Professor Mark Tremblay has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Sports Administration and a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education degree from Laurentian University. His graduate training was from the University of Toronto where he obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the Department of Community Health with a specialty in Exercise Science. Dr. Tremblay is a Senior Scientist with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity (HALO) Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, President of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, Founder of the Sedentary Behaviour Research Network, President of Outdoor Play Canada, and Adjunct/Visiting Professor at five other universities on four continents. Dr. Tremblay has published >600 scientific papers and book chapters in the areas of childhood obesity, physical activity measurement, exercise physiology, sedentary physiology, outdoor play and health surveillance. According to Scopus, his h-index is 108 and his published research has been cited >49,000 times, consistently placing him on the Clarivate list of highly cited researchers (top 1% in the world). He has delivered or coauthored over 1,000 scholarly conference presentations, including more than 150 invited and keynote addresses, in 22 different countries. Dr. Tremblay received an honorary doctorate from Nipissing University, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Lawson Foundation 60th Anniversary Award, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Honour Award and John Sutton Memorial Lecturer Award, the Victor Marchessault Advocacy Award from the Canadian Pediatric Society, the Vic Neufeld Mentorship Award in Global Health Research from the Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research, the International Network of Time-Use Epidemiologists Laureate Award, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Trailblazer Award in Population and Public Health Research, and the Obesity Canada Distinguished Lecturer Award for his leadership contributions to healthy active living in Canada and around the world. Dr. Tremblay’s most productive work has resulted from his 35-year marriage to his wife Helen, yielding four wonderful children.

Heather Cowie is the General Manager of Community and Protective Services with the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Prior to that she was with the City of Calgary where she was instrumental in bringing the 2017 International Play Association Conference to that city and co-created the Mobile Adventure Playground and the Play Charter with amazing Parks and Recreation staff in Calgary. Heather is currently the President of the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and a proud founding member of Outdoor Play Canada. She is an avid supporter of anything play for children and youth and believes strongly in the power of partnerships and collaborations.

Matt Leung is a Professional Child who has spent over 15 years working with children and youth in the recreation and education sectors. He has facilitated trainings and workshops across North America and he played a key role in the planning and implementation of the International Play Association conference in September of 2017. Matt is the Program Manager of Communities ChooseWell, a health promotion and community development program operated by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association. He is also a Master Trainer with DANCEPL3Y, a professional speaker, a podcaster, and a graduate of the University of Calgary, and Royal Roads University. 

Dr. Eun-Young Lee (they/them) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen’s University. In their free time, Eun-Young enjoys spending time outdoors. 

Dr. Kelly Arbour Nicitopoulos is a Professor within the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and an Advisory Member of the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre at the University of Toronto. She is also an Adjunct Scientist at the Bloorview Research Institute within Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and a co-Investigator of the Canadian Disability Participation Project. Kelly leads a program of research that is theory-driven, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to measure, understand, and change physical activity behaviour in persons experiencing disability. Her work is founded in knowledge mobilization, where she collaborate with families and persons experiencing disability as well as community organizations to ensure the research she is involved in is able to address relevant and timely needs of the disability community. 

Lisa Belton has dedicated over 24 years to the early learning and care field, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her roles. She has served as an educator and program coordinator and currently holds the position of Director at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services.  She is deeply committed to building strong partnerships, creating inclusive environments, and empowering others to reach their full potential. In February 2024, Lisa obtained her Forest and Nature School Practitioner certification, reflecting her passion for outdoor play and nature-based learning. She believes in the transformative power of outdoor experiences for children and is dedicated to integrating these opportunities into early childhood education.

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is the Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. She is an investigator with the British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit. Mariana is a founding member and current board member of Outdoor Play Canada. Her research investigates child injury prevention and children’s risky play, focusing on parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, and design of outdoor play-friendly environments. Details can be seen at outsideplay.org 

Dr. Richard Larouche is an Associate Professor of Public Health and the founder and director of the Physical Activity, Transport & Health (PATH) research group. He joined the University of Lethbridge in 2017 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity (HALO) research group at the CHEO Research Institute. Richard completed his PhD in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa in 2013. He is the current chair of graduate public health programs at the University of Lethbridge. His research interests include active transportation, physical activity, outdoor play, independent mobility, and the environment. Richard is the Editor of the book Children’s Active Transportation published by Elsevier and he has published over 80 peer reviewed articles and book chapters.  In 2019, he cycled across Canada to raise funds for research on Alzheimer’s disease, which has affected several family members. Richard is also a keen runner, hiker, and advocate for planetary health and social justice. 

With an MSc in Human Kinetics specializing in Exercise Physiology from the University of Ottawa in 2006, Manon brings over two decades of experience in health and wellness across academic, public, and private sectors. Manon’s early career focused on health research at the University of Ottawa, Statistics Canada’s Canadian Health Measures Survey, and in Heidelberg, Germany. Over the next 10 years, while raising her daughter, she was self-employed and expanded her approach to health through holistic practices including Somatic Experiencing®, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, various forms of Yoga (Yin, Restorative, and Vinyasa), Holistic Nutrition, and Doula care. Manon is currently working as a Health Promoter with the Réseau de santé Vitalité’s Public Health team in New Brunswick, where she leads portfolios in physical activity, food security, climate change and the environment, and perinatal and early childhood. Her work within the Population Health program is grounded in a population health approach, with some focus on provincial, regional and community-based initiatives that promote long-term well-being and support healthier, more sustainable environments for all. 

 

Dr. Raktim Mitra is an Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning and co-Director of TransForm Research Laboratory at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University). He completed his PhD in Urban Planning in 2011 from the University of Toronto, and is currently affiliated with the Department of Geography and Programs in Environment at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) as an Associate Professor (status only). Raktim’s teaching and research explores the intersection between the neighbourhood environment, mobility behaviour and wellbeing. His current research programs and publications focus more specifically on walking, cycling and playing in urban neighbourhoods. Raktim is the co-editor of a recently published book titled Transport and Children’s Wellbeing, which summarizes 10+ years of his research on this topic. In recent years, he has collaborated with school boards and community-based organizations in delivering and evaluating play-based programming at schools and within Toronto’s neighbourhoods. Raktim is also leading a major multi-institutional collaboration called StudentMoveTO – a partnership between 10 universities and colleges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area- that focuses on transportation behaviour, mobility challenges and wellbeing of post-secondary students.

Angel Suarez Esquivel (he/him) is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering and Sustainability. Angel currently works in the Humber Arboretum Nature Centre as an Outdoor Educator. He provides outdoor play experiences for children from infancy to grade 12. Additionally, he supervises and facilitates the Humber Arboretum Early Childhood Education Field Placement: Children & Youth in Nature, where pre-service outdoor educators learn and apply concepts of outdoor risky active play for children of all ages. He is part of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (COEO) Board of Directors, and originally from Mexico, he advocates for historically underserved communities to have fair access to Land-based play, outdoor spaces, and recreation. His goal as part of the Board of Outdoor Play Canada is to keep removing barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+, Latine, and newcomer communities to have fair access to the outdoor play network of Canada.

Megan Zeni is a teacher in nature and a tireless outdoor play advocate. She is a whole systems thinker who offers mentorship and leadership with pedagogical applications of outdoor play and learning in the elementary school context. With over 25 years of public school teaching experience, Megan has cultivated a deep understanding of how to thoughtfully locate curricular learning outdoors with pedagogies of place and play. Megan is a vocal advocate for risky play in schools. Through her PhD research, Megan highlighted the expertise of educators who have successfully enacted outdoor play and learning in schools across Canada. Her findings supported the development of the teacher.outsideplay.org tool. Learn more about Megan’s work and research at https://meganzeni.com/ 

Dr. Louise de Lannoy completed her PhD at Queen’s University in clinical exercise physiology. Her interests in population health and knowledge translation led her to join the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Team at the CHEO Research Institute where she became involved in and helped grow Outdoor Play Canada into the not-for-profit organization it is today. Louise is passionate about environmental stewardship, finding daily joy and wonder outdoors, and thinking creatively and collaboratively about whole-of-community challenges.  She can’t believe her luck in finding such a joyous, satisfying, and playful form of work that aligns almost magically with these passions. Outside of OPC, Louise enjoys exploring Ottawa by running, cycling and skiing through it and winding down at the end of the day on the couch with a glass of wine, her partner Jeff, and their geriatric puppy.

Contact info: ldelannoy@outdoorplaycanada.ca

Paula ter Huurne is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, outdoor enthusiast, and lifelong learner; she has a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Algonquin College, completing her final practicum in New Zealand studying the Te Whāriki curriculum and an Honours degree in Linguistics with a Concentration in Psycholinguistics and Communication Disorders from Carleton University. Paula has over a decade of experience working with children and families in diverse early learning and community settings. She is also a dedicated Camp Quality volunteer, serving pediatric oncology families, with experience in providing outdoor programs, fundraising, and event coordinating. Paula is passionate about equitable social change, environmental stewardship, language-rich environments for young children, and outdoor opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Contact info: pterhuurne@outdoorplaycanada.ca

Dr. Maeghan James is a post-doctoral fellow with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity (HALO) Research Group working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Tremblay at the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play (CCOP). Maeghan completed her PhD at the University of Toronto where her research program focused on understanding the role of parents for supporting children’s motor development and physical activity during early childhood. Maeghan’s current research focuses on the promotion of inclusive outdoor active play for all children and understanding the impact of outdoor play on holistic development and well-being in the early years. Maeghan is passionate about promoting physical activity and play among children of all abilities and has had the privilege to work with and learn from children and youth for over 10 years. Maeghan strives to engage and partner with children, families and community members to conduct meaningful and impactful research. Outside of her work with HALO and CCOP, Maeghan enjoys spending time outdoors by cycling, playing sports, walking her dog Eddie and camping.

Amy Jo Smith is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and a Resource Consultant with Children’s Inclusion Support Services, seconded to the CCOP for our project supporting children with disabilities in outdoor play and learning in natural spaces.  She has been co – learning alongside children and families in diverse settings for the past two decades, and is passionate about creating accessible, welcoming spaces for children of all abilities to grow, explore and thrive. She has continued her learning journey in becoming a Forest and Nature School Practitioner and Trauma Competent Care Practitioner. She loves to be outdoors connecting, playing, and exploring alongside children, sharing their wonder and joy of discovery,  and learning together from the resilience and beauty of the natural world.  She can be found outdoors in all seasons –   hiking a forest trail,  enjoying Ottawa’s waterways on a bike path or a paddleboard, or skiing on one of the many winter trails!

Ryan Fahey (B.Ed, B.a HKin, CPT) is an educator and consultant and has been working within the play and education spaces for over a decade. He has a strong background in health and wellness and is deeply passionate about play. In his free time, you can find Ryan running the trails of Prince Edward Island or walking with his wife Amber and Dog Dash.

Bayan Kaid is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who recently graduated from the Bachelor or Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) honours degree program at Algonquin College. Bayan has an advanced diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications Management and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. With a keen interest in connecting policy, research, and practice, Bayan is elated for the opportunity to refine her skills as she progressses from her previous role at OPC as the 2024-2025 Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play Fellow, to her current role as a Research Assistant working closely with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group. Having a deep passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Bayan is excited to find ways in all her work to make the benefits of outdoor learning accessible for all.

Emily Stone joined the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO) team as a Research Coordinator in 2024 after completing her Master’s degree from Carleton University in Health Science, Technology and Policy. Emily contributes to the SPROUT and SPROUT-Able projects as part of the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play. She aided in the production of the Canadian 2024 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth during her Master’s degree. Emily completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from the University of Guelph. Emily’s interests involve making physical activity more accessible and encouraging more time spent outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking and spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Alessia Capone (she/her) is a second year PhD student working under the supervision of Dr. Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos in the ADAPT Lab at the University of Toronto, in collaboration with the CCOP. Alessia received a Master of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) at the University of Toronto in 2022.

Emily Kesteloot is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Guelph; she is completing a 2025 summer practicum with Outdoor Play Canada, focusing on the knowledge translation component of the updated Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play. She earned her undergraduate degree in Genetics at Western University in 2023. During her time at Western, she developed a passion for supporting community mental health through her work leading the on-campus Peer Support Centre. Outside of her current MPH studies, she loves exploring Canada through her solo travels, camping, and hiking.

Mallory Donaldson is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with an advanced diploma in pre-health science and honours graduate of the Bachelor or Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) degree program at Algonquin College.

Mallory was delighted to accept a position with the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play (CCOP) in 2023 as their first fellow. In this role she built capacity and thought leadership for outdoor play stakeholders as well as led advocacy initiatives for the promotion of outdoor play in the early years.

Since completing her term as the CCOP fellow, Mallory has transitioned into a new position as the Early Years Specialist in Lanark County. In this role, Mallory builds responsive relationships, facilitates professional learning opportunities, and supports quality assurance for early childhood education programs/services in Lanark County. Additionally, as a Consolidates Municipal Service Manager (CMSM), Mallory assists Lanark County with the development of service planning.

Mallory carriers her knowledge and experience gained as the CCOP fellow with her in all aspects of her personal and professional life. She is excited to share her passion for sustainable nature-based learning with her community and continue to promote, protect, and preserve access to outdoor play for all people living in Canada.

Bayan Kaid is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) who recently graduated from the Bachelor or Early Learning and Community Development (BELCD) honours degree program at Algonquin College. Bayan has an advanced diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications Management and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. With a keen interest in connecting policy, research, and practice, Bayan was elated for the opportunity to refine her skills and carry on the mission of her predecessor, Mallory. Similar to Mallory, her focus was on continuing to build capacity and thought-leadership for outdoor play stakeholders, as well as leading advocacy initiatives for the promotion of outdoor play in the early years. Having a deep passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Bayan focused her efforts during her fellowship on ways to make the benefits of outdoor learning accessible for all.