Meet the Research Assistants

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. 

I am Madison Young, a Senior Research Assistant on the TOYBOX Project. I have a Masters Degree on Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and I have used this knowledge to help expand on wellness strategies within the project.

I joined TOYBOX in 2021after seeing my mom's involvement in the project for a few years.

This project has provided me with many learning opportunities throughout the years including presenting at conferences, supporting community events, and engaging in community-based research.

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.

Hello, my name is Yeong! I am a senior research assistant/ illustrator at TOYBOX Manitoba, where I began my journey as a volunteer in 2021. My contributions include translating strategies, creating Toybox illustrations, and participating in community events. I cherish every moment in Toybox, appreciating how early learning can be achieved in an exciting way, leaving behind lovely memories!

My name is Taylor from Peguis First Nation, raised in Winnipeg, MB. I joined TOYBOX’s research team January, 2024 with the intention of furthering TOYBOX’s Indigenous relations. So far, I have attended various events and conferences, some being the AMC Youth Conference and TOYBOX’s STEM event.

As a Senior Research Assistant for TOYBOX Manitoba at the University of Winnipeg, I enjoy creating engaging, evidence-based activities that help children thrive in literacy, numeracy, and wellness. Passionate about empowering caregivers and educators, I support research initiatives, offer training on intentional-play strategies, and love seeing the joy and growth that comes from early learning successes.

I am currently doing a B. Sc. in Environmental Sciences and a diploma in Environmental Engineering Technology. I’ve also worked with kids for years in both English and French, and in various capacities including as a science instructor and I'm excited to equip our young kids with the tools they need to grow, to be well, and to take care of their communities and environment. ​

I'm Brian and I am a member of the original graphics team formed in 2019. I joined the project as a high school intern, and have now been contributing to ToyBox ever since. Alongside my peers, we have created Litty, Welly, and Nume, as well as the images of all of their learning adventures!

Hi! My name is Camryn and I am an honours psychology student at the University of Winnipeg. I am interested in children’s mental health! I joined TOYBOX in 2024 to be part of a team that sees the potential of all children! So far, I have learned the value of multiple disciplines working together toward a common goal.

I’m Herlinda Dalayoan, an original Lead illustrator and Graphics Team facilitator at ToyBox who's all about creating to support others. I joined the team in 2019 as a student at the Maples Met School, helping to create the ToyBox mascots and core visuals. Now, I’m working alongside a talented graphics team, community members, and professionals in bringing to life the world of ToyBox to children and families!

I am a psychology student at the University of Manitoba who also loves to read, dance and thrift shop! I joined Toybox in the summer of 2024 to gain experience working as a research assistant for a project that I think does meaningful work. So far I’ve been happy to use my French language skills to help translate documents from French to English.

Adrián (Cuenca, Ecuador, 1995). Joined the ToyBox in June 2024 as a translator. Currently, he is studying at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba getting his Master's in Music Performance.

I graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg in 2023. Starting in Fall 2024, I am beginning my M.A. degree in School and Clinical Child Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Since joining the lab in 2022, I have been an integral member of the research team, actively involved in three intervention studies aimed at supporting children's numeracy and literacy development using our strategies.

 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.

I am a Developmental Studies student who is passionate about the field of Early Childhood Education. I joined ToyBox in 2022 because I wanted to have an impact on the early learning of children in Manitoba. I have contributed my professional knowledge of Early Childhood Education, and I am especially proud of attending events to relay the significance of this field to other students and professionals.

I joined TOYBOX in January 2022 after taking a developmental studies course at the University of Winnipeg that collaborated with TOYBOX to have student write TOTBOX strategies. As an educator, I value the TOYBOX mission to help children find early success through the development of early literacy, numeracy, and wellness skills. I have done many various tasks for TOYBOX but I am particularly proud of the work I put into creating the new activity catalogue and connecting all of our activities to Manitoba Education Curriculum.

 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.

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!

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

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.