Staff & Board - Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation

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

Board of Directors

Chair

Wayne Brownlee

Former CFO and Executive Vice President of Nutrien and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan

Currently, Vice Chair of Wanuskewin Heritage Park and past Chairman of Saskatoon Community Foundation

I have been involved with the Saskatoon Public School Foundation for several years and am a strong believer in investing in our future, which is the youth of the Province and Saskatoon.   There is no hope for a child unless there is education, allowing children to grow up and meaningfully participate in the economy and in the community.   This is a responsibility of society as a whole and is the greatest gift we can leave as a legacy.

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Chair, Governance Committee

Rylund Hunter

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.

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Chair, Grants Committee

Barry MacDougall

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.

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Chair, Fund Development & Communications Committee

Brooke Klassen

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

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Chair, Audit and Finance

Marla Adams

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.

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Stephanie Yong

Ms. Yong is the Co-Founder of Sohkisiwin Solutions, a strategy firm focused on bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations.  She also has a consultancy practice, Stephanie Yong Consulting, which focuses on using the tools of human-centred design thinking to help generate ideas, solve strategic problems and apply them to community and social impact projects.  Ms. Yong also shared these tools while serving as a lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business.

I love being busy and working hard and for me, work life balance doesn’t quite exist but I like it. When I do have some down time, I love to cook and eat, drink wine and be active whether its going to the gym, cycling, or anything to keep me moving!

I support SPSF because I believe we can have the most impact when children are young to help support, guide and provide them with the necessary resources and programming to help them make positive choices for the future. Education is crucial to help shape the future our future leaders.

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Michael Linklater

Michael is a proud Nehiyaw (Cree) descending from the Thunderchild First Nation, located in Treaty 6 Territory.  He currently serves as a Thunderchild First Nation Councillor.  Michael, a world top 3×3 basketball player, is also the founder of the International Campaign “Boys with Braids”.  Michael grew up attending a community school in Saskatoon and understands the need for increased supports in school to help youth reach their educational goals.

“Growing up and attending a community school in Saskatoon, I truly understand the importance of having supports in place to help youth with their educational goals. This is why I am excited to be part of this amazing campaign.”

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Colleen MacPherson

Saskatoon Public Schools Board of Education Trustee Chair

I have proudly served Saskatoon Public Schools as a trustee since 2009, working hard to ensure every student is known, valued and believed in. When I’m not focused on education, I work as a freelance writer and editor. In my ‘free’ time, I enjoy walking my dog.

In my years on the school board, I have seen the significant benefit SPSF programs and initiatives – from literacy to nutrition – have brought to our students, families and communities. As an SPSF board member, I look forward to supporting and expanding this critical work for our children and youth.

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Shane Skjerven

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.

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Nicola Bishop-Yong

As a Superintendent for Saskatoon Public Schools, Nicola provides leadership and administration for curriculum, instruction and assessment, Grades 1 to 8.  Along with being Board Member, she works closely with SPSF regarding the Early Learner Tutor Program and the Summer Reading Camps.

 

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Fatima Coovadia

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.

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Brennen Mills

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.

 

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Michael Pidwerbeski

Trustee, Saskatoon Public School Board of Education; Continuing Education Consultant, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping active, travelling, and cooking.

I have spent my entire career working in and learning about education and life-long learning.  I see first-hand the multitude of ways SPSF supports learning in our community, and I am please to be able to contribute by being part of the board.

 

 

 

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Allison McMillan

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.

 

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Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Zeba Ahmad

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!

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Community Relations Manager

Carly Mysko

Carly enjoys traveling through our beautiful province and enjoying the great outdoors, learning new things, skills, and trying new recipes.  As well, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and friends in her downtime.

“Working at Saskatoon Public School Foundation gives me the opportunity to be involved in programs and initiatives that impact the community in amazing ways.  Going to work every day is a joy when you know that what you’re doing is making an impact in the lives of others.”

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Administrative Assistant

Debra Lishchynsky

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 26 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.

 

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Programs & Grants Manager

Krysta Shacklock

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.

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