Meet the Research Assistants

Project Development and Operations Manager

Mikaila Collins

I’ve been an intern turned research assistant with ToyBox since 2018. I joined ToyBox for its main focus, being education for families and its grassroots values. I appreciate the ToyBox team greatly, and admire the tight-knit community we all work hard to maintain. 

Project Development and Operations Manager

Madison Young

I am a research assistant and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology student. I joined ToyBox in 2021 and have had so many amazing opportunities and experiences. I love ToyBox because it applies the vast knowledge and experiences of our team members to real play-based activities that can be accessed by families.  

Research Manager

Alyssa Wright

 I am a new graduate of Honours Psychology at the University of Winnipeg. ToyBox was introduced to me by my thesis advisor, and I joined as a Research Assistant in January of 2022. ToyBox has provided me with a unique opportunity to participate in pilot studies, create and edit learning strategies, and brainstorm ways to make learning fun. The combination of skill sets on the ToyBox team is amazing and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

Project Support

Kirsten Blatta

I love that ToyBox is a community based work environment where we all the members work together as a team to make a difference in the education

Project Support

Madeline Toupin

I joined the ToyBox Manitoba project because of my interest in developmental studies and passion for accessible education. I have taken part in so many incredible pieces of this project, but my two highlights have been creating and editing activities, and building the ToyBox Manitoba website!

Project Support

Madison Kehler

I joined ToyBox in the beginning of 2020 because of my passion for children and families, and desire to support them in learning and wellness. Some things I have taken part in are sending out activities to families during the first few pilots, and creating and editing activities. Currently, I help run the ToyBox social media pages!

Project Support

Cynthia Black

I discovered ToyBox in the fall of 2021 through a Developmental Studies course where I was assigned the task to develop a literacy, numeracy, and wellness activity for ToyBox, and was excited to join the team as a Research Assistant in January of 2022. I am excited to help build more activities that can assist caregivers and children in developing impactful literacy, numeracy, and wellness skills.

Project Support

Lyn Dalit

I became a volunteer for ToyBox during high school, but I've been passionate about education and learning ever since I can remember. By joining ToyBox, I felt that I could make a positive impact in my community while gaining an understanding of how to be a better teacher in the future. One of my favourite aspects of ToyBox is that it is a grassroots project with many members coming from diverse backgrounds. There is a warm sense of community, inclusivity, and a shared passion for the education of young children.

Project Support

Sophia Lowe

 I joined the ToyBox team September 2021 as an intern. I heard about ToyBox through my previous advisor, and I instantly felt intrigued. I’ve always found myself drawn to mental health and I saw a great opportunity to explore my options through this team.  I have helped with research, joined conferences in regards to the wellness team, took leadership with the copyright and consent forms, and I've created a few wellness strategies along the way. I feel honored to say that I’m a part of a team of such brilliant minds.