On the Move Workshop Facilitators

The following individuals have been trained to deliver CAAWS’ On the Move workshop, and are committed champions to increasing opportunities for girls and young women to participate in sport and physical activity.

To book a workshop in your community please contact Sydney Millar, CAAWS’ National Program Director – click here to send an email.

Facilitator Biographies

Brenda Adams (Abbotsford BC) has worked in the Health, Fitness and Recreation Industry for more than 15 years, and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Adult Education in the workplace through the University of Calgary. She has her Kinesiology degree from Simon Fraser University and is the Community Coordinator for Healthy Abbotsford. Her work as a Life Coach has solidified her passion for working with people and for inspiring them to make meaningful changes both in their professional and personal lives. Her fun and interactive facilitation style along with her ability to create inspiring experiences truly makes her workshops and training events something not to be missed!

Isabelle Aubé (Ottawa ON) travels throughout Canada helping urban and on-reserve Aboriginal Recreation Workers create culturally-based accessible programming as the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s Project Director for the First Nations, Inuit and Métis "Everybody Gets to Play" initiative. Formerly the Manager of Sport / Coaching for the National Equestrian Federation, she has worked with recreational to elite level athletes as an athletic conditioning / rehabilitation professional for the past 10 years. Isabelle’s newest business venture, "Native Way Training Services", incorporates cultural approaches to physical fitness programs for all ages.

Michelle Cundari (North Bay ON) is a Physical Activity Promoter with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, and volunteers and facilitates with various provincial, regional and local groups. She is also a part-time Professor in the School of Sport and Recreation at Canadore College. Michelle is known for her upbeat, “make-it-easy” approach to healthy and active living, and she “walks her talk” as an active role model at work, with her family and with her friends and teammates. In addition to being an On the Move workshop facilitator, Michelle is also involved with CAAWS’ Mothers in Motion initiative.

Karima Dorney (Toronto ON) is enthusiastic and passionate about creating opportunities for more girls and women to enjoy the proven benefits of physical activity. From 2009-2011, Karima was the Ontario Coordinator for a non-profit girls’ sports organization called FitSpirit. Her determination to see more females actively embrace fitness has been described as “infectious”. Karima has a Master’s degree from the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University, and is now pursuing her PhD. Her Master’s research examined how young women make sense of their fitness practices today.

Jennifer Fenton (Vancouver BC) is a member of JW Sporta: Health, Physical Activity and Sport Education Consultants, creators of the Premier’s Sport Awards Program (p.s.a.p.), a physical education resource program designed to help teachers and instructors teach children their basic sport skills. In addition, the JW Sporta Team is responsible for the development and delivery of Action Schools! BC, a provincial initiative designed to assist schools in creating individualized action plans to promote healthy living. Jennifer has a Master's Degree from the University of British Columbia, was the Chair of ProMOTION Plus and Orienteering BC, and currently chairs Active North Shore and sits on CAAWS’ Board of Directors. Jennifer was a founding member of and is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Women and Leadership initiatives. Jennifer coaches her children in cross-country skiing, volleyball and field hockey, and remains active herself with cycling, kayaking, hiking, camping and yoga.

Charlene “Char” Giilck (Meaford ON) is a Parent Support Worker with the Bruce-Grey Health Unit. A Child and Youth Worker by training, she was formerly a youth advisor with a provincially-mandated anti-tobacco program with the health unit, where she volunteered and liaised with various provincial, regional and local groups. Char is an avid sports fan, and fanatic about hockey. She’s well-known for being intensely competitive, energetic and sociable, and is always considered “the life of the party.” Her interests include traveling, and most things outdoors including hiking, cycling, paddling, fishing and snowshoeing. Char is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Mothers in Motion initiatives.

Kristy Hardiman (Ottawa ON) is a Program Coordinator with the City of Ottawa’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department. She currently oversees children’s sports, dance and arts programs for the Nepean Recreation unit. Kristy has been involved in sport as a participant and as a coach for many years. Her sport of choice is ice hockey. One of her many passions include promoting opportunities for females to participate in sport at all levels. Kristy is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Sport and Physical Activity for Women 55-70+ initiatives.

Kandis Hodgins (Forest ON) is a Community Developer for the North Lambton Community Health Centre, responsible for assessing the needs of the community, applying for funding, and developing new programs. Kandis is a qualified Registered Early Childhood Educator who has been working with children and youth age 0-13 closely over the past four years. She has a great passion for physical activity, and is a very dedicated and adventurous individual always challenging her limits. Kandis believes all girls should have opportunities available to them to lead healthy lifestyles.

Becky Holden (Kenora ON) works as a Policy Analyst for Grand Council Treaty 3. With a background in Human Kinetics, promoting active living is a personal and professional priority for Becky, and she completed her Masters work on physical activity experiences of female adolescents within Northwestern Ontario. Becky is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Sport and Physical Activity for Women 55-70+ initiatives.

Mary Lynn Jardine (Miramichi NB) has a Youth Care Worker Diploma from NBCC-Miramichi, and is currently working towards a Bachelors Degree in Adult Education at the University of New Brunswick. She is a Mom of two daughters; ages 18, and 12. Mary Lynn is employed with NBCC-Miramichi as an instructor with the Health and Human Services Department. Prior to this, she worked for 13 years as the Youth Coordinator for the City of Miramichi, where she ran a very successful Girls On the Move program. Currently Youth Care Worker students at NBCC-Miramichi partner with the local recreation department to offer a fall and winter session of On the Move each year.

Laura Kelly (Ottawa ON) is the Youth Coordinator at Hunt Club/Riverside Community Services Centre. She has a degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa, and completed a Masters degree in Public Health from Simon Fraser University focused on the social determinants of health for newcomer and racialized communities. Laura worked abroad in Namibia as part of Commonwealth Games Canada’s Canadian Sport Leadership Corps. Through this experience, Laura saw first-hand the value of sport and physical activity as a tool for both personal and community development.

Nadine Kirk Lamarche (Port Perry ON) is a Professor at Durham College and has been PGA of Canada Golf Professional for 13 years. Her hands-on approach to teaching has made learning fun, both in the classroom and on the golf course. Nadine has a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Masters of Education Degree from the Open University, UK.

Vanessa Lodge (Guelph ON) Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from McMaster University, and a Master’s degree from the University of Ottawa, which focused on the the sporting experiences of Aboriginal peoples, Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples, in the Maritimes. This research, along with her past education and work experience, has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge on the benefits of sport and physical activity both physically and mentally. Vanessa is currently working for the Aboriginal Sport & Wellness Council of Ontario as the Coordinator, Leadership Development. Much of her work focuses on coaching and mentorship for Aboriginal peoples in sport, physical activity and recreation.

Lindsay Malott (Toronto ON) is the Ontario Manager for Motivate Canada, an organization that specializes in youth-driven development. She attended Laurentian University where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Physical Education and Health degree while playing for their Women’s Varsity Basketball Program. Lindsay taught Health and Physical Education for four years at both the secondary and elementary levels, and has many years of experience coaching basketball, volleyball, track and field and soccer. She is passionate about improving the lives of young people through sport and physical activity, and is grateful for the opportunity to be an On the Move facilitator.

Sydney Millar (Ottawa ON) is CAAWS’ National Program Director. She has travelled across Canada delivering workshops and presentations about how to create positive programs and inclusive environments to engage more girls and young women in sport and physical activity. Sydney has a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from McMaster University and a Master of Arts degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia.

Lisa Marie Naponse (Ottawa ON) is Ojibway from Atikameksheng First Nation, currently residing in Ottawa. Lisa Marie has a college diploma in Native Education Community Social Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Health and Education with a concentration in Health Promotion. She is the Community Program Coordinator for the Active Circle program at Motivate Canada. Lisa Marie is passionate about creating a healthier future for Aboriginal people. Lisa Marie is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Aboriginal Women and Leadership initiatives.

Valentina Nolan (Stephenville Crossing NL) is a full time mother who has spent most of her life promoting healthy living in the Bay St. George area. With a diploma in Community Recreational Leadership, certifications in fitness leadership and personal training, and as a Learning Facilitator for the Aboriginal Coaching Manual and CAAWS’ On the Move initiative, her quest to promote recreation for all has seen much progress with all populations. Valentina spends many hours volunteering in her community, and is a Trustee with the Western School Board District. During her career with the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of NL, Valentina created the You GO...Girl! program for Aboriginal girls in 2008, based on the "On the Move" concept. You GO...Girl! is now increasing sport and physical activity opportunities for girls and young women across the province. Valentina believes that “every person has the potential if only given the opportunity and the support to achieve their goals”.

Sabrina Razack (Toronto ON) is a teacher, personal trainer, coach, athlete, academic and mother. She is currently the Manager of Community Outreach with the TO2015 Organizing Committee, through which she hopes to connect organizations and promote healthy living initiatives. Sabrina is also the creator of an organization called Educators for Social Change, which, in addition to publishing newsletters regarding current social justice issues, has established a mentorship program for young racialized women. As a scholar and sport sociologist, Sabrina is fascinated by the intersections of race, gender, class and culture.

Tamara Roberts (Hamilton ON) has worked with Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton as the Learning Engagement and Youth Coordinator for the past four years. Understanding the importance of empowering girls through health and physical activity, she has developed a range of girls-only healthy active living programs. Her workshop facilitation experience includes parenting groups, professional development training, children’s emotional/physical wellness, and academic support workshops for families.

Emilea Saadeh (Edmonton AB) works for the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association, and sits on the Board of Directors for CAAWS and the Alberta InMotion Network. She is of Iroquois-Cree descent, and has worked extensively in Aboriginal communities throughout Alberta. Emilea applies her Bachelor of Physical Education degree, as well as her sincere passion for health and fitness, in a variety of settings including on-reserve recreation programming, diabetes prevention initiatives and health promotion through public speaking, resource development for Aboriginal children, personal nutrition consultation, group exercise classes and article writing. Emilea is a facilitator for CAAWS’ On the Move and Aboriginal Women and Leadership initiatives.

Virginia Schenk (Toronto ON) works for the City of Toronto, Parks Forestry and Recreation department as a Community Recreation Programmer, responsible for providing recreation opportunities for preschoolers, school aged children, and adults in the areas of sport, arts and fitness. She is a HIGH FIVE trainer and Play it Fair trainer, and has become an avid runner. Virginia is passionate about training and encouraging more opportunities for girls in recreation and sport specifically.

Michelle Schmidt (Winnipeg MB) is the Director of Programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Winnipeg. Michelle is currently involved with overseeing the Girls Night Out program, a program that exposes at-risk girls to a variety of unique recreation and physical activities with the hopes of increasing their participation in sport and physical activity. She has been involved in facilitating this program and now trains other Girls Night Out facilitators. Michelle enjoys basketball and joined her first all women’s dragon boat team in 2012. She believes in not just creating opportunities for girls to be active but also believes that an active female role model is important to their success. Michelle is also a member of the United Way of Winnipeg’s Speaker’s Bureau.

Lisa Scott (Dundas ON) is a physiotherapist in the Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders Program at the McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. Lisa completed her Bachelor of Science (Physical Therapy) at the University of Toronto in 1997 and her Bachelor of Education at Brock University in Hamilton in 2001. Lisa is developing physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. This work was presented at the Canadian Physiotherapy Congress in 2010. Lisa is a regional expert on negative exercise behaviours and cognitions, commonly referred to as compulsive exercise or excessive exercise. Lisa is interested in increasing awareness in sport about eating disorder risk, and is an advocate of physical activity promotion for physical and mental health.

Danielle Simpson (Vancouver BC) is extremely excited to be part of the On the Move team. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education and a Master’s degree in Public Health, Danielle has a strong back ground in physical activity and nutrition. Previously, Danielle worked on the New Moves program in Minneapolis, MN where she implemented a program for inactive young women in the Minneapolis school district, and worked for the Champlain Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Network in Ottawa, ON on a nutrition program with the schools of the Champlain region. Danielle now works for Action Schools! BC in Vancouver, BC. Danielle loves to teach and practice yoga, cycle and run.

Susanna Tang (Toronto ON ) is a youth worker and educator whose passion is engaging young people in community development work at the local, national and global level. A firm believer in the capacity of youth to create positive change, she has been instrumental in overseeing youth-led projects such as computer training for seniors, homework help for middle school students, and fundraising drives for the MS Society. In collaboration with CAAWS, Susanna established a program for newcomer girls that encouraged healthy living and physical activity.

Sheena Tremblay (Yellowknife NWT) is the Active Communities Coordinator with the NWT Recreation and Parks Association. She works with many northern communities to help them become more active. She also is involved with the NWT Ski Division as the assistant coach of the Yellowknife High Performance Cross Country Skiing team as well as certifying new coaches across the north.

Martha Trepanier (Thamesford ON) is a Health and Physical Education teacher at Clarke Road Secondary School in London, Ontario. She understands and values the importance of being physically active and tries to instil this in her students as well as modeling in her daily life. Martha has a degree in Human Kinetics and a diploma in Sport and Recreation Administration. In her spare time she loves spending time with her three daughters, who keep her active and young at heart.

Anne Warner (Toronto ON) is passionate about increasing girls’ and women's opportunities for physical activity. Anne has a PhD in the socio-cultural aspects of sport in which she focused on gender issues in sport. She has published articles on the history of women's sport in Canada. She currently works at Canadian Tire Jumpstart, a charity that helps low income children and youth participate in sport and recreation.

Rebekah Wilson (Ottawa ON) is a Program Coordinator for Motivate Canada's GEN7 Aboriginal Role Model Program. Rebekah is passionate about making unique and meaningful opportunities available to Aboriginal youth, promoting the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and helping to encourage young people to become role models in their communities. Rebekah is Métis from North Western Ontario, and enjoys winter sports such as ice hockey and snowboarding.

Françoise Uwamariya (Winnipeg MB) is the Executive Director of the Directorat de l’activité sportive du Manitoba (DAS). DAS, a partner of Sport MB, is a non-profit organization that delivers sport and physical activity programs in French throughout Manitoba. Françoise is a trainer for CAAWS’ On the Move and Sport and Physical Activity for Women 55-70 initiatives.