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.

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 corporate partner membership 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.

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.

Ryan is passionate about all things wellness and Physical Education focused. Originally from Oxford Nova Scotia, he attended St. Francis Xavier University while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics Degree. He then completed his Bachelor of Education Degree with a concentration in K-12 Physical Education at St. FX as well. Ryan has worked provincially, nationally and internationally in various non-profit education delivery based roles. Ryan has also taught Physical Education in the Middle East where he also authored his first of three books on leadership development and wellness. When time allows, you can find Ryan running, working out, reading or listening to various podcasts with his wife.

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.