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.
Administration and Leadership | Curriculum Developer and Researcher
kate.g.saeedi@unb.ca
I am an education professional and researcher with a strong passion for combining education and technology. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education (Leadership and Administration) and a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, which provide a solid foundation for my current work.
My career includes experience in international education and leadership, as well as work with the Provincial Government of New Brunswick's Centres of Excellence. I have a background in research, data analysis, student advising, and course planning in multicultural settings and I am fluent in three languages.
In my current role, I am designing a technology curriculum for our Promise Partnership K-12 program, making sure it aligns with the provincial curriculum and the New Brunswick Digital Literacy Framework.
My research focuses on Emotional Intelligence, Multilingualism in children, and how technology can positively impact students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These areas drive my commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth.
I am also involved in research with the Promise Partnership, working to improve educational opportunities for students. I believe that combining technology with education is key to a successful future, and I am dedicated to helping the next generation gain the skills they need to succeed.
Managing Director Promise Partnership
cat.kerr@unb.ca
I am a committed professional who values life-long learning, equity, and the transformative potential of innovation, technology, and experiential education. As Managing Director of Promise Partnership at IHI, I lead initiatives that advance educational equity and community engagement.
In 2023, I oversaw the Discovery Program at UNB Saint John, focusing on curriculum development, instructor management, and integrating digital literacy and technology into education.
With nearly three decades of experience as an elementary teacher, primarily in grades 7-8 and special education, I have also held various leadership roles, including vice-principal, and worked at Sagonaska Provincial School for students with severe learning disabilities.
I hold a Master of Education in Technology and Education and have received awards such as the President’s Award from the Kawartha Pine Ridge Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (2021) and the Cobourg Distinguished Civic Awards for Education & Technology (2019).
I am incredibly proud of the Promise Partnership team and their dedication to empowering youth in poverty. Our team works tirelessly to create meaningful growth and learning opportunities, building a stronger, brighter future for our community.
Student Coordinator
Kaleigh.Wadden@unb.ca
Most recently, I served as Education Coordinator with the Promise Partnership at UNB, where I oversaw elementary programming. In this role, I worked closely with teachers and students at Hazen White School to strengthen and sustain the safe, supportive space established through the elementary literacy program—benefiting both mentors and mentees while helping to bridge educational and developmental gaps. Prior to that, I had the privilege of working as a coordinator in the Office of Experiential Education, where I focused on reducing socioeconomic gaps by developing and delivering work-integrated learning opportunities for students.
This fall, I am excited to continue with the Promise Partnership as a Student Coordinator, overseeing the UNB Nursing placement while pursuing my Bachelor of Social Work. In this role, I will support the student nursing team in developing and delivering lessons on digital health and wellness for grades 3–5 at Hazen White–St. Francis School. My time with Promise has continually reaffirmed that working to improve the lives of youth and communities is often challenging but always rewarding.
With an academic background in psychology and my current pursuit of a BSW, I am highly curious and invested in understanding the needs of youth facing systemic barriers, the impacts they must navigate because of these structural realities, and in-turn, creating transformative environments that reduce those systemic inequalities. I’ve witnessed firsthand how initiatives like the Promise Partnership create opportunities for students that weren’t available to them before. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with Promise Partnership in a renewed capacity.
