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.

Assistant Professor, Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan

When I’m not engaging with students in the classroom or writing teaching materials that feature Saskatchewan companies, I enjoy paddle boarding with my friends and family

I am a proud supporter of the SPSF because of the tremendous impact that we can have on the local community in supporting secondary education through a variety of programs and initiatives, including those focused on early intervention, nutrition and reading.

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.

CFO of 7shifts Inc.

When I am not crunching numbers, my family and I are busy with sports (hockey and curling) and enjoy making memories at our family cottage.

I am fortunate to start my tenure on the board of SPSF. I have two school aged children and see first hand the impact that this foundation provides for children across the city and how much need there is for additional resources and assistance. Every child deserves a fair start. No matter the circumstances.

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.

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’m passionate about learning and believe every child should have the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow. I’ve seen firsthand how education can open doors and shape a child’s future, and that’s why I’m so excited to be part of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation. I’m looking forward to supporting students in developing a love of learning and helping them unlock their full potential.

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 the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, I am a proud alumnus of Saskatoon Public Schools and credit my many teachers throughout the years for my love of reading and learning.  When not at work I love to curl up with a book or go on adventures with my husband and two young children.

I have seen first-hand the impact that Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation makes as my daughter was a Page Turner and attended Camp Brain Power.  These programs got her on track for grade level reading and she in now a thriving second grader who loves learning.  I am excited to be part of a passionate team working to provide meaningful resources for all Saskatoon Public Schools students.