Paul J. Veugelers received training in human nutrition (MSc from the University of Wageningen, The Netherlands), epidemiology (PhD from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and biostatistical modeling (postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia). He currently holds a Canada Research Chair in Population Health and an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Health Scholar Award in support of his academic research program. Within this program, he studies the importance of school-based intervention programs and policies in relation to the prevention of chronic diseases. The overarching objective of the research is to advise on and direct new health policies and population intervention programs to prevent chronic disease, to improve quality of life and to avoid healthcare costs associated with the treatment of chronic diseases.
Dr. Veugelers is the director of the Population Health Intervention Research Unit in the School of Public Health. Initiatives within this unit include evaluations of the school-based programs that promote healthy eating and active living such as: 1) the Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools program (www.NSCLASS.ca); 2) the Alberta Project Promoting active Living and healthy Eating in Schools (www.APPLESchools.ca); 3) the Raising healthy Eating and Active Living Kids Alberta (www.REALKidsAlberta.ca); and 4) the a school nutrition policies in Prince Edward Island.

Marg has been involved with school health promotion for over 30 years. She has a passion for health promotion in schools and has worked in a number of roles to support her vision for healthy, active Alberta schools including the founding manager for Schools Come Alive and Ever Active Schools. She has worked for both Alberta Education and Alberta Health and Wellness and is currently seconded from the Alberta government to the School of Public Health. She is the recipient the Health and Physical Education Council's Distinguished Service Award and Robert Routledge Memorial address; and has been inducted as a fellow into the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals. She completed her Bachelor of Education and Master Degree in Education from the University of Alberta. She is a mom, a hiker, a curler and loves to travel. ¡Hola!

Jenn completed her Bachelor of Physical Education at the University of Alberta. She has worked as a School Health Facilitator at Lee Ridge School and now as leads the Fort McMurray APPLE Schools team. She has keen organizational skills and a wide variety of experiences working with children in a physically active setting. Jenn's team skills are evident as she plays an integral role in planning processes. She brings a level of excitement unsurpassed by most and displays leadership through her logic skills and expertise.

Erin studied at the University of Alberta and Red Deer College. Her previous experience as a School Health Facilitator at Belmead School, as a registered Kinesiologist and as a personal trainer has equipped her well to lead the Edmonton APPLE Schools team. Erin's experience motivating people and communities through health promotion has helped create healthy school communities. Erin is an avid traveller having spent time traveling locally and abroad. She likes individual outdoor pursuits such as skiing and hiking and enjoys team sports such as basketball and soccer. Erin's fun loving attitude and charm are infectious. Her wide range of experiences and respect for others makes her an outstanding member of any team.

"Kwey-kwey ni-djiiwendaagok!! Cindy nin-dijnikaaz. Kitiganik acidj Kitigan Zibik ni-wendjibaa. Tedigo ni-minendam kidjii wiidokonaan." Cindy joins our team with a diploma in addictions counselling and numerous certifications in the areas of University Teaching, Leadership, personal growth, management and training development from Nechi, Keyano College and other institutions. She also holds a BHSc and recently completed her MSW, Leadership in Human Services. Originally from the Parc le Verendrye, Quebec area, her early years, despite the challenges of colonization in her communities was rooted with a strong traditional flavour that included life on the land, hunting, pow wows, her Peoples' language and later expanded to include a variety of team sports. Raised as a hunter by both parents and the community, Cindy's passion for helping FNMI communities is evident in her extensive experiences of working with diverse FNMI communities, involvement with grassroots organizations and her volunteer work within Indigenous communities and youth. Cindy is honoured and excited to serve FNMI communities in seeking "Mino-pimatisiwin" - the Good Life.

Kate is an Assistant Professor in the Population Health Intervention Research Unit in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. She received a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University, a PhD in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alberta, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Health Promotion. Kate is also a registered dietitian. Kate has a passion for working with children and her research interests involve community-based strategies to promote healthy weights and prevent chronic diseases. In her free time, Kate enjoys staying active and travelling.

Andrea has background experience as an Administrative Assistant with the University of Alberta, the Ever Active and Schools Come Alive programs of the Alberta Teachers Association.
Her laughter and positive attitude makes every day brighter. She sits on the Wellness Committee with the School of Public Health, helps with the planning of activities, unit events and oversees the general administration and day to day operations of the unit. Andrea has spent many years as a volunteer in her community. She enjoys being a part of the APPLE Schools team.

Sara completed her Bachelor of Arts (Physical Education/History) at Augustana University and her Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. Being an avid world traveller, she loves to learn about other cultures' games and traditions. She is extremely active playing women's league basketball, as well as cross country skiing. Sara loves working with children and youth in a school setting and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Leanne completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of Alberta and will be achieving her Registered Dietitian status near the end of 2010. She has experience as a junior high school health facilitator, camp counsellor, and aquatics instructor and has a passion for helping children eat healthy and stay active. Leanne is an energetic, encouraging, and determined individual who is always up for an adventure. She's committed to her faith, her husband, and to serving others, and is a great contribution to her school and the APPLE Schools team.

Tina has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. She is an optimistic, down-to-earth individual, who is passionate and full of laughter. She enjoys being engaged in any activity she can do with her husband and dog. She particularly loves tobogganing and is currently revisiting a childhood love of playing the piano. Tina's love of life will support a positive environment in any school community.

Amy completed her Bachelor of Elementary Education with a minor in French as a Second Language. While teaching, she took on the role of School Health Champion, implementing the Comprehensive School Approach in her school community. She is passionate about changing behaviours to include a healthy lifestyle beyond Physical Education, and feels that educating children is the key to achieving success. Amy is a former member of the Edmonton Wam Ringette team; she's also a member of Shalom Park Water Ski Club and is training as a long distance runner.

Billy has a Bachelor of Management from the University of Lethbridge. He worked with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta and started his own company 'Just Jump'. With both endeavours, Billy has taught staff and students to integrate jump rope into daily physical activity. He is also a very accomplished skipper, winning a gold medal at the Pan-American Rope Skipping Championships. Billy has abundant energy, an infectious sense of humour and a great dedication to increasing health in the school community.

Kristi completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and obtained her Registered Dietitian status in 2004. She has experience in a variety of settings, including working in Northern Saskatchewan with a diabetes prevention focus. She developed great thinking skills while answering difficult and personal questions when working with children and youth in isolated communities. Kristi's wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for healthy living makes her an invaluable asset to any team.

Michelle completed her first two years of her Physical Education Degree at Grant MacEwan College and then completed her Education Degree at the University of Alberta. Michelle was involved in numerous sports as a child, which fuelled her enthusiasm and passion for coaching. Michelle enjoyed spending time as the assistant coach of the Female Nait Ooks Basketball Team. She loves spending time in the community and has been actively involved with the M.S. Society, the Cancer Society and various events sponsored by the City of Edmonton. She has just completed her third year of teaching and is thrilled to return to a school community, to utilize and share all of her skills and passions to encourage healthy active lifestyles.

Bio to follow...