Staff

Rick

I was in the Military for 22 yrs and retired in the fall of 1999. I was hired full time by the Area Health Promotions in July 2000 to develop and teach stress management and to continue teaching Interventive Education, general awareness, and suicide intervention.

 I was hired by PSP in August 2002 as a Health Promotion Manager. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Social Work), I am an International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker.

 I am a hockey Referee, I curl, golf and love to work out . I thoroughly enjoy my involvement in the area of Health Promotion and am deeply committed to promoting healthy living. My professional passions include health and a drug-free lifestyle.

Heather

I have been involved with the military since 1998, starting my  career as a Fitness and Sport Instructor here in Edmonton.  My involvement with PSP has allowed me to grow as a health professional and develop a deeper understanding of the needs of our military community. While my passions lie in active living and nutritional wellness, I believe that a holestic approach to wellness is essential. 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology in 1998, and have since achieved many other professional certifications from several accredited associations including CPAFLA, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and AFLCA (Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association). My personal pursuits include personal training, cycling, weight training, and enjoying outdoor activities with my two dogs and my son. In the desire to be a good role model, I have taken an interest in my son's passions and he has pushed me to try new pursuits. I have recently found a love for snowboarding, a more fearless approach to mountain biking, and an appreciation for the game of golf (and by appreciation I am not implying I have any skill). While parenting can leave a person feeling older than their years, I have chosen to have it keep me feeling young, and so far it is working.

Tanya

Hi, my name is Tanya Pankiw (pronounced like “thank you”, but with a “P”).  I joined the Health Promotion team at the Edmonton Garrison full-time in January 2009.  I obtained my BSc. Nutritional and Food Sciences at the University of Alberta and became a Registered Dietitian (RD) after completing my integrated internship in the Calgary Health Region in 2005.

I have worked in Public Health and Clinical Nutrition in a variety of positions and roles, including non-profit program coordination, home visitation, and individual and group education. I worked with a variety of individuals, teaching them nutrition and life skills to help them overcome barriers and make healthy choices. At my last position as an outpatient RD in a Diabetes Clinic, I realized my true passion is Health Promotion.

I am taking University Psychology courses through distance education, with hopes of applying for my Masters in Education, Counselling, or Health Promotion within the next couple of years. Outside of work and school, I love experimenting with recipes, going to the gym, and playing recreational sports.

I am excited to be working with such a wonderful, energetic, and visionary Strengthening the Forces team.

Nicole

Hello, I am one of the newest members of the Health Promotion team here in Edmonton, having only joined the team in January 2009.

I grew up in a Military family and am accustomed to the unique environment and challenges that each CF member, spouse and child face. Like every CF family we moved a few times and eventually ended up at 14 Wing Greenwood.  I began my working career at the 14 Wing Fitness and Sports Centre pool working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.  Each day I had to pass the Health Promotion office and was drawn in by different brochures with tips for achieving optimal health. This was my first exposure to Health Promotion and may have influenced my decision to pursue my chosen field of study. It was clear to me then and is clear to me now the importance of promoting health in the CF community.

I completed my Bachelor of Pure and Applied Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Acadia University, graduating May 2007. Post graduation, I moved to Alberta and began working for Capital Health. I veered away from my field of study, and worked in the Microbiology Laboratory at the University Hospital here in Edmonton. However, I always knew my true passion was in health and nutrition.

 I truly believe that a life-long habit of health and nutrition including a physically active lifestyle are essential in attaining self-satisfaction and optimal health. My goal as a Health Promotion manager is to help provide effective resources and tools that will ultimately improve the CF members’ quality of life. While also appreciating the challenges faced by CF members and their families in order to identify what we can do to help.

I feel very fortunate to have joined this energetic Strengthening the Forces team and am excited to start working with the CF community.