As our Director of Innovation and Engagement, Sharon plays an integral role in driving the Alliance’s strategic objectives, relationship-building, community outreach, and program development.  Her work centres around applying a strategic lens to all of the Alliance’s initiatives—from brain science training and grants to research and outreach— to ensure they are mission-aligned, cohesive, and ever-evolving to meet the community’s needs.  Sharon is in her element when she’s connecting the dots between where the Alliance is now and where it can go, then working alongside the team to bring that future into reality.   

Sharon holds a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and a Master’s in Sport Administration. She also brings over two decades of experience working with national and grassroots organizations, including the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, Physical and Health Education Canada, and the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation. In these roles, Sharon led numerous initiatives, helped shape and drive strategic objectives, and developed and delivered community based programs and services. Amongst her many professional achievements, Sharon is especially proud of the World Leisure Innovation Prize awarded to the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association for the “Everybody Gets to Play” project that she spearheaded.   

While Sharon’s formal education and past work experience reflect her deep commitment to physical activity and play as foundations of individual and community well-being, her work with the Alliance has given her a deeper understanding and appreciation of the many ways to support mental well-being beyond physical movement. She also values the Alliance’s focus on relationship-building and the opportunity to be a true partner in program delivery. 

Growing up in the small fishing village of Spring Brook, PEI, Sharon is proud of her rural roots and is happy to be back in PEI and living near the ocean.  She and her husband, Jason, enjoy being parents to their two boys and pawrents to one dog. 

If you could tell every single person on PEI why the work of the Alliance is important, what would you tell them?   

“We are committed to using evidence to shape possibilities and innovate in the mental well-being space. The science of brain development is evolving at a tremendous pace and we are working to ensure our partners have the knowledge and support to apply these game-changing research insights to their real-world initiatives.”