I focus on uplifting community members through their most difficult days. Having also taught post-secondary mathematics for over a decade, I bring a deep belief in the power of mentorship and structured guidance to help young people reach their full potential. I am a leader who believes Chatham-Kent is a region of immense opportunity, and I joined the CKY Advisory Group to help empower the next generation to take action right here at home. I hope to inspire young people to see themselves as the driving force behind our social fabric, moving our community from being just an "option" to a primary destination for growth and purpose. If I could create one thing for youth in CK, it would be a robust mentorship network that connects their passions to real-world leadership, ensuring they feel supported in building their future here.


Kaitlyn Smoke

Kaitlyn Bevilacqua (she/her) - Pain Court

I was born and raised in Pain Court and, after  moving away to pursue my post-secondary education, I chose to return to Chatham-Kent to live and work in the community that shaped me. I am a paediatric speech-language pathologist, and my work centers on supporting children's access to communication. 

Growing up with a sister with multiple complex needs, I'm passionate about advocacy and ensuring that everyone has a voice that is heard and respected. This is why in 2019, I created the Let's Take AACtion campaign, an initiative that raises awareness and funds to support access to augmentative and alternative communication.

I'm drawn to CKY as a way to give back, connect with other youth leaders, and help support the growth of our community's future. I believe inclusive communities start by listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and creating space for every voice.​


Kaitlyn Smoke

Russell Lucier - Grande Pointe

I was born in Chatham and currently live in Grande Pointe. What I appreciate about Chatham-Kent is its convenient location. I like traveling so being in the heart of it all really speaks to me. I am very passionate about piano and learning about how people in different cultures and religions live. I joined the CKY Advisory Group to share my perspectives shaped by a diverse background, plenty of travel and a genuine interest in the general good for all communities. If I could improve something in CK for youth, I would advocate for more opportunities to explore different cultures. I believe that the more backgrounds people come to see, the more they will begin to respect the cultures of the international community they live in.​


Kaitlyn Smoke

Ben Sterling - Chatham

I grew up in Chatham and attended Tecumseh public school and CKSS. Upon graduating from CKSS, I moved to St. Catharines to attend Brock University. I moved back to Chatham to live with my long-time girlfriend after being apart for 3 years. I appreciate that Chatham is an accessible community for my girlfriend and I to settle down in. I am most passionate about matters regarding policy and the law, particularly as they pertain to young people and the unhoused. I joined the CKY Advisory Group because I want to get involved in advocacy work around my community, and because I want to make connections with people who work for the municipality. I bring a unique and diverse combination of lived experience, education, and work experience to the committee. If I could improve something for youth in CK it would be the quality of education they receive or their level of media literacy, particularly pertaining to AI.​


Kaitlyn Smoke

Chippy Daniel- Chatham

I was born and raised in India and moved to Canada in 2022. Since then, Chatham-Kent has become a place I am proud to call home. What I appreciate most about this community is its welcoming nature and the strong sense of connection among people.

I completed my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 2020 and later completed my Social Service Worker (SSW) program in 2026. I am also a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) currently working with Community Living, supporting individuals in their daily lives and promoting inclusion and well-being within the community.

I am continuing my education in the field of social work at Laurentian University, where I am building further knowledge and skills to support individuals and communities in meaningful ways.

I am passionate about mental health awareness, community support, and youth advocacy. As a member of the CKY Advisory Group, I am committed to amplifying youth voices and contributing to positive and lasting change in Chatham-Kent.