Our Team

Stay Tuned!

Stay Tuned!

Stay Tuned!

Stay Tuned!

Born and raised in Eritrea, I hold a bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology from the Eritrea Institute of Technology. Following graduation, I accumulated over a decade of diverse professional experience in Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt, where I served as a school counselor, general counselor, teacher, psycho-social worker, and interpreter. In April 2014, seeking asylum, I left Eritrea and later worked as a school teacher in Sudan before residing as a refugee in Egypt from December 2015. During my six-year stay in Egypt, I worked as a psycho-social worker and interpreter at St. Andrew Refugee Services (StARS) and as an interpreter at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In March 2022, I arrived in Canada, eager to leverage my extensive background and skills to contribute positively to the SWIS Settlement Worker position.

My name is Maha and I have been a part of the CBFY family since June 2015. I first discovered CBFY while searching for a practicum placement while completing my education in Social Work. After completing my practicum, I have been able to join the ASP team to enhance my skills, knowledge and learnings. I began my experience with ASP working with the Bridge Club Elementary program, where I then transitioned into the Refugee Program, NxtGen Junior High and now to Connect Team. I can provide support if an Arabic speaker is ever needed as I can speak, read and write fluently. I can also provide support with providing tools and tips on working with immigrant and refugee children and youth, along with resources that could be beneficial to your work.

I am currently working as SWIS Settlement Worker for Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth. Our service mandate is focused on supporting newcomer students in school and helping them build social connections as they adjust to a new life in Canada. We provide information regarding the school system, access to educational resources, assistance accessing government and community benefits, and many more. We basically act as their guide to ensure that their transition is doing well in Canada.

Fahri Duman is one of the SWIS Program Supervisors at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Kinesiology degree. He is a foreign-trained teacher and speaks Turkish. In his work with the Calgary Board of Education, Fahri Duman demonstrated a strong commitment to encouraging global perspectives in young people while preparing and supporting students for and through positive educational experiences. His abilities to anticipate and prepare for challenges while problem-solving with and advocating for others have enhanced his professional experiences both in Turkey and in Canada. I have worked at Crescent Heights High School to support students in developing their confidence, becoming active members of society, and fulfilling their potential.
Do not be afraid of change that is how we grow. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward you are always in the same place.

I am a certified teacher from Iran and have the Bridge to Teaching certificate from the University of Calgary. I have more than 20 years of experience working with students K-12. I am also a certified Farsi language interpreter, and I can speak Azeri and communicate in Turkish. During my work experience in Canada, I have worked with a culturally diverse population of students and newcomer families, so I am fully aware of their needs and concerns. I am familiar with many community resources, and I can connect families to these resources. CBFY's core values and mission to empower the newcomer youth excites me to come to work at CBFY.

I arrived in Canada in June 2022 under the CUAET program with my sons. I work as a freelance Interpreter for Sandal Translation Services Ltd. I maintain impartiality and strive to interpret everything as accurately as possible. In August I volunteered at a Summer camp for Ukrainian children. I like to help people, intuitively, I know what people need - I'm naturally empathic and sensitive. And this is why I've chosen working at CBFY as a great opportunity to implement my experience and competence in action.