Providing students with the tools they need to reach their learning potential.

Lawyer, McDougall Gauley LLP and Owner, The Backyard

When I’m not working I am usually outside exploring either by skiing, hiking, sailing, canoeing and/or camping.

As a graduate of one of Saskatoon’s inner-city schools, I joined the board because I believe ensuring all children have the resources they need to learn and be successful is imperative for Saskatoon to have an equitable and prosperous future.

Partner,  Saskatoon Fire & Flood Restoration/Construction

Brennen has been born and raised in the Construction industry in Saskatchewan and has specialized in the Insurance industry for over 20 years. After completing post secondary education at Durham College Ontario for a career in Policing, he found his most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in construction by helping people through a difficult time in their lives with a professional and positive experience. T

Through participating in various non-profit organizations at an executive level and boots on the ground positions, Brennen has joined the SPSF to focus on the next generation of our future. Being present with his wife and young family of four children, managing an active people first business, and investing time in our community provide a wide perspective in contributing to the SPSF board.

Retired Partner/Senior Vice President (Deloitte)

Retirement allows me additional time to give back to my community and to my profession with active service on numerous boards AND to spend time with my five delightful grandchildren.

I believe in the work of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation and the critical role it is playing in this community.  Saskatoon has always been my home community and that of my children and grandchildren.  Initially trained as a teacher, married to a retired Teacher/Counsellor and mother of an ESL Teacher with the Saskatoon Public Schools Division I am a proud supporter of the Foundation and honored to champion its cause.

Consultant, Coovadia Consulting; Commissioner, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission; Director, SaskTel Board of Directors; Vice Chair, Concentus Citizenship Education Foundation

I am a proud mom of three beautiful young adults and have always been engaged in their education journeys. For the last 18 years, I have served in various capacities on numerous school parent councils and SCC’s within the Saskatoon Public School Division and have developed an appreciation of the wonderful system my kids are fortunate to have been part of. But I have also seen the growing needs within the system and the gaps in education that need to be filled.

I am excited to play a small role in helping to address these with the SPSF. I believe that every child deserves an education, unimpeded by societal barriers and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we provide this. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I feel honoured to assist in arming our students with the best education and can’t wait to see the positive changes they make as our future leaders.

Retired Director of Education, Saskatoon Public Schools

As I transition to retirement, I am finding more time for family, running, reading, and volunteering.

I am pleased to support the SPSF because I’ve seen firsthand the powerful and positive difference the additional resources and initiatives it provides can have for the children and youth of Saskatoon.

Trustee, Saskatoon Public Schools Board of Education

Kim Stranden has represented Ward 4 since 2020 and was elected Chair of the Board for Saskatoon Public Schools in November 2023.

Raised on Saskatoon’s west side, she attended Confederation Park Elementary – now wâhkôhtowin School – and Mount Royal Collegiate. She holds a political science degree from the University of Saskatchewan and currently works as Co-op Coordinator and Career Advisor at the Edwards School of Business.

Kim is deeply involved in initiatives that enhance learning opportunities for all students, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive. Whether through fundraising efforts, program development, or community engagement, Kim is committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative educational environment.

In her free time Kim spends time with her family and watching her children on the basketball court and at the hockey rink.

CEO + Founder of Awāsis Boutique

Christine Marie, a Filipino/Metis Mom of two is from Treaty Six Territory, is the CEO of Awāsis Boutique.  Launched as the 1st Indigenous inspired baby + kids apparel brand in Western Canada in 2018, where quickly expanded to offering products for all ages + allies.  Including partnerships with SK Roughriders, USask, The Jilly Box + more.  Now recognized as a national brand.

By having teaching experience and children in the Public school system, Christine is familiar with the gaps that need to be filled.  She believes that education has the power to provide hope, opportunity + confidence.  So we have to do whatever we can to guide and support each child in this way.

With experience in customer service, business development and growth, community focus, Christine is honoured to join the board of SPSF.

Wayne Brownlee is retired, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nutrien/PotashCorp, positions he  held since 1999.

In 1989, Wayne coordinated the privatization of PotashCorp, which transformed it from a provincial Crown corporation to a publicly traded company. As head of expansion and development efforts in the 1990s, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the company’s nitrogen and phosphate assets. Wayne was also responsible for the acquisition of various equity interests in Israel Chemicals, Arab Potash Company and SQM, a major lithium and potassium nitrate producer in Chile.   Wayne served on the Boards of SQM and Arab Potash Company as Vice Chair.

He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Edwards Business School at the U of S and Vice-Chair of Wanuskewin Heritage Park.  He serves on the Board of the Saskatoon Public School Foundation, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority  and the Saskatoon Club.  He is also on the Boards of Gensource Potash and Zyus Life Sciences, both publicly traded companies.

Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Saskatchewan.

General Manager of Amrize Saskatchewan (previously known as Lafarge)

Outside of work, Pavan enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and dog, exploring Saskatoon and staying connected to the local community. She also enjoy podcasting, where she sits with leaders and shares conversations and insights on business and leadership—two areas she is passionate about.

Pavan has always been passionate about supporting children and ensuring they have what they need to succeed. Becoming a mother deepened her understanding of how critical early support is in setting children up for success, which led her to join the SPSF, an organization that does fantastic work in supporting the public school system so that it can support children.

Trustee, Saskatoon Public Schools Board of Education

Tanya Napper has represented Ward 1 since 2024.

She holds an honours degree in Political Studies and a Master of Education, both from the University of Saskatchewan. Tanya has worked at the university since 2005, contributing expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, student engagement, and governance.

She is a longtime member of her area School Community Council, Home and School and community association. These roles have given her experience in playground renewal, working with municipalities and organizations, and building relationships that benefit community and education.

In her free time, Tanya enjoys spending time with her family and pets, reading, running, and staying connected with friends.

Deputy Director, Saskatoon Public Schools

Outside of work I look forward to every opportunity to be at the lake that is in a community not far from Big River, Saskatchewan, a small town where I grew up.  I am loving being the mom of adult children where I find family dinners both entertaining and inspiring.

I have worked for Saskatoon Public Schools for 28 years and am grateful to be part of the wonderful work of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation.  I have witnessed staff and students benefitting greatly from the dedication of SPSF members and I look forward to doing my part in championing the efforts that support children and youth in Saskatoon.

Director of Education, Saskatoon Public Schools

As an educator with 27 years experience, I have always had a particular interest in mathematics instruction and the success of our community schools. In my spare time, I enjoy crossfit, running, all kinds of sports, and hanging out with my beloved chocolate lab, Weston.

I am very proud to be a member of the SPSF board as we work collectively to increase literacy rates for all our students through wonderful initiatives such as the summer literacy camps, literacy tutors, nutrition, and the early learning project.

Commercial Account Manager & Business Development, First Nations Bank of Canada

In my downtown I enjoy spending my time outdoors, playing sports, or travelling.

Growing up with a parent who was a teacher and having the opportunity to attend schools all across Saskatchewan.  I learned firsthand the struggles that come with education.  I joined the board because improving education and literacy in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan are vital for the success of not only our youth, but our city and province’s future as well.

When I’m not at work I am hopefully biking, walking, connecting with friends, entertaining or volunteering in our community.

I am blessed with two adult children who LOVE to read. Working with donors, teachers and families to support students develop a love of reading and achieve their potential is a dream job for me!

I’m a lifelong learner at heart. You’ll often find me picking up a new hobby or diving into something that sparks my curiosity. I believe learning should be engaging, inspiring, and come in many shapes and forms.

I’m passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences so every child has the opportunity to explore, grow, and develop their own love of learning. I’ve seen firsthand how education can open doors and shape a child’s future, which is why I’m so excited to be part of SPSF. I look forward to supporting students as they discover their potential and build a lifelong connection to learning.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I enjoy going for walks, reading and being outdoors, especially snowmobiling.

I have been working with the Saskatoon Public School Board for 27 years and I have loved it. I have a passion for helping others and supporting students with their education. The Foundation does incredible work with giving back to the schools and community. I am thrilled to be apart of such an incredible foundation. I look forward to working with such an amazing team at SPSF.

I love to laugh, to learn new things, and to meet new people! Outside of work, I can be found spending time with friends and family, and most importantly, embracing life and being the best wife and mother that I can be! I love all things health and nutrition and take every opportunity to try out a new recipe or embark on a good hike, bike, or paddle adventure to explore new places.

With previous experience in youth leadership program development, corporate engagement, and event management, I am passionate about helping young people reach their full potential and look forward to contributing to the meaningful work of SPSF to support students on their educational journeys.

Grounded in a belief that education can change lives and inspired by the power of stories and community, I believe the right support at the right time can transform a student’s path. At SPSF, I help design and support programs that create meaningful and equitable opportunities for students and work to reduce barriers to success.

With over 15 years of experience in teacher training and curriculum development, I have continued supporting youth since immigrating to Canada in 2016. Across settings, my approach is rooted in equity, care, and the power of relationships.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and hosting family and friends. My husband and two daughters are my greatest joy and my anchor.