Each day at Promise Partnership, our team combines our diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences to support young people in shaping their futures.
As an Education Coordinator with Promise Partnership, I’m excited to support learners in the Moncton area through programming that builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and helps students discover what they’re capable of. My path has always centred around working with young people (whether in classrooms, community spaces, or summer camps) and I’m grateful to bring that experience into this new role.
I hold a Bachelor of Social Sciences with a specialization in child psychology from the University of Ottawa, and I am a bilingual educator with five years of experience teaching French and art in QC and NB. Before becoming a teacher, I spent twelve years in youth leadership and camp coordination, where I learned how powerful creativity, belonging, and supportive guidance can be for children and teens.
My approach to education is rooted in understanding the whole child. I believe that when learners feel seen, supported, and encouraged to take risks, they develop the confidence and independence that carry them far beyond the classroom. Here in Moncton, I work closely with volunteers, schools, and community partners to help build programming that strengthens literacy, nurtures digital skills, and amplifies student voice.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, watching kids’ movies, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors—interests that keep me inspired both personally and professionally.
As the Program Manager for the Moncton site, I lead a great team in the delivery of mentorship programming for students in the Moncton area, as well as facilitating rural digital outreach opportunities. Since launching our work in the region, I’ve been proud to help grow our presence through strong community partnerships and impactful in-school programming.
With a background in experiential education, youth services, and program development, I bring a collaborative and student-centered approach to my work. I hold a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership and a Certificate in Family Violence Issues from UNB. I have spent my career designing and facilitating meaningful educational experiences—from working with at-risk youth to supporting post-secondary nursing students through hands-on learning.
I’m passionate about creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, think critically, problem solve, and develop the skills they need to thrive. I believe experiential education is a powerful tool—for both the students we serve and the volunteers who support them!
Outside of work, I love spending time with my 2 kids and chasing chickens around the yard. Whether in the community or at home, I value growth, curiosity, and connection.
Education Coordinator
sarah.hetherington@unb.ca
I am passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, combining academic training with extensive hands-on experience in youth and children’s programming. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights and Criminology, and in 2024, I completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, specifically in Community Development and Youth Work. My work has included supporting at-risk and newcomer youth in a range of community settings, where I’ve seen first-hand the difference that consistent care and opportunity can make.
With a strong background in community development, I believe deeply in the transformative power of relationships. Many young people simply need encouragement, connection, and committed support to thrive, and I aim to create spaces where those needs are met.
In my role as Education Coordinator, I oversee the K–5 Mentoring Program at Hazen White–St. Francis Elementary School, where we connect children within the Crescent Valley area with UNB student mentors. Mentors not only build relationships with their mentees but also engage them in digital literacy activities that work to close educational and digital gaps, preparing them for the future.
I am proud to be part of the Promise Partnership, with a team that delivers meaningful educational and social support to young people in our province’s priority areas, while also providing post-secondary students with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Middle School Coordinator
noemi.horvolgyi@unb.ca
Helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed is the most rewarding part of my job. With over two decades of experience in business and special education, I bring a unique, comprehensive approach to my work.
My expertise includes supporting students with learning difficulties, literacy, and speech and language development. I am inspired by the opportunity to design programs that help young people with diverse needs explore new opportunities, as evidenced by my work developing a youth program in Hungary. My digital literacy expertise in education is related to using technology with students in Ontario, helping them develop learning strategies to achieve academic success.
As the Coordinator of the Middle and High School programs for Promise Partnership, I lead a team of university students to provide academic and personal growth opportunities for children and youth in priority neighborhoods. I foster a safe environment where younger students build meaningful relationships with successful adult role models while engaging in activities that align with the New Brunswick Curriculum, ensuring our students have an academic edge and are excited to explore the world around them. My ultimate goal is to help both mentors and mentees develop transferable skills and a lifelong love of learning.
Middle School Coordinator, Moncton
fares.meini2000@unb.ca
As a Middle School Coordinator with the Promise Partnership, I bring a blend of educational expertise, leadership experience, and passion for equity-led programming to support children and youth in turning educational barriers into stepping stones. I hold a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership studies, along with Teaching English as a Second Language and International Baccalaureate Educator certifications. I am dedicated to designing and coordinating mentoring and literacy initiatives that serve and empower students of all backgrounds.
My background includes facilitating cross-curricular guided learning experiences, leading literacy-focused camps, and supporting students in thriving academically and personally. I believe in helping children and youth find purpose in their learning, and embrace school not just for grades, but as a pathway toward becoming confident and compassionate global citizens.
In the Moncton program, I work alongside volunteers, local schools, and community partners to develop engaging after-school programming that highlights digital literacy, creative expression, and student voice. I see digital literacy as important today as reading and writing, and I take pride in being a lifelong learner who continues to explore new tools and share them with students to prepare them for a world shaped by technology. I believe deeply in the Promise Partnership and envision it grow even further, as it moves with purpose and passion to make an impact on today’s generation by helping children and youth become self-aware, critical thinkers, risk-takers, healthy digital citizens, and change makers.
When I am not collaborating with colleagues or coordinating initiatives, I enjoy playing soccer, which has always been another way to build community and connect with people from all walks of life.
Academic Director | Associate Professor, Faculty of Business
rmoir@unb.ca
I’m a husband and father to three great kids, and I also teach and research economics at UNB Saint John.
An interesting fact about me is that I’ve held academic-administrative roles in all three Faculties on campus. I’ve always been aware of the Promise Partnership and volunteered whenever I could. A few years ago, I became the Academic Director of the program. I love working with everyone in the program because they’re all kids - they’re all exciting, curious and eager to learn more.
This includes the big kids who run the place, the university students who mentor and the school kids who are the mentees. I passionately believe that as an institution, UNB gets more from the Partnership than we realize.
We change the lives of all the students we meet on both sides of the equation.
Discovery Program Coordinator
catrina.russell@unb.ca
I am an enthusiastic educator with a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Organizational Management from Crandall University, an insatiable curiosity, and an impossibly large collection of extremely cool rocks.
Many of my interests and ambitions can be traced back to a handful of educators and mentors who inspired me to dig deeper, uncover my passions, and find myself. One pivotal moment came during a university science camp, much like our Discovery Camps, when a professor explained that geologists would be the ones to determine whether life could exist on other planets. That single lesson, delivered with such passion and conviction, is why I decided at age fourteen to study geology, and it continues to serve as a reminder of the power we hold as educators and what a privilege it is to work with youth.
In previous roles with the New Brunswick Museum, Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, and UNB Faculty of Science, I have had the opportunity to create a wide variety of engaging learning experiences. I love finding creative ways to make complex ideas understandable, meaningful, and exciting, helping youth to explore what fascinates them, uncover connections, and discover new possibilities. To me, learning should always be interactive, accessible, and fun!
As Discovery Program Coordinator, I am thrilled to support a talented team in creating experiences that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help youth to unlock new possibilities for themselves and their futures. You never know which conversation, activity, or inspiring individual might change the course of a child’s life.
Managing Director
kate.g.saeedi@unb.ca
I am an education leader and researcher focused on expanding opportunity through digital literacy, community partnership, and evidence-based practice. As Managing Director of Promise Partnership, I lead the organization’s strategic direction, program growth, and research agenda to ensure young people in priority communities have access to meaningful learning pathways and future-ready skills.
Since joining Promise Partnership in 2024 as Curriculum Developer and Researcher, I have led the design of technology-focused learning programs and strengthened the organization’s research and evaluation capacity. My transition into the Managing Director role builds directly on this foundation, advancing the integration of research, program development, and strategic growth to expand impact across communities.
I oversee the development and scaling of technology-rich programs that connect K–12 students with post-secondary mentors and hands-on learning experiences. My work informs decision-making, demonstrates impact, and supports sustainable expansion across New Brunswick.
My professional background includes leadership in international education, collaboration with the Provincial Government of New Brunswick’s Centres of Excellence, and extensive experience in research design, data analysis, and program development in diverse learning environments. I hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, and I am fluent in three languages.
My research examines multilingual development in children and the role of technology in improving outcomes for youth from underserved communities. I am committed to strengthening university–community partnerships, advancing applied research, and positioning digital literacy as a driver of social mobility and community development.
I lead this work with a deep respect for the people who make it possible - a highly skilled team across both program sites and the post-secondary students whose mentorship brings our mission to life each day. Our progress is strengthened by the trust and collaboration of the university, our community, school districts, and donors who invest in long-term, community-driven change. Together, we are building a model of partnership that expands opportunity, strengthens communities, and delivers measurable impact for young people.
Curriculum Developer and Advisor
cat.kerr@unb.ca
Every young person deserves access to learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors. My work is grounded in designing those opportunities, especially for youth who face barriers due to poverty or limited access.
I am an education leader committed to advancing equity and expanding opportunity through innovative, high-quality learning experiences. I currently serve as Curriculum Developer and Advisor for Promise Partnership, guiding the design and continuous improvement of programs that help young people build skills, confidence, and a sense of possibility for their futures. Central to my work is a strong belief that research-informed practice and data-driven needs assessments should guide program creation and improvement, ensuring that Promise’s programs respond meaningfully to the real needs of youth and communities.
From 2023 to 2026, I served as Managing Director of Promise Partnership, leading a period of significant growth and strategic focus. During this time, I guided Promise’s shift to a strong digital literacy focus, aligning programming with future-ready skills, led the organization’s expansion into Moncton, and oversaw the development and delivery of the Discovery Program . Discovery was designed to provide youth with enrichment focused, hands-on, campus-based learning experiences that connect their interests to academic disciplines and help make post-secondary education feel accessible and attainable. In addition to supporting children and youth, I also helped expand opportunities for post-secondary students through mentoring, experiential learning, and employment pathways that allow them to gain meaningful experience working with young people while contributing to community impact.
My professional background includes nearly 30 years in education, with the majority of my classroom experience in grades 7–8, alongside teaching across K–10. I have held roles in special education, design and technology, and school leadership as a vice-principal, and have worked in provincial school settings supporting students with complex learning needs. I hold a Master of Education in Technology and Education and have been recognized for my contributions to education and innovation at both the provincial and community levels.
I am deeply proud of the Promise Partnership team and the difference we make every day. With the support of the university, donors and community partners, we open doors for young people who might otherwise be left behind—creating meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and belong. Together, we are building brighter futures, inspiring the next generation to thrive and shaping stronger, more inclusive communities.
