Leadership Circle

Teena Starlight

National Director

She/Her

Dr. Teena Starlight, a Tsuut’ina Nation member and National Director of IYMP, brings extensive experience in Indigenous education and leadership. She blends land-based learning, mentorship, and cultural knowledge to empower Indigenous youth across Canada. With advanced studies in curriculum and leadership, including a doctorate from the University of Calgary, she champions Indigenous-led wellness and education. I stay healthy so I can continue to help others.

Who Do You Stay Healthy For?

My grandchildren, I want to be around as long as I can for them.

Kate Storey

She/Her

Hello, I’m Kate Storey! While originally from the Midwestern United States, I’ve proudly called amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) home since 2002. Currently, I am a Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta, leading the research program SIRCLE. Our focus is on cultivating a culture of wellness for children, families and communities. On a personal note, I have a profound love for music, dance and the arts, shaped by my upbringing as the granddaughter of two artists and the daughter of a dancer. Additionally, I am a passionate runner and cyclist, often accompanied by my two young children who share my joy for adventure, travel and being active.

Who do you stay healthy for?

Caroline & Philly

Brian Torrance

He/Him

Brian Torrance loves his job as President and CEO of ParticipACTION, where he gets to work with governments, communities, Indigenous organizations, school health partners, researchers, and countless others who share a commitment to helping Canadians live healthier, more active lives. Brian enjoys bringing people together around a common goal and working with partners across the country to advance physical activity, sport, recreation, and wellness for everyone. With more than 14 years of experience in the sport, physical activity, and recreation sector, Brian has contributed in both professional and volunteer capacities—from organizing marathon events to leading a national organization. He also enjoyed his time serving as the Community Engagement Lead for Edmonton’s 2030 Commonwealth Games bid and is a sessional instructor at Concordia University of Edmonton. When not at work, Brian enjoys volunteering with the Edmonton Marathon, trying to make his two young daughters laugh with bad jokes, and watching them grow and flourish in whatever activities they choose.

Who Do You Stay Healthy For?

Lendel and Tregan.

Leah Ferguson

Taanishi Leah dishinihkashoon. (Hello, my name is Leah). I am a citizen of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan and a Professor in the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. I work closely with Indigenous and non-Indigenous athletes, youth, girls, and women to collaboratively enhance sport experiences and support wholistic wellness. I’m also a Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, where I translate my sport psychology research into applied practice to facilitate athlete well-being and performance. I live in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, and I love spending time outside with my family – where we “play, play, play”

Kerri Murray

Kerri’s personal and professional interests come together in her role as Executive Director at Ever Active, a national charity focusing on child and youth well-being. With a background in health physiology and health sciences education, her career has centred around health promotion, primarily in the public sector. She has a special interest in population health strategies for school-aged children and youth, and experience in facilitating a comprehensive school health approach. She is mom to three cheeky blondes who keep her on her toes: Lucy (daughter), Jess (daughter), and Auggie (the doggy).

Keatton Tiernan

Wâciye! I’m Keatton. I am a Métis and Nêhiyaw scholar and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. My research focuses on Indigenous youth health promotion, mentorship, leadership, belonging, and wholistic wellbeing. Through my work with IYMP, I explore how youth mentorship can strengthen school connection, community relationships, and mino/miyo-pimâtisiwin. Outside of work, I love gardening and weightlifting. Both keep me grounded in different ways—gardening reminds me to slow down, be patient, and care for what is growing, while weightlifting helps me feel strong, focused, and connected to my body.

Who do you stay healthy for?

My family, my partner, and the communities I work alongside.