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.

Fei is passionate about visual storytelling and communication in general. She holds a Master of Human Kinetics with concentration in Sport Management from the University of Ottawa. Prior to working at PHE Canada, She has since worked with local, provincial and national sport organizations in both program management and communication coordination roles. Fei believes that physical activity plays a crucial role in personal development and can enable everyone to make a difference in the society. When she isn’t working, you’ll find Fei reading, doing graphic design, dancing, and playing tennis. She also volunteers with local non-profit organizations as photographer and league coordinator.

Tricia 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.

Ben is passionate about healthy active living, holistic wellness and quality physical education. Originally from Montreal, he attended McGill University while completing his Bachelor of Education Degree with a concentration in Physical and Health Education. Ben has worked both provincially and nationally in the education, athletics and health recreation sectors. Ben believes in the process of empowering children and youth in Canada to develop the motivation, knowledge, physical competence and confidence to value physical literacy and take responsibility of engaging in physical activities for life. A personal highlight from Ben's youth was when he was selected as a torchbearer for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. When time allows, you can find Ben active outdoors; running, swimming and hiking. Enrichment hobbies that Ben enjoys are reading, writing, blogging, photography, listening to music/podcasts and spending quality time with family, friends and loved-ones.

Amanda has no shortage of enthusiasm for healthy-active living. Her diverse academic education includes a BSc. Hon. in Human Kinetics, certification in Exercise Physiology, and a post-graduate diploma in Performance Coaching. This, alongside her background in coaching and training, Amanda is inspired to work with PHE Canada in the promotion of a values-based, holistic approach to health and physical education. Outside of the gym, hockey rink or off the soccer field, in her spare time you might find her developing new skills in cooking, quilting and carpentry.

Ellen has been working in the not-for-profit education sector for more than 8 years and is excited to shift from geography back to physical and health education. She studied Kinesiology at Western University, and then completed her Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Education at the University of Ottawa, working in Intramural programs throughout. Ellen knows the power of a lifetime of physical education, having completed two Ironman triathlons, but currently expends her energy chasing around her young son. She is passionate about living a healthy active lifestyle and empowering Canadians - especially youth - to do the same.

Kelsey is passionate about developing, implementing, and promoting inclusive health and physical activity programs and resources.  She is an advocate for youth involvement in sport and physical activity, as she has experienced the positive effects they can have on overall physical, cognitive, and social development and wellbeing.  Hailing from Nova Scotia, she attended St. Francis Xavier University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics degree.  During her time at StFX, she worked for the university’s recreation department as the Student Director of Intramural Programming.  She spent summer months working as the Programs Manager for Athletics Nova Scotia.  Kelsey is currently attending the University of Ottawa, finishing her Master’s degree in Human Kinetics with a Concentration in Sport Management.  In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys practicing yoga, studying history, adventuring outdoors, volunteering for youth sport programs, and spending time at the beach with her family and friends when home in Nova Scotia.