Our Team
Joseph Naytowhow
Knowledge Keeper
Joseph’s name is kamiyo-kesikan-kesikaw-pimohtew (Spirit of the Day Guided Being). He comes from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Sucker River First Nation and on his English/Metis side, Manitoba and the United Kingdom. Meeting the youth from the G.Y.M. family is the highlight of his life. He is so proud of how G.Y.M. has blossomed tremendously over the years and is available for any youth wanting to have fun and grow in many directions. Click here to learn more about Joseph's connection with G.Y.M.

Brian
Lewis
Executive Director
Brian (Ph.D.) has taught in K-12 and post-secondary education since 1997. His research interests include youth mentorship, leadership, high school completion, physical education and physical literacy. He has presented his research at international conferences and continues to facilitate professional development experiences for educators, recreation facilitators and community leaders throughout Western Canada. Brian's passion around youth development continues to drive his teaching and service commitments to the community.

Claire
Tuckanow
Coordinator
Claire, a Metis-Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory, is passionate about exploring her culture and heritage. She started her career by learning about multimedia and sharing Indigenous stories. Currently, she focuses on empowering youth from diverse backgrounds across Turtle Island, helping them discover and develop their talents through various initiatives and programming. Claire believes in the limitless opportunities G.Y.M offers young people to enhance their unique gifts. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, exploring new places with her sons, and embracing life on the prairies.

Quinn
Anderson
Leadership Pathway Educator
Quinn (B.Ed.) teaches at Scott Collegiate in the Leadership Pathway and works as a site facilitator with G.Y.M. Prior to teaching at Scott, Quinn completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Regina focusing on Physical Education and Mathematics. Quinn also has a certificate in Inclusive Education. She grew up playing basketball which led her into enjoying recreation sports such as flag football, ultimate frisbee and volleyball! Quinn enjoys traveling, sports, fitness and spending time with family and friends. Quinn loves working at GYM and enjoys playing fun games with the kids and mentors!

Ryan
McAleese
Leadership Pathway Educator
Ryan McAleese (B.Ed., B.Kin.) is a teacher in the leadership pathway at Scott Collegiate and a facilitator with G.Y.M. Ryan grew up in Cupar, SK. He enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, hunting and golfing. Recently, Ryan began graduate studies working at the University of Regina in Teaching, Learning and Leadership. For Ryan, G.Y.M. is an opportunity to engage with youth in a different way and a place where relationships can grow.

Daniel Stonechild
Cultural Liaison
Daniel (MIED, BGS) is a teacher at Scott Collegiate and the founder of FN Basketball Inc. Daniel grew up in the inner city and experienced many of the things that inner city youth currently deal with. Daniel has a passion for developing Indigenous cultural competencies in inner city youth. He uses basketball as a medium to bring youth together. Daniel’s hope is that the youth start to see how the connections between language, ceremonies, and cultural competencies can effectively impact life choices.

Brayden
Bjorndal
Program Facilitator
Brayden (B.Kin.) works as a site facilitator with G.Y.M. Brayden is a master’s student at the University of Regina in the Faculty of Kinesiology of Health Studies and will be collaborating with G.Y.M for his master’s thesis. His research is focused on the lived experiences of youth in wellness programming to better understand how they story their lives in wellness places. Brayden enjoys playing hockey, golfing,and fitness in his free time. For Brayden, G.Y.M is a space that provides opportunities for youth and children to engage in programing differently, a place that helps build relationships, connects to community, provides support, and showcases their unique gifts.

Hope Henderson
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Hope is a graduate from Scott Collegiate and is from the Sagkeeng First Nation. She is passionate about bringing forth positive change for the community. Hope was employed with Growing Young Movers, creating bonds with youth. She strives to become an Indigenous advocate and use her voice for those who are unable to.

Tyneesha Eaglechild
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Tyneesha, a graduate of Scott Collegiate, enjoys playing volleyball and basketball. She enjoys being active and talking to people. She’s from Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation. Tyneesha has learned more from the kids and enjoys spending her time with them as a mentor.

Romen
Bigsky
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Romen is from Kawacatoose First Nation. He has excellent experience in engaging with his little siblings and loves spending time with his family. He was born in Saskatchewan and moved a few times around western Canada and to Minneapolis, Minnesota. After moving around the continent, he is happy to be back in Treaty 4. His interests include skateboarding, drawing, nature and cooking. He's known to try his best to help in situations and also enjoys being around children. He sees G.Y.M. as an opportunity to open new doors and experience new things, meet new people and inspire youth to try as hard as they can.

David
Crowe
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
David is a grade 12 student at Scott Collegiate. He has been fortunate enough to work with G.Y.M since grade 9. He loves the opportunity to help the community and also grow as an individual. David is also a coach with FN Basketball. David inspires to play basketball at the college level.

Keira
Lumberjack
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Keira is a grade 11 student at Scott Collegiate who has lived in Regina all her life. She likes to listen to music, and loves to spend her time doing things such as writing and drawing. Keira took interest in the idea of being apart of something bigger and joined in hopes to create a better communal environment for those around her. She looks forward to her journey ahead with NCS and is excited to get the chance to help create a voice for the community.

CG
Hockley
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
CG is from One Arrow First Nation, and mentor for G.Y.M. CG is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a passion for learning and helping others. CG takes pride in being a leader and a positive role model for his peers and the youth he works with. CG is always eager to learn and grow, continuously seeking opportunities to develop his skills and make a meaningful impact in their community.

Jada
Ballantyne
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Jada Ballantyne is eighteen years old, she is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba. Jada graduated from Scott Collegiate last year and will pursue her education at the University of Regina this fall. She enjoys playing sports, working alongside GYM, working out, listening to music and spending quality time with friends and family.

Emily
Webber
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Emily is a graduate from Scott Collegiate and is finding her way into adult life with fun and new experiences. Emily aspires to be able to use the voice she has to make a difference in the communities and improve societal normalities. Emily has been involved with growing young movers for 4 years and ongoing. She dedicates her time and effort to be the best she can when it comes to G.Y.M. Emily has always been involved with helping people and pushing them to do their best and thrives in doing so, especially when she is around her G.Y.M family!

Creedance
Caisse
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Creedence Caisse is a Sports and Recreation Management Business student at the University of Regina. Cree has a strong love for her community. She hopes to see north central thriving and will do anything she can to help her community! Cree’s passions include working with G.Y.M and North Central Strong , Playing competitive Volleyball and modelling Indigenous fashion! Cree is an outspoken leader who dreams of creating a safe leisure space for Indigenous people!

Ash
Hotomani
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Ashlynn is a 16 year old high school student currently in grade 11, who is deeply committed to his education and creating a bright, better future for all. Passionate about learning and personal growth. Ashlynn is determined to achieve his goals and making a meaningful impact for youth in North Central. He believes in a future that is safe, open, and inclusive for everyone. He strives to contribute to making that vision a reality through both his actions and his aspirations.

Aurora
Kramer
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Aurora is an Indigenous woman from Day Star First Nations. She absolutely loves cooking, baking, beading and volleyball. Aurora is looking forward to either start her post secondary in culinary school or beauty school. She wants to de-stigmatize North Central and make it a community that people can be proud of, not only because she grew up in this community, but because she sees the potential it has.

Joseph
Klyne
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Joseph is a past graduate of Scott collegiate and a current student at the First Nation University of Canada taking Indigenous Social Work. Joseph understands the challenges of growing up in the inner city. Joseph believes everyone has the power to inspire, like a star shining its own light. Joseph strives to empower youth and reshape perceptions of North Central. Joseph enjoys basketball, staying active, and good food. Joseph is passionate about helping youth reach their full potential and plans to continue this work after earning his degree. Joseph's dream is to inspire many to strive for greatness.

Kahaila
Morris
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Graduating from Scott in 2021 as valedictorian, Grade 12 ambassador, and recipient of the Governor General Academic Award, Kahaila currently works as a receptionist but plans to further her education in Indigenous Early Childhood Education (INECE) this fall. Outside her professional and educational pursuits, she enjoys playing piano, reading, and spending time in nature with her 3-year-old daughter, Jedakiah. With a strong sense of motivation and a kind heart, Kahaila is committed to uplifting and encouraging others, speaking with youth since 17 to inspire the next generation. As she says, “If I have to be the first sheep to jump the fence, then so be it.

Elizabeth Gabriel
North Central Strong Advisory/
Mentor
Elizabeth Gabriel is a 19 year old Métis, full time student, she has lived in North Central her entire life with her 3 siblings and mother. Elizabeth loves working with GYM and hopes she can inspire and brighten the lives of the youth and everyone she works with. Elizabeth aspires to be a Medical Lab Technician in the future so she can help people on the daily.

Connor Taypotat
Mentor
Connor is a student at Scott Collegiate and is from Kahkewistahaw First Nations. He is in the leadership pathway and he likes playing basketball and enjoys gaming in his free time. His favorite games are NBA2k23, GTA and COD. Connor also likes hanging out with his friends. Connor is looking forward to having fun with the youth of GYM that come to the program!

Ava
Cyr
Mentor
Ava Cyr is from Cowessess First Nation. She has lived in Regina since the age of 4 years old and has attended Scott Collegiate since her grade 9 year. Ava has been a mentor for Growing Young Movers since the start of her grade 10 year and enjoys being around the kids she gets to work with. Her future ambitions are to go into university after she graduates. Ava’s goal is to become a social worker so that she can have the ability to help families and children through counseling, therapy, etc.

D'kin
Crowe
Mentor
D’kin Crowe is born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. He’s a very outgoing character and loves to play sports, such as volleyball and his main sport basketball. D’kin’s future ambitions include going to college for basketball and going for a secondary education degree. D’kin has the ability to take on and overcome any challenges thrown his way because he's optimistic in any situation, also passionate about anything that he loves to do! D’kin’s message to the youth is to stay in school, and you can overcome any odds.

Lena
Goforth
Mentor
Lena Goforth is a student at Scott collegiate she is in the leadership pathway, Lena is from George Gordon First Nations but was born and raised in Regina. She enjoys volleyball, basketball, backup singing and spending time with her nieces and nephews. One thing she looks forward to in G.Y.M is coming out of her comfort zone, working with the youth and getting to know all of the kids.

Madison
Keller-Rogers
Mentor
Madison is a student at Scott Collegiate and was raised here in Regina, Saskatchewan. Madison enjoys watching volleyball in her free time. This is her third year working at with GYM. She enjoys working with the kids because of the new things she learns from them each day. When she graduates high school she would like to do something with social work. Madi chose the leadership pathway because she looked to build up her confidence working with kids. Being a part of GYM has helped her to have an open mind.

Majestic
Houle
Mentor
Majestic was born and raised in Regina and from Cote First Nations. His hobbies include listening to music, skateboarding, basketball, hanging out with friends, watching movies, and playing video games. His biggest challenge would be overcoming anxiety. In his words, the definition of a leader would be “having the power to influence others.” What G.Y.M. means to him is, giving these kids another reason to smile and have fun at the end of the day before they go home.

Matthew
Charles
Mentor
Matthew was born in Regina but grew up most of his life in British Columbia. He has worked with GYM for the past 2 years. In his spare time he enjoys playing and practicing basketball. Matthew appreciates the chance to be a role model to the youth of GYM.

Nicholai Lewis Bunnie
Mentor
Nicholai is from Onion Lake and a current student at Scott Collegiate. He is one of the mentors for Growing Young Movers. He enjoys playing basketball and video games. Nicholai feels Growing Young Movers is helping him to be more social and interact with others.

River Pelletier-Littletent
Mentor
River was born and raised in Regina, but is from Kawacatoose First Nations. River likes basketball, playing games, going on walks, and hanging out with friends. One of the challenges River has overcome is social anxiety. River sees being a leader as someone that people can look up to, feel comfortable with, and talk to. River is hardworking and a positive influence. To River G.Y.M. is important because it allows kids to meet people from different schools and backgrounds and it's a good way to stay active.

Terreign
Blind
Mentor
Terreign is a student at Scott Collegiate and is from George Gordon First Nations. Some of the challenges he faced are with mental health, like depression and social anxiety. The skills that make Terreign a great leader are his ability to listen and have empathy. He joined G.Y.M. to become more social and it gives him a reason to come to school. After high school Terreign is hoping to go to post secondary for either welding or go into the trades and be a heavy metal sheet worker or a heavy equipment operator. Terreign hopes that all the youth who attend G.Y.M. have a fun time while they are there.

Tia
Griffith
Mentor
Tia is a student at Scott Collegiate born and raised in Regina. A challenge Tia has faced growing up is being alone most of her life, her parents weren’t very present. During her free time she loves to explore nature, listen to music, read, write, play volleyball and hangout with her friends and family. Tia really wants to be a therapist or a lawyer when she’s older. Tia's definition of a leader is someone who displays a positive influence and someone who can enforce rules in a kind way. She enjoys being a part of G.Y.M. because Tia feels she is supporting youth, creating bonds with them and being a positive influence.

Tyler
McNabb
Mentor
Tyler is from Peepeekisis Cree Nation. Tyler likes playing Rainbow 6 Siege and Escape from Tarkov. Tyler also enjoys all things outdoors such as camping, fishing, and hunting. Tyler views the G.Y.M program as a means to gain future job experience and a way to become more socially active. He plans to attend university to get a degree in Paleontology.

CJ Drummelsmith
Mentor
This is CJ. She was born and raised in Ontario. She enjoys being a part of the community and being involved in any way she can. CJ says a leader is someone who is adaptable, understanding and willing to take the time to listen . When she graduates she wishes to explore working in the trades and work towards becoming an electrician. “Whenever you face a challenge, know that you don’t have to find a solution alone.”

Anna
Bruce
Mentor
Anna is a student at Scott Collegiate High School and is from Piapot First Nation. Anna enjoys playing badminton with her friends and has made some really good friendships with her classmates. Anna finds joy in spending time with the kids at GYM programs. As long as she sees kids having fun and laughing then that's enough to make Anna feel great about herself. Anna plans do something that involves working with kids in her future. She wants to grow into an even better person for herself and for the people around her making a positive impact on her community.

Kendra
Prive
Mentor
Kendra was born and raised in Regina and began working with GYM this past year. She enjoys the games and working with the kids, seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter. Kendra enjoys drawing and reading dark romance, watching and reading anime. After graduation Kendra looks to work in child care.

Jordan-Ray
Ponnace
Mentor
Jordan-Ray Ryan-Ponace is a student at Scott Collegiate and he's glad to have joined G.Y.M. Jordan-Rays future plan is to become a teacher. His other interests are not involving sports but technology and computers and as well as being a content creator.

Sam
Clearihue
Mentor
Sam is a student at Scott Collegiate high school and was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sam likes to skate and play sports like volleyball, baseball, and badminton. She also likes to go on walks, bake, and play the trumpet. Sam likes working at G.Y.M. because she feels as though the experience can make kids do anything they want as long as they believe in themselves. She hopes to keep working with G.Y.M. throughout high school so she can get to help make people feel like they have support in the community.

Princess
Nabos
Mentor
Princess was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada in 2023. She joined GYM this year wanting to develop positive connections with other people. Princess loves to play badminton in her free time. She defines a leader as one who is responsible and makes a strong impact, inspiring young people. Princess loves to spend time with GYM because it gives her a sense of belonging.

Tayshaun Checkosis-
Kequahtooway
Mentor
Tayshaun is from Cowessess First Nation. He enjoys playing sports like basketball. He is on the Scott basketball team and is also a part of the FHQ and Living Skies teams. Tayshaun’s goal is to attend university in the United States and play basketball. He doesn’t know what he wants to do career wise, but when he was younger he wanted to be a scientist! Leaders show respect, are good listeners, are able to delegate and have a positive attitude. The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do; therefore let the people have dreams and may complete.

Alliyah
Martinez
Mentor
Alliyah is a student at Scott Collegiate. She was born in the Philippines but immigrated to Canada in 2014, where she later grew up in eastern BC. Her favorite thing to do is hang out with her family and watch movies. Her top 3 favourite movies are La La Land, Kingsman and Aladdin. Alliyah also has a passion for helping others and aspires to one day become a doctor. To Alliyah, a leader should have a self-belief that inspires others to believe in the mission and follow through, as it is a great leader that inspires people to give their best. GYM is a non-profit program that provides many fun opportunities to youth in the area and the high school mentors. Remember to be yourself in all you do!

Leila
Umpherville
Mentor
Hi, this is Leila and she is a student at Scott Collegiate. She grew up in Saskatoon but has been living in Regina for almost a year now. She likes music and she likes to sing. Some challenges she deals with are personal, spiritually and physically. It's her against herself. What's the definition of a leader? Leila's opinion of a role model is someone who looks up to someone who has good intentions. What Leila is looking forward to when she graduates is having her license and a nice vehicle. She also wants to have a job she enjoys while going to university.

Shavon
Alexson
Mentor
Shavon was born and raised in Regina. He likes playing basketball, badminton, and football. Shavon is very social and is happy to share. He joined the leadership pathway for opportunities to be more active and engage in hands-on experiences. Shavon hopes to learn skills on how to work with youth in a sports setting.

Easton
Crowe
Mentor
Easton Crowe is from Keeseekoose First Nation and attends Scott Collegiate. He has an energetic personality, loves spending time playing basketball, playing video games, and hanging out with friends. Easton loves to spend his time working at G.Y.M, because of the positive energy and the smiles on the kid’s faces. This is Easton’s second year working at G.Y.M. Easton is happy to have a chance to be a role model for the youth, and to be a part of the organization.

Kayne
Sherling
Mentor
Kayne is a 15 year old, grade ten student, and has lived in Regina his whole life. He enjoys playing tackle football and playing video games in his free time. His favorite games are Rust, Rainbow Six Siege and Elden Ring. Kayne looks forward to working with the youth and ensuring they have a fun time at G.Y.M.

Mason
Lumberjack
Mentor
Mason Lumberjack was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Mason enjoys going to school since it gives him something to do. He also enjoys sleeping, skateboarding, hanging with friends, and playing video games. Mason’s definition of a leader is someone who inspires others to do great things. Mason works to make sure the kids at GYM have fun, laugh and smile. Seeing them smile and having fun makes him want to come to work more often to ensure they stay smiling and having fun. In the future Mason wants to become a chemical engineer.
