Board of Directors

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Janice Forsyth, President

What is your profession?

I am a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. My research focuses on Indigenous sport, culture, and identity in Canada. Over the past twenty years I have focused my time and energy on understanding the relationship between sport and culture from Indigenous points of view and translating that knowledge into action by working with provincial and national organizations and governments to align their policies and practices with Indigenous priorities for health and community well-being. My intent is to shift the way people think about Indigenous sport so that the policies and programs they create are better able to support Indigenous aspirations for health and wellbeing, especially for the youth. I am also a member to the College of the Royal Society of Canada and a proud member of the Fisher River Cree First Nation (Manitoba).

Why Ophea?

I joined Ophea to help build its capacity to work effectively with Indigenous people and Indigenous communities in Ontario. My primary role is to provide guidance for decision-makers who are interested in learning how to create more culturally relevant programs with and for Indigenous people.

What are you passionate about?

I think it is important to understand sport’s relationship to Indigenous and Canadian culture, especially as it relates to matters of inequality, health, and social change. Sports have been used as tools for colonization. Now Indigenous people are using those same activities for cultural regeneration and survival. Knowing this connection, between the past the present, allows people to think more creatively about the future. That’s what I’m passionate about - fostering that sense of creativity for social change.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy reading, yoga, walking, and spending time with friends.


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John Dance, Past President

What is your profession?

I am the Director of Education at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). Over the course of my career, I have worked in a variety of capacities including a number of Superintendent roles and portfolios, Principal, Vice Principal, and Teacher.

Why Ophea?

I am very interested in the advocacy work of Ophea in promoting healthy, active living as positive choices for young people and our communities. The provision of programs and services to schools and community groups is another area of interest as Ophea connects all of Ontario, and Canada, in its work. We seek to not just promote these attributes, but also activate our youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and develop positive, healthy mindsets.

What are you passionate about?

At the heart of my commitment to the work of Ophea is the focus we have made to coordinate the efforts of the educational system and community groups to meet youth where they are and build positive relationships. The forging of partnerships in the development of Healthy Schools serves to better the lives of our youth.

I am very proud of the work done in the SCDSB to have Healthy Schools Certification form a key part of every school’s goal for its students, staff and community.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I strive to stay fit through exercise, on a daily basis, including walking, biking, rowing, yoga and free weights. My Apple Watch ‘compels’ me to achieve my goals.


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Carla Robbins, Director

What is your profession?

I am a Principal with the Toronto District School Board. I have worked for the Toronto District School Board for two decades in the positions of Principal and Vice Principal.

Why Ophea?

I am interested in all aspects of the Board with the goal of advocating, promoting, and supporting work that will enhance the health and well-being of Ontario’s children and youth.

What are you passionate about?

I am an educator who is committed to inspiring children and youth to adopt healthy, active lifestyles. Working with the Board of Directors links to my personal passion and provides me with the opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth across the province.

What do you do in your spare time?

Keeping active and engaged with my community. I like to look at ways to use technology and social media to build the capacity of educators.


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Carol Ann Sloat, Director

What is your profession?

I have been a Public School Trustee with Grand Erie District School Board since 2003 including involvement in committees at the provincial level though OPSBA (Ontario Public School Boards’ Association), as a past Vice President. I am currently retired, having experience in administrative support in many various areas including road construction, public health services, and social services.

Why Ophea?

Ophea is the provincial go to group when it comes to many areas of student safety, success, and belonging. Teachers and school boards use Ophea’s expertise in so many areas, and it enhances student experience in a safe and equitable way.

What are you passionate about?

I am most passionate about public education, with student achievement at the centre of welcoming and safe schools for all students and staff. I am also passionate about governance, public administration, and bylaw development and adherence.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I volunteer with the local food bank and student school snack programs. I love baseball at any level, along with scorekeeping while watching my husband pitch on Sundays. I have spent many amazing days and evenings at the ball park. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family.


Daniel Stevens

Daniel M. Stevens, Director

What is your profession?

Director of Education For Nipissing First Nation

Why Ophea?

In my previous role as a Physical Educator, Coach, and Athletic Director, safety was a significant part of my role. Now as a Director of Education for my Nation of Nipissing. My role now takes on the important implications of ensuring the safety of students and staff. Many traditional practices and learning opportunities do not align with the safety standards, and building a relationship with OPHEA is crucial in demonstrating how the safety standards and opportunities they provide can be adapted to become culturally relevant in a system of education outside Ontario. Understanding this is uncharted territory for both organizations. I am hopeful we will create something that will benefit and be foundational within our Anishnabek Education System of the First Nations with schools and OPHEA.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about many things. I believe physical activity is one of the most underrated academic pathways. We often are dismissed, yet the benefits of regular vigorous physical education extend far beyond the field of play and or gym walls. Physical education is crucial in all learning environments and must be integrated into all curricula.

Secondly, I am passionate about special education. My son has severe developmental delays, and activity often must look and be adapted to meet his abilities. Making it even more challenging requires a lens of safety and adaptability for him and those around him so that he can participate adequately and effectively.

Finally, as an indigenous person and now DoE, I see the need to ensure that our cultural practices do not put teachers or students at risk. We may mitigate the risk internally, but in the advent of an accident allowing safety standards and certifications to be created or adapted will enable us to continue to offer and ensure that our cultural practices are not lost due to potential litigation. It will also ensure that our practices are highlighted as student-safe, which they have been for millennia. 

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I read and renovate our home. My wife and I are raising our three children, and we spend a great deal of time travelling between the Rink, Pool, Track, medical appointments 400km away and all the social aspects for my children as they participate in sports and do the activities they enjoy and need to be well-rounded individuals. I also play volleyball year-round. We are a very busy family and coordinate events and activities to experience with our children to broaden their life experiences


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Jason Dupuis, Director

What is your profession?

I am the Superintendent of Education, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est. I am also a member of the Festival Franco-Ontarien Board of Directors since 2018. I spearheaded the successful digital shift that has helped our board frame its vision of 21st century learning involving technological integration and innovative pedagogy.

Why Ophea?

I believe that all students should have the chance to succeed in academics and in life. I believe that my presence on this Board would allow me to remain atop of the latest developments and decisions that could have an impact on our operating practices. I have the experience and the expertise required to provide recommendations and suggestions to the Ophea Board of Directors.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about making sure all students have access to programs that inspire their interests in sports, arts, and culture. I am constantly supporting the establishment of a variety of programs that allow students to have a balanced timetable.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love to stay active as I am an avid jogger, cyclist, and tennis player.


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Joe Grdisa, Director

What is your profession?

Recently retired, I was the Coordinator of Health and Physical Education (H&PE) and Extracurricular Athletics at the Peel District School Board. For seven years, I was a School Board Consultant, supporting H&PE, Extracurriculars, Athletics, Daily Physical Activity, and Outdoor Education for grades K-12. Prior to that, I was a middle school HPE teacher for 24 years. I believe in the ‘whole’ child and the importance of HPE, movement, and wellness for life.

I am also a member of PHE Canada, CIRA Ontario, and the Ontario Association for the Support of Physical and Health Educators (OASPHE).

Why Ophea?

I am an ongoing supporter of Ophea. All aspects of their vision and work are vital to the implementation of Ontario’s H&PE curriculum and the building of healthy schools and communities. Like Ophea, I have spent my career as a leader working to connect teachers, stakeholders, and communities, in order to support healthy, active, living and the development of physical and health literacy. In particular, I have a vested interest in the Safety Standards, Healthy Schools, culturally responsive pedagogy, Raise the Bar Intramurals, curriculum resources, inquiry-based learning, and much more.

What are you passionate about?

I am an advocate of the whole child, wellness, and H&PE, including embedding H&PE topics and movement in all curriculum subjects and ongoing conversations.

What do you do in your spare time?

With more time available, I continue to be active. I enjoy going for walks with my family, friends, or by myself. I enjoy being outdoors. Long, adventurous bike rides around my city are fun. Engaging in sports are still a passion (even though my body may disagree). I also like to travel and read.


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Royan Lee, Director

What is your profession?

I am an educator who believes that we do our best learning in our own “goldilocks zone” where we are challenged to our limits and set up for success at the same time. A classroom teacher at heart, I have worked in many different elementary schools in New Zealand and the Greater Toronto Area. My most recent experience has been in system leadership as a Curriculum Consultant and Coordinator with portfolios ranging from supporting the New Teacher Induction Program, Mathematics, Literacy, Assessment and Evaluation, as well as Equity and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy. Currently, I am seconded to the Ministry of Education as a Student Achievement Officer.

Why Ophea?

I am so excited and honoured to serve on the Ophea board as the organization has been integral to my growth as a teacher, and because I believe holistic health and wellness as individuals and as a community are the bedrock of a successful school system.

What are you passionate about?

I am obsessed with learning relationships and experiences that cause growth and shifts in thinking. I believe every child has the right to a childhood full of play, and that the adults around them should model what joy this brings.

What do you do in your spare time?

When I take off my educator hat, I love to skateboard, engage in bouldering/climbing, and eat and cook delicious, healthy food with my family.


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Susan Stewart, Director

What is your profession?

I am the Director of the Community Health and Well-Being Portfolio at Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health. I am a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) and I also chair the Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Managers in Public Health Network and the Executive Committee of Health Promotion Ontario.

Why Ophea?

Being an Ophea Board member allows me to continue my focus and energies on school-aged children. It allows me to meet like-minded people who share this passion sparking new and invigorating ideas. I am a systems thinker so being involved in a provincial organization allows for a broader perspective of how schools promote health and well-being.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about chronic disease and injury prevention, children’s health, effective public health practice, and health promotion. I am committed to looking at these issues with an equity lens. As a mother of four, I have always been passionate about children’s health and well-being and also recognize the importance of the school environment in supporting our children and youth.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to go for a walk outdoors to appreciate the natural beauty of Ontario. In inclement weather, you will find me knitting or reading.


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Tim Fletcher, Director

What is your profession?

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Brock University. In my role, I work with future teachers who would like to teach Health and Physical Education (H&PE) and I conduct research on different approaches to teaching. I am also on the editorial boards of several leading international physical education journals.

Why Ophea?

I have been a member of and supported Ophea’s mission since I first started teaching in Canada in 2001. I enjoy learning more about how Ophea works through serving on the Board and collaborating with Board members and stakeholders across multiple sectors. I contribute to Ophea’s advocacy role within the province, particularly in these seemingly precarious times for public education, and the role of H&PE within. I bring my knowledge and understanding of current developments and key issues in health and physical education research nationally and internationally.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate and have a vested interest in contributing to a community of stakeholders that has the ability to positively influence the lives of children and youth. I thoroughly enjoy working with teachers, students, and other researchers to develop and examine pedagogical approaches that support the prioritization of meaningful experiences for pupils in physical education.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to stay connected to my community through writing, presentations, and research. I also have an active blog and twitter accounts (@timfletcher12 and @meaningfulpe). I currently find my joy in movement by playing darts, indoor rowing, and hiking with my family.