Session Descriptions and Bios
Check this page leading up to the conference to learn more about each session and the presenters behind the presentations.
Women in Sport
SESSION: Inclusivity, recruitment, and retention. Field Hockey Canada invites the community to have a constructive and collaborative workshop led by industry professionals and hockey community members about how we can best include and keep women in sport at all levels.
Presenters: Jenn Swagar, Mataya Jim, Saroya Tinker
Saroya Tinker – Saroya Tinker is a professional ice hockey player for the NWHL’s Toronto Six. She graduated from Yale University with her Bachelors of Arts in The History of Science, Medicine and Public Health. In addition to her studies she played on the Yale Varsity Women’s Ice Hockey team. Since graduating, Saroya has found a passion for educating others and using her social media platforms to encourage and provide resources for others.
Mataya Jim – Mataya Jim is the Senior Coordinator of Indigenous Initiatives at Sport for Life and sits on Sport for Life’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. She is a W̱SÁNEĆ woman from the W,SIKEM community with ties to Penálaxeth’ & Wwaayaa. Mataya has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria studying Sociology and Indigenous Studies.
Jenn Swagar – Jenn Swagar is the Director of Coaching and Operations at Most Physical Preparation a medical fitness facility in Calgary AB. Canada. She is the Head Coach for the University of Calgary Dinos Field Hockey and a program developer in the coach education platform for Field Hockey Alberta.
Community Roundtable
SESSION: Share and learn about field hockey experiences throughout the country via this roundtable discussion, where we will address two prominent topics that our community currently faces.
Moderators: Field Hockey Canada staff members, Grace Li, Jenn Beagan, Hailey Yhap and Kevin Underhill will work with community member attendees to address prominent topics of discussion and work in a structured format to better our community. Topics will include the recruitment and retention of players at all levels and a separate topic on the specific focus of boys in field hockey in Canada.
Community and Culture
SESSION: Learn how culture plays a critical role in the field hockey community and what we can do to better enhance it to become a more open, inclusive and united sport.
Presenters: Sandeep Chopra & panellists (TBD)
Sandeep knows how to get people on board and excited about new ideas. He is a founding leader for the new Field Hockey Centre organization in Ottawa, as well as a builder and coach for the Nepean Nighthawks Club. He is all about building relationships across the sports community and beyond to ensure that field hockey is a sport that will truly be a place where ALL are welcome.
Session Planning for Coaches
Learn how to promote mental health through coaching practices and create programs with mental health and safe sport in mind.
Presenter: Jennifer Misurelli
Jennifer Misurelli – Jennifer Misurelli is a Mental Health and Literacy PhD Candidate at the University of Ottawa. She formally graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and holds a master’s degree in human kinetics. She currently works for the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport as a director of Education and Community Engagement.
Concussion Awareness and Education
SESSION: Join our sport medical professional presenters in a discussion and workshop covering concussion safety in hockey. Increase your understanding of the concussion protocol and make sure everyone on the field is aware.
Presenters: Kate Perry & Ayesha Koome
Ayesha Koome – Ayesha graduated from Camosun College with a BA in Athletic and Exercise Therapy. She is currently the Integrated Support Team Lead at Field Hockey Canada where she manages and supports all national team physical training and medical staff and is an on-field physiotherapist.
Kate Perry – Kate Perry graduated from Kent State University [USA] with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Sport Medicine. After five years of working in the field she went to the University of Edinburgh [Scotland] to complete her Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning. She works with Field Hockey Canada’s Next Gen athletes in our Junior National Team space.
Mental Wellness in Sport
SESSION: Join the hockey community in a discussion about mental health and wellness from a sports perspective. Watch a presentation and engage in a workshop about mental wellness techniques and strategies for managing mental health challenges with your sport.
Presenter: Dr. Katy Kamkar
Dr. Katy Kamkar – Dr. Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., C. Psych. is a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto. She is an Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. She has received national and international recognition for my work on trauma and resiliency, moral injury, and on workplace mental health.
The importance of umpiring and officiating in hockey
SESSION: The recruitment and retainment of officials and umpires is a critical challenge in the Canadian hockey community. Learn how can we, as a community, get more officials involved in the game and keep them involved. Hear from an international umpire and discuss the next steps for our national community.
Presenter: Lelia Sacre
Lelia Sacre is an FIH International Elite Umpire. She lives and works in British Columbia and is the Field Hockey BC Umpiring Director and Director of Officials at Vancouver Hawks. She started officiating internationally in 2012. She has recently officiated at the Lima Pan Am Games and is appointed to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
