Meet the staff of SMARTRISK

Youth Programs Team

Sarah Marshall
Youth Program Director
Sarah holds an MA in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and a BA from Dalhousie University. She has extensive experience in youth leadership, risk management and adventure-based education. Sarah works from a home office in Squamish, B.C.

Jennifer Wilson
Educational Development Manager
Jennifer holds a BPHE and BA from Queen’s University and a BEd from York University. Jennifer’s background includes two years of teaching experience in elementary schools.

Alex Kelly
Senior Program Coordinator, Youth Programs
Alex has a BAH in Health Studies from Queen’s University and was one of the original high school youth leaders for SMARTRISK No Regrets in its pilot year.

Lauren Grant
Youth Program Coordinator
Lauren holds a BA in Human Relations with a minor in Education from Concordia University and a Post-graduate Diploma in International Project Management from Humber College. She has extensive experience in youth program design and facilitation.

Research

Philip Groff
Director, Research & Evaluation
Phil has a Ph.D. in psychology. He has been a course instructor in the University of Toronto psychology department, a researcher at the Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit and a researcher at the Canadian Policy Research Network.

Pam Farmer
Research Associate Pam has a master of science in kinesiology and health science: epidemiology from York University. She has been involved in a number of research projects in the field of injury.

Jayne Morrish Research Assistant Jayne has an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology from York University with a focus on Developmental Neuropsychology. She is pursuing graduate studies in the field of Clinical Neuropsychology.

Ontario Injury Prevention Resource Centre

Linda Yenssen
Senior Program Coordinator
Linda is a university-trained registered nurse and has an extensive background in public health, including more than 12 years in injury prevention.

Claude Meurehg
Curriculum Coordinator
Claude holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the ITAM in Mexico City and is pursuing doctoral studies in theology and philosophy at University of Toronto.

Communications

Kathy Blair
Writer
Kathy was a journalist for 10 years before coming to SMARTRISK. She has a BAA in journalism from Ryerson University and a BA in administration with a specialist in social issues from the University of Toronto.

Michael Gemar
Information Technology Administrator and Creative Services Coordinator
Michael has a PhD in psychology from the University of Toronto and has an extensive background in web technologies and interface design.

Operations

Peter O’Neill
VP, Operations
Peter holds a CMA designation and a FCIS with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in Canada. Previously, Peter had a long-term career at the CTV Television Network, holding various senior positions.

Chan Ramakrishna
Controller
Chan is a Certified General Accountant and has seven years accounting experience in non-profit organizations.

Bob Baker
President & CEO
Bob is an MBA graduate from the Richard Ivey School of Business and holds a BA in Communications Studies. He brings to the position 23 years of experience in the charitable sector, spanning healthcare, social services and education.