Current CIRA Ontario Executive
Effective April 20, 2026 the CIRA Ontario Executive consists of:
PETER STRATFORD
Executive Member
Peter Stratford is a PHE and Core French teacher with Halton District School Board with over 33 years experience. Peter has always valued CIRA’s motto of “Promoting fun, active participation for all” and looks forward to mentoring other professionals. He believes that with the help of CIRA all educators, regardless of their experience, or love of physical activity can make Physical Education class engaging and active.
BRENDA CARBERY-TANG
Executive Member
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​Brenda Carbery-Tang is a Physical and Health Education and French Immersion specialist with the Durham District School Board, bringing over 20 years of experience to the elementary classroom. As the mother of an ASD child and the daughter of immigrants, she is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understands that their contributions matter. Brenda’s pedagogical approach centers on the intersection of social justice and physical literacy. Driven by continuous growth, she is currently pursuing her Master of Education with a focus in PHE and frequently collaborates with diverse educational organizations and stakeholders. Beyond the classroom, Brenda serves as a coach for various sports teams and as a Well-Being Team member within her school community, while outside of school, she actively channels her dedication to physical literacy by working toward her black belt in martial arts.
KIM GILHESPY
President
Kim Gilhespy is the President of CIRA Ontario and a Physical and Health Education teacher with more than two decades of experience and certified to teach all divisions (Kindergarten through Grade 12). She brings extensive leadership experience in education, with a strong focus on provincial collaboration, professional learning, and advancing high-quality physical and health education.
Throughout her career, Kim has contributed as a presenter at regional, provincial, and national conferences, sharing expertise in physical education, student leadership, wellness, and positive school culture. She is an author and co-wrote Teamwork Builds Community, a resource supporting collaboration and inclusion in schools. Her leadership includes the development of sensory pathways, school wellness gardens, and sustainable wellness initiatives that support both staff and students.
Kim’s professional contributions have been recognized through multiple honours, including the Waterloo Distinguished Teacher Award, awards from CIRA Ontario and PHE Canada for distinguished programming, recognition as an OPHEA Featured Teacher, and the 2026 PHE Canada Teacher of Excellence Award in Physical and Health Education. She has also received a professional learning award to attend the SPARK Institute in the United States.
She is committed to advancing CIRA Ontario’s mission of supporting educators, strengthening professional practice, and fostering excellence in physical and health education across the province.
DAVID INGLIS
Executive Member
Dave is a sessional PHE instructor at Brock University and the Past-President of OASPHE. He currently serves on the CIRA Ontario Board of Directors and Ophea’s Safety Committee. With extensive experience as a PHE educator, department head, athletic director, coach, and K–12 HPE consultant, Dave brings a deep commitment to supporting meaningful physical education. He is passionate about physical activity, intramurals, curriculum development, and inspiring both staff and students to engage in all forms of play.
SHANNA THOMSON
Executive Member
Shanna Thomson is with the Halton District School Board (HDSB), bringing 17 years of experience and a deep commitment to HPE and the TGFU model. She is passionate about making each of her students find their inner athletes and help them start their journey to physical activity. Her teaching philosophy lies at the intersection of inclusive pedagogy and student-centered learning, ensuring that her programming reflects a supportive and equitable environment for all.
CHRIS SZYMUS
Board Appointee
​Chris is a teacher with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board in Kingston and is passionate about physical literacy and intramural programming. He is currently on secondment with the Queen’s University Faculty of Education, where he teaches the Health and Physical Education and Dance courses within the Primary/Junior teacher education program. Beyond the classroom, Chris is actively involved with Special Olympics Kingston, coaching the Active Start and FUNdamentals programs that help young athletes develop fundamental movement skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
TINA SMITH
Board Appointee
With 24 years of dedicated teaching experience within the York Region District School Board (YRDSB), Tina is passionate about fostering a lifelong love for movement, health, and wellness in every student. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGFU) model, which emphasizes critical thinking, tactical awareness, and, above all, inclusion. Tina is deeply committed to culturally responsive pedagogy, working hard to ensure that all students see themselves, their backgrounds, and their interests reflected in the activities we explore—both inside the gym and outdoors. As an advocate for the Healthy Schools initiative, Tina has proudly championed wellness frameworks at every school she's worked at, striving to build vibrant, active, and supportive school communities.
"Physical literacy isn't just about playing sports; it's about building confidence, community, and a healthy foundation for life."
KATE SHAW
Board Appointee
Kate is currently a Health and Physical Education educator at Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, with over 18 years of teaching and coaching experience in Canada and internationally. She has taught at International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Syria, the Philippines, Czechia, and Canada, bringing a global perspective to education and student well-being.
A former NCAA Division I athlete and professional soccer player in England, Kate is passionate about fostering positive experiences in sport, health, and education. She is excited to contribute fresh ideas, collaborate with colleagues across Ontario, and support initiatives that help educators and students thrive. Kate is particularly interested in connecting educators with innovative resources and professional learning opportunities that enhance student engagement and success.
Marlee is an elementary Health and Physical Education teacher with the York Region District School Board with over 18 years of experience. She is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that empower every student to experience success and confidence through physical activity. Marlee leads a daily student-led intramural program, hosts family activity nights that bring the school community together through movement, and partners with organizations such as the Blue Jays Affiliate School Program to create engaging and meaningful opportunities for her students.
Marlee currently serves as Vice President of CIRA, is an executive member of the Ontario Healthy Schools Committee, and has served as the YRDSB PHE Consultant. She has presented professional learning at the school, board, provincial and national levels and has contributed to several Ophea resources as well as serving as an Ophea Healthy Schools Consultant. A former NCAA Division I volleyball and softball athlete, Marlee is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces through sports and physical activity. She is a member of Baseball Canada’s Women in Coaching program and the head coach of a boys rep baseball team. When not teaching or coaching, she spends her time cheering on her three sons as they compete in baseball.
JEFF VAN WELY
Executive Member/
Secretary
Jeff is an elementary health and physical education teacher for the District School Board of Niagara. He has partnered with PHE Canada and BOKS Kids to review and create resources that help students and teachers. With over 20 years of experience, he is hoping to share some of his passion and knowledge with the CIRA team and other movement specialists. Jeff is very creative and finds wonderful ways to get his students excited and engaged when it comes to physical activity. He can be found on Twitter or Youtube, sharing his ideas!
KIRSTIN SCHWASS
Executive Member
Kirstin is a retired Physical Education teacher from the Peel District School Board, where she served on many HPE committees and writing projects. Kirstin has inspired countless individuals to embrace active, healthy lifestyles. Her intramural program offered opportunities for the entire school and community to become more engaged in physical activity and healthy living practices. Since 2003, Kirstin has served as an executive member of CIRA Ontario, contributing to multiple published resources and delivering dynamic workshops.
For 35 years, as a certified alpine ski coach with the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation, Kirstin mentored young athletes through on-hill and dry-land training, blending technical expertise with a passion for athlete development.
Today, Kirstin’s enthusiasm for outdoor adventure continues, whether running trails, kayaking, cycling, wilderness canoe tripping or competing in multisport events. Through CIRA Ontario, Kirstin continues to share her expertise and joy for movement, helping people of all ages discover the transformative power of an active life.
MARLEE CORCORAN
Vice-President – Finance
GILLIAN MAURO
Executive Member
Gillian Mauro is a PHE and Student Success teacher with Halton District School Board with over 25 years experience. She has always believed in teaching the whole child and finds connection with her students through Physical Education as her favourite way to develop a variety of lifelong skills such as communication, leadership and citizenship. Gillian has always valued CIRA’s motto of “Promoting fun, active participation for all” and looks forward to mentoring other professionals with exciting twists on new and old games that will engage all students at their own participation level.
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VLAD VELICI
Board Appointee
Vlad brings over a decade of youth sports leadership and educational experience to his role as an HPE teacher with the Toronto District School Board. A former varsity athlete, Vlad channels his background into creating inclusive environments where every student can discover a love for lifelong physical literacy. From spearheading school athletic councils and wellness teams to convening regional sports, his work focuses on building a strong connection between student well-being and active living. Driven by continuous growth and community collaboration, Vlad regularly partners with sports organizations to continuously refine his pedagogy and champion holistic development, ensuring that health, wellness, and sport remain accessible and enjoyable for all.
JASON STUMPF
Board Appointee
Jason is a Physical Education Teacher with the Peel District School Board bringing over 24 years of experience. His focus is creating an environment where all students feel safe, welcome and want to play. Through a strong intramural program he helps support student leadership and voice and choice in the PE program. He is actively working to support DPA in Peel schools as part of the Healthy Schools program. Jason is also an AQ instructor with Brock University teaching Health and Physical Education Primary/Junior Part 1 and Health and Physical Education Intermediate ABQ
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SHERRY POLOMARK
Board Appointee
Sherry Polomark is a passionate multi-sport enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in physical education and athletic coaching. Currently serving as a Physical Education Teacher and Sports-Exploratory Program Coordinator at École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, as well as a Sports coordinator for the CEPEO , Sherry is deeply committed to athlete development and promoting active lifestyles. Fully bilingual in French and English, her extensive background includes coaching school and community teams across diverse disciplines, including basketball, soccer, hockey, badminton, and ultimate frisbee. As an executive member, Sherry brings seasoned multi-sport expertise, strong leadership, and a dedication to fostering collaborative, inclusive sporting environments for all.
LYNNE ERWOOD
Board Appointee
Lynne is a Physical Education Teacher with the District School Board of Niagara, bringing over 27 years of experience, She is dedicated to creating positive, inclusive, and engaging activities that promote TGFU as well as physical literacy. Lynne actively coaches various sports at her school, and has a focus on promoting intramurals, leadership opportunities for her students, and positive activities to reach learners of all abilities. Lynne strives to make physical education a meaningful part of her student’s experiences while encouraging lifelong habits that support overall health and well-being.