Research Council Executive Members

Jeff Crane (he/him), Chair
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland

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Dr. Jeff Crane is an Assistant Professor in the school of Human Kinetics and Recreation with a cross-appointment in the faculty of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Jeff’s background and expertise in physical education, adapted physical education, and motor development bring a holistic approach to teaching and research. Jeff currently teaches pre-service Physical Education and Elementary School degree undergraduate students at the university.

His research focuses heavily on the role of the school as a contributor to lifelong physical activity engagement/disengagement across the lifespan. His research focus is not limited to physical literacy, risky/nature-based play, inclusivity, and curriculum development.

Alexandra Stoddart (she/her), Past Chair
University of Regina
Regina, SK

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Dr. Alexandra Stoddart is an Associate Professor in the Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education (HOPE) subject area in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina. In addition to graduate courses, she teaches HOPE undergraduate courses in both the Elementary and Secondary programs. She enjoys the opportunity to see her students learn, grow, and thrive as they engage in their pre-internship and internship experiences. Dr. Stoddart's research is focused on physical literacy, physical education pedagogy, and the physical education curriculum. Her primary research area is exploring the concept of physical literacy and its development through quality physical education in K-12 schools. She has served as a member of the Research Council Executive since 2020.

Astrid Kendrick (she/her), Chair-Elect
Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Calgary, AB

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Stephanie Field (she/her), Member-at-Large Atlantic
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL

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Dr. Stephanie Field is a Physical Education Teacher Educator at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Since 2015, Stephanie and has found great value in the shared knowledge, resources, relationships, and professional development opportunities provided by the PHE Canada Research Council. She is delighted to be taking on a mentorship role with pre-service educators at MUN, supporting the next generation of PHE researchers in Canada. Stephanie’s research largely centres on Physical Literacy in Aquatic Environments, where she focuses on incorporating dry-land water safety content into PE classes, and preparing pre-service educators to confidently teach (and enjoy!) lifelong aquatic activities.

Nathan Hall (he/him), Member-at-Large Central
Brock University
St. Catharines, ON

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Nathan is an Associate Professor at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario. His research and teaching are centered around physical literacy, physical activity, and PE pedagogy. Dr. Hall is highly interested in the content delivered in PE programs and the benefits of introducing children to a wide variety of activities that can promote physical health and well-being across the lifespan. Consequently, a central focus of his present research and teaching is the incorporation of alternative environment activities (AEAs) in PE programs. Other current research interests include assessment of physical literacy, and supporting the development of physical literacy in childhood. Nathan is presently the Chief Editor for the Revue phénEPS / PHEnex Journal.

Derek Wasyliw (he/him), Member-at-Large West
McGill University
Regina, SK

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Derek Wasyliw is a Ph.D. candidate in Kinesiology & Physical Education at McGill University and Research Coordinator within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta. His work bridges Indigenous and Western research through CBPR approaches and mixed methods. Passionate about holistic wellness, Derek collaborates with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to advance culturally grounded, land-based, and intergenerational mentorship programs in PHE. His research emphasizes social justice, inclusive practice, diabetes prevention and the importance of building reciprocal relationships with schools and communities to create meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive in health, learning, and lifelong physical activity.

Sabrina Razack (she/her), PHE Canada Board Representative
University of Toronto
Toronto, ON

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Sabrina Razack is an educator in the Toronto area and also a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto. The program resides at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education combined with a collaborative specialization in the Women and Gender Studies department. Between educating and becoming a student, Sabrina worked with the CAAWS, now the Canadian Women & Sport, the Pan/Parapan American Games and the INVICTUS Games. Sabrina’s current research examines the intersections of physical activity, sport, physical education, media, race, gender, class and culture. Sabrina is an award-winning curriculum writer, and developed http://teachbeyondaboundary.com/, to create units on critical Physical Education, Physical Activity, Sport and social issues.

Evan Boechler (he/him), Graduate Student Representative
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK

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Evan Boechler (he/him) is a PhD candidate in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. His research explores Indigenous wellness, with a focus on land-based learning in Northern Saskatchewan communities. Evan works closely with educators and youth in several Northern communities, engaging in both land-based and sport and physical activity programs that support cultural identity, wellbeing, and community connections. Outside of academia, Evan spends most of his time outdoors, always looking for new and meaningful ways to stay active and connected to the land.

Lisa M. Taylor (she/her), PHE Canada Research Council Forum Co-Chair
Mount Royal University
Calgary, AB

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Lisa M. Taylor, PhD, (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Faculty of Health, Community and Education at Mount Royal University. She has instructed undergraduate- and graduate-level courses at several Canadian universities and enjoyed eight years as a physical and health education teacher in Alberta K–12 schools. Lisa’s research focuses on understanding the health and wellness of those in schools from K–12 to post-secondary contexts. This work involves exploring the experiences of in-service teachers, post-secondary students, a systems approach to health promotion in education, and advocating for equity and inclusion within health promotion approaches.

Shannon Kell (she/her), PHE Canada Research Council Forum Co-Chair
Saint Francis Xavier University
Antigonish, NS

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Dr. Shannon Kell is an associate professor in the Faculty of Education at St. Francis Xavier
University. Dr. Kell currently teaches in the Teacher Education Department and Curriculum and Leadership Department. Her research is focused on supporting teacher wellness by exploring the benefits of outdoor teaching and learning, physical and mental health literacy, and fostering school community health.

Megan Tomyn (she/her), PHE Canada Research Council Forum Organizing Committee Graduate Student Liaison
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC

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Megan Tomyn (she/her) will begin her PhD at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) in Fall 2025, supervised by Dr. Janice Forsyth. She recently completed her Master’s at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) under the supervision of Dr. Lee Schefer, where she used narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of Indigenous post-secondary student-athletes in Saskatchewan. Her doctoral research will continue to focus on Indigenous wellness and socio-cultural sport studies. Outside of academia, Megan is actively involved in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous coaching, plays adult recreational sports, and enjoys traveling.

Melanie Davis (she/they), Ex-Officio
ED/CEO, PHE Canada
Ottawa, ON

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Melanie is a social innovator with a knack for working across sectors to drive positive change for and with children and youth. With her roots in working in classrooms and alternative learning environments supporting new Canadian, justice involved and students with differing abilities, she has not stopped since. This foundational experience kick started a career in public health and social and recreational programming ensuring young people had voice and access to inclusive and meaningful opportunities that improve their quality of life.

With degrees in both Social Development and Non-Profit Leadership and Public Policy, Melanie focuses on ensuring a 360-degree perspective and activation across broad sectoral levels to provide the structure and support all children and youth need. As Executive Director of Physical and Health Education Canada, Melanie is a collaborator, an innovator and a champion for ensuring all children lead healthy, actives lives.

Bonus notes about Melanie, she’s a hiker, a mountain biker, rusty sign language speaking, and a mother of two.

For more information, please read the position descriptions.

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