Alternate Care Learning Centre

Nichole graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador with a Bachelor of Education in 2010 and completed her Bachelor in Special Education in 2014. She spent 5 years teaching within the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, one of which was in rural Newfoundland. Grades taught ranged from k-12, various subjects. Nichole spent most of her time working with the middle school grades (7-9) as an Instructional Resource Teacher.

Nichole started her journey with Key Assets as a family-based carer, which evolved into teaching part-time. As time moved on Nichole made a switch to full time teaching duties, which eventually moved to Head Teacher duties. Nichole is committed to providing educational support to the children and youth within our community, while also ensuring that they experience a positive educational experience. Nichole also strives to provide educational support and advice to the support teams wrapped around the children, youth, and their families. In addition to providing educational support and opportunities for young people Nichole also helps oversee other programs at the Learning Centre, which include Youth on Track, Visual Arts, and Learn to Play.

Danielle Verstege, B Ed. has worked with children for over ten years. Her passion for children and youth started as an ECE working within the daycare environment. From here Danielle graduated Memorial University with a bachelor’s in education and moved to London, UK to begin her teaching career. She taught within inner city London schools for eight years in grades kindergarten through to six. Danielle became music coordinator and then promoted to The Arts coordinator (music, drama, art, dance) within these schools. This consisted of the production of school musicals, talent shows and art exhibits within local museums. Danielle also spent some time as an instructor of the ECE course in central Newfoundland. Danielle strives to help each child and youth reach their full potential by working with individuals one on one in a supportive environment linked to the childs’ and youths’ interests and hobbies. Danielle moved back to her home province late 2019 and joined the Key Assets team permanently in 2022.

Brian Downton is the creator and co-ordinator of the Youth on Track program. He assists participants with every aspect of the program, from jamming along, to shooting a music video, to recording and editing songs the youth perform. They even create album artwork, posters, stickers, t-shirt designs, and much, much more. There are no limits to what can be done at Youth on Track! Brian is a multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, Child and Youth Care Practitioner, and multimedia artist. Brian has over 30 years of experience with music performance, recording, and music education, and 6 years in the field of Child and Youth Care. Brian brought his passion for music into his field of work to create a therapeutic outlet for youth in care, successfully creating a program that is rewarding and fulfilling. Brian started Youth on Track during a work term at Tuckamore Treatment Centre in 2016. He has been a long standing figure of the local St. John’s music scene since 1990, and continues to write, perform and record with different projects of many different genres.