Our Story & Our Purpose
Unity Hive Inc. was born from the shared vision and lived experience of two passionate professionals, Andrea English, DSW, and Paula Young, CYW.
With more than three decades each dedicated to supporting children, youth, and young adults with exceptionalities, Andrea and Paula spent their careers working on the front lines in schools, group homes, and community programs as a Developmental Support Worker and Child and Youth Worker.
Over time, they began to notice a heartbreaking and recurring pattern: when individuals turned 21 and aged out of the education system, the supports they relied on often disappeared or became difficult to access due to long waitlists and limited program availability.
For many, the transition into adulthood led to isolation, loss of routine, and fading friendships. From their experience, Andrea and Paula knew that learning doesn’t stop at 21, relationships continue to matter deeply, and everyone deserves a place where they are welcomed, valued, and supported to grow.
Fueled by a lifelong passion for advocating for individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, they made the bold decision to create the kind of program they had always wished existed.
At its core, Unity Hive embodies the belief that—like a hive—every individual has a vital role. Each person is interconnected, celebrated for their differences, honoured for their strengths, and supported in contributing to a stronger, more inclusive community.
Our Approach
The Unity Hive Approach uses an inclusive, strengths-based person centered approach to support adults with diverse abilities.
Focus: Build confidence, friendships, independence, and belonging through fun social programs, community outings, and life-skills activities.
Process: simple sign-up tailored matching based on interests goals and needs, small group supportive experiences.
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Aligns with Ontario's Journey to Belonging by promoting choice, inclusion and meaningful community participation.
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Andrea English
Co-Founder | Developmental Support Worker
Andrea English brings over 26 years of experience supporting children, youth, adults, and families through inclusive, strength-based, and person-centred practices. Her career includes more than two decades with the York District School Board, where she worked closely with individuals with diverse abilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental health needs, and neurodevelopmental differences across school and community environments.
Throughout her work, Andrea has focused on fostering belonging, independence, and well-being. She has supported individuals in developing self-advocacy, social skills, and confidence, while ensuring supports are grounded in dignity, equity, and respect. Andrea has extensive experience collaborating with families, educators, multidisciplinary teams, outside agencies, and community partners to ensure equitable access to services and meaningful supports.
Andrea is a strong advocate for equity-focused and inclusive practices. She has led and supported initiatives that create safe, welcoming spaces where individuals have a voice and feel valued. Her work promotes inclusion for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and supports programming that honours identity, choice, and personal strengths.
Andrea has completed professional training through the Geneva Centre, strengthening her knowledge in supporting autism, mental health, and special needs. She is trained and certified in ASSIST and safeTALK suicide prevention, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), CPR and First Aid, and food handling. At Unity Hive, Andrea brings a compassionate, knowledgeable, and community-connected approach, helping to build inclusive spaces where individuals and families can grow, connect, and thrive.
Paula Young
Co-Founder | Child and Youth Worker
Paula Young brings over 30 years of frontline experience as a Child and Youth Worker to Unity Hive. Throughout her career in Ontario, she has worked directly with children, youth, and adults in group homes, treatment programs, educational settings, and community-based services. This depth of experience naturally extends into her work at Unity Hive, where creating safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces is at the heart of everything she does.
Paula is known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships. Her calm, empathetic approach supports adults with developmental disabilities to feel secure, valued, and confident—helping to reduce anxiety, strengthen self-esteem, and foster meaningful social connection and inclusion. She has extensive experience facilitating life skills, self-advocacy, job coaching, and social skills programs, all designed to support independence, choice, and personal growth.
Paula holds certifications in Crisis Prevention and Non-Violent Intervention, Mindfulness, Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Level C, and has completed Levels 1 and 2 training through the Geneva Centre for Autism. She has also contributed to equity and leadership teams, supporting culturally responsive and anti-oppressive practices. Her collaborative work with families, social services, and community partners ensures a person-directed, strengths-based approach to planning and programming.
At Unity Hive, Paula is deeply committed to dignity, choice, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about building inclusive, community-based opportunities where adults can connect, grow, and truly belong. Paula is excited to help bring Unity Hive to life—creating a place where everyone has a role, a voice, and a sense of belonging in the hive.
Hayley Young
Operations & Program Support Manager
Hayley Young brings a strong background in nonprofit operations, fundraising systems, and community support to Unity Hive. Her work focuses on building clear, reliable systems that help mission-driven organizations operate effectively and with care.
She has extensive experience in professional fundraising environments, including roles with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation and the Ottawa Humane Society, where she supported donor research, stewardship, digital giving infrastructure, and internal reporting to ensure transparent and sustainable operations.
At Unity Hive, Hayley supports the organization’s operational and administrative foundation, managing systems, processes, and communications that help programs run smoothly. She brings a thoughtful, organized, and people-centred approach, ensuring participants and families experience clarity, consistency, and care.
Hayley is deeply committed to inclusive community-building and is proud to support Unity Hive’s mission by strengthening the behind-the-scenes work that allows connection, belonging, and growth to flourish.