I have just wrapped up my sixth year of teaching in the Edmonton Public School system. I've spent all six years of my teaching career teaching a range of subjects at Michael Phair Junior High (MP) including Social Studies, CTF's, Math, and Physical Education. Going into next year I will continue at MP as a Physical Education teacher and athletic director. 

Hello! My name is Rebecca Chambers. I grew up in Edmonton and have been teaching for 20 years, with most of my career spent in Saskatchewan. I have always loved being active outdoors and have many fond memories of camping with my family each summer as a child. These experiences inspired me to incorporate outdoor activities into my PE programs whenever possible and to become involved in outdoor education clubs.

Throughout my career, I have taught PE at all grade levels, along with a variety of other subjects mixed in. I am currently teaching at the Canadian International School in Abu Dhabi, where I have worked for the past four years. This year, along with beginning this program, I will also be taking on the role of PE Lead.

My husband is also a teacher, and we have two children: Aelan, who is 15, and Ethan, who is 13. When I am not busy being a “mom taxi,” I enjoy running, hiking, and travelling to new countries with my family.

I began a career in strength and conditioning in 2011, having worked with local, provincial, national, amateur, and professional athletes. In 2016 I switched course and chose to pursue a degree in education, which led to a trip around the world. I have taught in Egypt, England, Macau, Vietnam, and most recently I have taught for 3 years at a private international school in Cambodia as a physical and health education teacher. I will be taking on the role of PHE lead at the school in the 2026/2027 school year. In my spare time I enjoy pushing myself to do challenging and uncomfortable things. This past year I learned how to play hockey goalie, performed a comedy routine on stage, and ran a 55km ultramarathon through the mountains in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

I am currently the Physical Education Learning Leader at George P. Vanier School in Calgary. I am originally from Toronto, and attended Eastern Michigan University, where I completed a double major in Physical Education and French Teaching, while competing as a member of the university's varsity soccer team. Following graduation, I spent a year teaching in Strasbourg, France before relocating to Calgary. I am also a member of the Canadian National Australian Football Team, and fill my time coaching various sports and playing in many different social sports leagues.

I am currently in my fifteenth year of teaching with Edmonton Public Schools. I have taught students in Division I, II, and III, and am currently living my passion for Physical Education and Wellness in Junior High, in addition to serving as Athletic Director. Although I have called Edmonton my home for nearly twenty years, I grew up in British Columbia, exposed to a variety of physical activities, including those unique to a small mountain community. I still have an enthusiasm for movement; I enjoy weightlifting, being outdoors, gardening, and a profession that keeps me on my toes. In addition to exercise, I enjoy time with my partner, Sean, our dogs - Abby and Henry, friends and family. I love travel, delicious food, music, and am always up for a good laugh. I am a dedicated, lifelong learner, and I am thrilled to return to the University of Alberta to further my education.

I grew up in Olds, Alberta and completed my combined Bachelors Degree in Kin/Ed through Red Deer College and the University of Alberta. After school, I went back south to Red Deer where I began my teaching career in February 2017 at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. To this day I am still an educator at Thurber. My teaching assignments include any PE courses through grades 9-12, Health and CALM courses, and many PE options classes including Outdoor Education, Football 9, Soccer 9, Adapted PE, and Sports Performance. I look forward to expanding my education and knowledge through the HPE Cohort and Masters program!  

Hi, my name is Peter Grimm. I was born and raised in Revelstoke, BC and now reside in Edmonton. I have a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology and a Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Alberta. I currently teach junior high PE, Science and Math in Edmonton. I am also the Athletic Director at my school. Things I am passionate about are creating quality PE experiences for my students as well as Character Education through physical education. In my free time I enjoy running, cycling, hockey (playing and reffing), curling, camping, fishing and anything else active and outside!

Kienan has been living with his wife, Tia, and teaching in his hometown of Prince Albert at a French Immersion K-8 school for the past 6 years. He is a physical education teacher, athletic representative, and volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field coach at his school. He is a youth basketball coach in his community, working to instil the same joy of movement in his athletes as in his students. He earned his bachelors of Kinesiology and bachelors of Education both from the University of Saskatchewan after a stint of studying abroad in Switzerland. Kienan’s passion for movement and activity derives from his love of play, whether it’s recreational soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance, tennis, badminton, pickleball, cycling, cross-country skiing or competitive BopIt.

I am going into my 5th year teaching Science, Outdoor Education, and Physical Education at Avalon Junior High School in Edmonton, Alberta. I've had the pleasure of coaching our soccer, volleyball, and badminton teams, and am a co-director of our Athletics department. I am excited to apply learning experiences and research from the HPE Cohort to these aspects of my work and enhance the quality of health and physical literacy education for my students. Outside of teaching and coaching, I am just as passionate about staying active by going for runs, playing sports like golf and soccer, and watching the Oilers (an extreme cardiovascular workout...).

I grew up in Flin Flon, which is located in northern Manitoba. I attended the U of S and completed bachelor degrees in Kinesiology and Education. For the last 2 years I have been teaching at Tommy Douglas (grades 9-12) in Saskatoon, teaching Phys. Ed. and math. I am moving into teaching more Phys. Ed classes this coming fall, which I am super excited about! At Tommy you can find me coaching volleyball, basketball and as of recently track and field!

Tansi, I am Megan Littlechild, from the Ermineskin Cree Nation. I had the privilege of teaching all PE courses my first 7 years of my teaching career, in a grade 7-12 school in my community. I have 3 grown children and as of publishing date 2 grand girls. I am a second generation PE teacher and University of Alberta student going for my hat trick of degrees. Fun Megan fact I have been on this campus since I was a child. I was in the green and gold sport camps starting from 10 years old in swim camp. At this point in my life, I feel like my parents must have buried something of mine here on campus, because I am always coming back. (Photo credits: one of my students)

I have been teaching Kindergarten-Grade 12 Physical Education and Health for the last 6 years (5 years in elementary, and 1 year at high school). I currently teach Grade 9-12 Physical Education and Health At Kelvin High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. GO CLIPPERS! I also coach cross-country in the fall, indoor track during the winter, and outdoor track in the spring. In my spare time, I like to run, bike, and volunteer during the summer.

Hi! My name is Kirk Moen, and I am from Sherwood Park, Alberta. I am married to a rockstar Social Worker named Jessica, and we have two kids, Ferryn (16), who loves musical theatre, and Kamryn (14), who plays soccer. My journey in education is a bit unique... I taught junior high for three years right out of university before spending a decade in construction, moving from a laborer up to superintendent and carpentry instructor at NAIT. I recently returned to public education in Edmonton as a Physical Education and Student Leadership teacher at Jasper Place High School. When I am not running teenagers around, I focus on fitness and wellness, especially the positive effects of activity on mental health. Having played competitive hockey up to the college level, leading an active lifestyle has always been my passion. I am excited to begin this new chapter as part of this cohort and can't wait to start learning new things! 

Hi Everyone! I am excited to be a part of this great cohort! I grew up on a beef farm in southern Alberta, being active in sport and farm work. I attended the U of A for my undergraduate degree years ago and loved my experience. I have been teaching for 9 years, at 3 different schools. I have taught PE at all levels and I am currently the Athletic Director at my school in Leduc. I live in Edmonton with my wife Cass, my son Beck and dog Henry. I love being active with my family and friends. I am a big golfer in the summers and day dream of golf all winter. Hit me up if you wanna golf. 

Hey Everyone! My name is Josh Rutten and I am a high school physical education teacher from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I just finished my second year of teaching and currently work at Holy Cross High School. I coach lots of basketball and have been the head coach of the senior boys team at Holy Cross for four years, along with an assistant coach with the University of Saskatchewan men’s basketball team for the past two years. In my free time I love being outdoors and active. I work at a golf course which also allows me to get out and play lots in the summer months. Some other activities that I enjoy are spikeball by the Saskatoon river, disc golf and outdoor tennis. I am very excited to get back into the classroom and learn about topics that I am passionate about. This cohort is a wonderful opportunity, and I am very grateful to be apart of it!

I grew up in Sherwood Park, AB, and currently teach Junior High PE and Health. When I am not teaching you will most likely find me running outside or on a treadmill. I have been running for over 5 years, have run 6 half marathons and currently training to run my first marathon in Edmonton, 2026. I am also a huge LOZ fan..

I was born and raised in Edmonton Alberta and graduated from the UofA with a Kin/Ed Degree. For the last four years I've been teaching abroad, spending three years in Abu Dhabi and have just finished my first year in Prague where I teach P.E. and Sport Science. Outside of teaching I love spending time outdoors doing activities like hiking, biking and paddling. I grew up playing soccer and ringette and have more recently taken up padel and rock climbing. I also enjoy traveling to new places and listening to live music. 

Hey y’all! My name is Taylir, and I am so excited to be joining this cohort! I grew up right here in Edmonton and spent most of my time playing just about every sport under the sun. One of my favourite things about this city is our beautiful river valley, the long summer days, and all the quirks that make Edmonton feel like home. I currently teach Junior High Science and Physical Education and I LOVE it! I hold both a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Alberta, which allowed me to explore two of my greatest passions: being active and helping others do the same! I'm excited to jump back into education and continue learning all about physical education, physical literacy, health and wellness, and meaningful movement experiences that support lifelong participation in physical activity. I can't wait to connect with everyone and learn from the diverse experiences and perspectives within this cohort!

I was born and raised in Lacombe, and after graduating from the University of Alberta, I was fortunate enough to return home and start my teaching career there for two years. After that, I returned to Edmonton and joined Michael Phair School, where I still teach alongside fellow cohort member Kevin Borst. After teaching courses in Connections, Social Studies, and ELA (Over a 4 year period) at MP, I am happily settled into a full-time PE Team Lead role and even get to share an office with one of my good friends. My girlfriend, Taylor, and I recently adopted a new pup named Maisie, and we love going on adventures together. I love reading, travelling, spending time with family, and all things sports.

I have just finished up my 9th year as an intermediate teacher in the York Region District School Board. I have taught all across all subjects except French, though my favourite subjects to teach are Health/Phys. Ed and science. I have taken on the role of Athletics Lead at my school, and this has given me the opportunity to spread my love and appreciation for physical education through the school through the lens of the TGFU framework. I grew up playing football, wrestling and doing Judo. I have also picked up powerlifting, and have recently gotten into running: I will be “competing” in my fourth Spartan Race this fall. 

I love being outdoors, especially camping and canoeing. I try to bring this love of the outdoors into the classroom as much as possible: this year I attempted to blend Pythagorean Theorem with Orienteering (with mixed but mostly positive results). I am looking forward to this program and incorporating my learning into my teaching practice.