Jodie Lyn-Harrison joined PHE Canada in 2002, prior to which she taught Health and Physical Education, Mathematics and Science and was a Projects Leader with Ophea. She obtained her Bachelor of Physical Education from McMaster University, and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, intermediate-senior level, with a Health & Physical Education and Mathematics focus.  Since joining PHE Canada as Program Manager, Jodie has led numerous start-up projects and enhanced existing programs. She continues to grow her repertoire of skills into association management and oversight as Chief Administrative Officer. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, her family moved to Canada in 1976. Jodie is enthusiastic and dedicated to the vision of PHE Canada “all children and youth in Canada living healthy, physically active lives,” and she looks forward to physically active time spent with her husband and two children.

Jordan has over 10 years of marketing and business development experience within the national sport and multi-sport sectors. Prior to joining PHE Canada in 2010, Jordan worked with Golf Canada, coordinating its membership corporate partner programs, Team Canada Club fundraising initiative, and re-brand from RCGA. Jordan holds two Bachelor of Commerce degrees with specializations in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Ottawa because he couldn’t make up his mind, wanting to know all things business – which continues today. Jordan spends his leisure time on the golf course, on the ice, cracking jokes with friends, and having a ball with his wife and two kids … Friday Night Family Dance Party.

Sharon brings a community development through recreation and sport lens to PHE Canada having completed a Bachelor of Physical Education from Acadia University and a Master of Physical Education from Memorial University. She has worked in the active living sector nationally for over 16 years and cites the passionate and committed efforts of volunteers within these organizations as her best teachers. Sharon’s love for nature and play grew out of her rural PEI upbringing. Her favorite pastime is fishing and favorite activity is hiking with Benny the Labrador Retriever. Sharon believes that one of her most important roles in life is giving her two boys something great to imitate.

Brandy is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, holding a Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education, all from Brock University. Her Masters research explored where mental health education curricula were situated in secondary provincial and territorial health and physical education programming in Canada. From this she developed a handbook for secondary health and physical educators to support their efforts to teach and foster positive mental health in the classroom. Prior to joining PHE Canada, Brandy was a lecturer at the University of Toronto and a private research assistant. Outside of work, she holds a Level 5 certification with the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, and is committed to one day refereeing Olympic women’s hockey.

Stephanie Talsma has a masters degree in HPE from McGill University in Montreal, and bachelor degrees in Human Kinetics (University of Windsor) and Education (Western University). She began her career teaching physical education and coaching youth sports in the arctic. Before leaving the North, she co-founded Proud Reunions, a community-based leadership training and summer camp program for Inuit children and youth. Through her masters she explored peer victimization in physical education and effective strategies teachers can employ to reduce bullying behaviours in physical education. Stephanie’s family keeps her grounded in what matters most in life: rec sports, good food and sleep – in that order.

Tricia Zakaria began her career teaching elementary school Physical Education and coaching a variety of teams and clubs. She then began working in the non-profit sector and now has over 12 years of experience developing and delivering education and recreation programs for children and youth. Prior to working at PHE Canada, Tricia coordinated the youth programs with the Department of Recreation and Athletics at Carleton University. She was also the Director of Programs with Clean Air Champions, a national charity delivering school programs inspiring youth to live health, sustainable lifestyles. Tricia is passionate about developing health and wellness programs for all children and youth that are both equitable and inclusive. In her spare time, Tricia enjoys playing hockey, volunteering as a community hockey and soccer coach, and spending time with her husband chasing after their three young children.

Melissa is an experienced freelance editor and writer, with more than a decade of experience managing projects and developing content for publications such as Professionally Speaking (The Ontario College of Teachers’ publication), Canadian Living, Canadian Family, Tribute, WHERE Toronto, The National Post, HR Professional and Statements. She has experience developing engaging and informative content, shaping editorial lineups, anticipating trends and hot issues, and managing a publication process to be on time and on budget. Her experience will be a great asset as we look to revitalize the PHE Journal to ensure it is an engaging and relevant resource for our members, supporters, and stakeholders.