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Dr. Mark Eys is the Partnership Director and recently completed a Canada Research Chair Tier II (2009-2019). He is currently an inaugural Laurier Research Chair in Group Dynamics and Physical Activity, and a Professor in the Departments of Kinesiology/Physical Education and Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. His research relates to the dynamics of sport and exercise groups and he has investigated issues related to social influences in physical activity throughout his career. Dr. Eys provides overall leadership to the Partnership, supervises the coordination of the research operations, and oversees the data analysis and knowledge mobilization strategy. |
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Dr. Amy Gayman is the Partnership’s Project Coordinator and a sessional instructor in the Departments of Kinesiology/Physical Education and Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her research focuses on psychosocial factors that promote physical activity participation throughout the lifespan. Dr. Gayman is responsible for coordinating the Partnership’s research activities, fostering community partnerships, contributing to the development of the pilot activity programs, and engaging in data collection and analysis. |
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Renu Bhandari joined Focus for Ethnic Women as its Executive Director in 2016. Renu came to Waterloo from India in 1974. When she came to Canada, there were no services to help new immigrants settle in and integrate into Canadian society. Renu personally understands the struggles that newcomers face and is dedicated to helping new immigrant women. Renu will act in a consulting role for the Partnership and provide a key linkage with community groups working with new immigrants in Waterloo Region. |
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Dr. Robert Schinke is a Co-applicant on this project and is a Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Multicultural Sport and Physical Activity in the School of Human Kinetics at Laurentian University. His research interests and expertise relates to sport psychology and the utilization of qualitative research methodologies. Dr. Schinke will contribute to the design of the Partnership’s initial projects with respect to qualitative processes, the supervision and training of graduate students, and dissemination of research findings. |
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Collaborator Dr. Neil Arya is the Scholar-in-Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University within the Department of Health Sciences as well a Fellow at the International Migration Research Centre. He brings to the partnership his experience as a family physician in Kitchener and as President of the Canadian Physicians for Research and Education in Peace. Dr. Arya has existing connections within the Region of Waterloo as founder Director of the Kitchener/Waterloo Refugee Health Clinic in collaboration with the Kitchener Waterloo Reception Centre where he provides case-specific care to newcomers. |
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Dr. Kim Dawson is the Director of the SunLife Financial Centre for Physically Active Communities (CPAC) and Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University. CPAC is funded by Sun Life Financial and supporting partner PepsiCo Canada Foundation to empower Laurier to inspire healthy lives, provide barrier-free access to a wide range of physical activity programs, and attract high-quality researchers eager to conduct research with CPAC. Dr. Dawson and CPAC will be primarily responsible for the delivery of physical activity programming consistent with evidence-based best practices. |
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Lucia Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre. She studied business at Wilfrid Laurier University and Third World Studies at Conrad Grebel College. Her work focuses on building a community of inclusion for everyone. The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre will be a focal point for connecting with new Canadian women and children and provide oversight pertaining to the provision of activity experiences. Furthermore, she will participate on the steering committee overseeing the general direction of the program of research. |
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Kelly Steiss is the Supervisor of Community Centres for the City of Kitchener. The City of Kitchener offers both direct programs and supports program delivery for all ages through a variety of partnerships in 14 community centres. Their community services team works closely with residents and community partners to help plan, build and support safe and thriving neighbourhoods that everyone can enjoy. The City will engage the community through their existing programs and networks and will host space to run the ongoing physical activity programs. The City of Kitchener will also participate in the evaluation of the program’s effectiveness and dissemination/knowledge mobilization exercises. |
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Katherine Pigott is the Manager of the Healthy Living Division at the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services. The Healthy Living Division includes and oversees several programs that are relevant to the current partnership including physical activity with the region as well as peer support programming. The Public Health unit has significant and longstanding experience in engaging partners within the Region and will provide guidance regarding the initiation and maintenance of our partner group. Public Health will also participate in the program evaluation of the physical activity programs and the degree to which the partnership has reached its research and applied objectives. |
