About Us
About the Sandra Schmirler Foundation
For more than 25 years, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has raised funds to save the lives of babies born too soon, too small, too sick, or too far from advanced care.
Since 2001, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has raised over $10 million for more than 120 hospitals, in every province and territory, to purchase life-saving equipment for thousands of premature and critically ill babies and their families. It is the only foundation that gives to Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
But the work the Foundation does isn’t just about equipment and machines. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of families.
Giving critically ill newborns the chance to grow up to be champions like Sandra is an important way the Sandra Schmirler Foundation ensures Sandra’s courage and character live on.
Our Team
Board of directors
Janet Murphy
Chair
Janet is a dynamic, self-motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. A resident of Mississauga, ON, Janet is the Director of Curling and Head Professional at the Mississauga Golf & Country Club. Janet’s experience as a Curling Coach includes being a Hot Shots Curling Instructor, an Adult and Youth Curling Instructor for the World Curling Federation and a Curling Competition Development Coach with Curling Canada. Janet is curling competitively as a senior.
Nick Locke
Vice Chair
Nick began his career as a Chartered Accountant before moving to work in the non-profit sector where he has focused his work for 35 years. Nick’s passion is to guide non-profits through change to achieve growth and success. His expertise is strategic planning, team building and mentoring, major gifts and campaigns, stakeholder engagement, finance and communications. In his non-profit career he has raised over $700 million! He is originally from the UK but has lived all over Canada. He is currently living in Halifax, NS.
Craig Duff
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Craig is a Senior Financial Executive in Toronto, ON with a proven track record related to strategically leading financing and risk management activities in challenging environments. He is an effective manager of complex projects involving strategic changes. A solid team player who effectively leads people in a global environment to meet overall company objectives.
Lisa Weagle
Spirit of Sandra Scholarship Program Mentor
Lisa is an Olympian and a World Champion curler with strong leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills. Lisa is a three-time Scottie Tournament of Hearts Champion and 10-time Grand Slam of Curling champion. She is a skilled communicator with over a dozen years of experience working and volunteering in government, private sector and non-profit organizations. Lisa is also a certified Coach and High-Performance Coaching Consultant with Curling Canada. Lisa currently resides in Ottawa, ON.
Ian Cunningham
Past Chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, Ian has played a key role in the growth of the Foundation. Ian has had executive positions with Capital One Financial Corp., Tangerine Bank and Technisys. His skills in financial services and corporate development combined with his love of curling and technology makes him an excellent leader in driving change and pushing our limits. Ian lives in Toronto, ON.
Kerry Galusha
Kerry was born and raised in Yellowknife and works for the Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Justice as a Senior Finance Officer. Kerry has represented the NWT at numerous curling national events such as juniors, mixed and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Kerry is also involved in coaching the junior program at the Yellowknife Curling Club.
Kyle Barron
Kyle is a two-time recipient of the Spirit of Sandra Scholarship and a three-time provincial champion curler in his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He earned a Masters of Education degree at Mount Saint Vincent University following completion of a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science in Applied Math at Memorial University. Kyle is a Math, Science and Technology teacher and lives in Stephenville, NL.
Tara Lee Popil
Sandra’s Cousin
Tara is a wife to Dean and mom to Madelyn and Emerson. Tara was born and raised in Nipawin, Saskatchewan and made Regina her home in 1993. Tara has her Bachelor of Physical Activity Studies from the University of Regina as well as the Canadian Society Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainer. Tara has worked in the Public Health Sector for her entire 24-year career with 22 years as an Exercise Therapist working with children with special needs. Tara is Sandra Schmirler’s first cousin and represents a voice on behalf of Sandra’s family to the decisions made by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation Board of Directors.
Curtis Fairhurst
Curtis Fairhurst is a Senior Geologist in the Energy industry with a passion for community and sport. Curtis was the first President of the newly amalgamated Curling Alberta and joins the Foundation with over 10 years of governance and leadership experience supporting the sport of Curling. He and his wife are raising 2 young boys in Calgary AB and enjoy as much time
outside as possible.
Peter McKinley
A resident of Fonthill, ON, Peter has 25+ years of experience in fundraising, including senior management roles in post-secondary education and in health care. His primary focus has been on analyzing the lifecycle of donor engagement, recognizing that connections start with the earliest awareness a potential donor has for a charity. He is co-author of the Globe and Mail
bestselling business book ‘Excellence in Fundraising in Canada’. His past work with hospital foundations brings an important perspective to the Board of Directors. Peter is a former competitor at the Canadian Junior Curling Championships, is a fan of winter sports and welcomes major snow falls so he can snowshoe!
Derek Nighbor
Derek is the President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada. He was on the Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada for 7 years where he served as Vice-Chair of the National Strategic Planning Committee. Derek is a curler and a massive curling fan who has been to many Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
Jill Hopkins
Jill Hopkins is a passionate newcomer to the world of curling, establishing herself as a dedicated student and enthusiastic lover of the game. As a proud member of the Canadian National Wheelchair Curling Program, she admires the incredible talent and leadership of the athletes and coaches. Jill’s commitment to community service is demonstrated by her previous role on the Board of the Spinal Cord Injury of Ontario, where she significantly contributed as a fundraiser for the signature Wheelchair Relay Event over many years. Currently, she resides in downtown Toronto, working in the Commercial Real Estate Sector. Jill takes great pride in being an aunt to her three nephews, who bring her constant joy and inspiration. Her commitment to personal growth and supporting her community reflects on her dedication and resilience in everything she does.
Jenna England
Jenna is Sandra Schmirler’s daughter and was an Ambassador for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for over 10 years before joining the Board of Directors. She was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan where she completed her Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry. She is now thrilled to be in medical school at the Regina Campus at the University of Saskatchewan. She has a strong connection to the foundation’s mission both as Sandra’s daughter and as a future physician.
Tim McGuire
Tim is a Toronto-based banking executive with deep expertise in corporate finance, risk management, and strategic advisory. A champion of purpose-driven leadership, he actively gives back through board service, student mentorship, and coaching youth hockey. Originally from the Prairies, Tim is a lifelong curler and passionate supporter of the sport—drawn to its values of teamwork, integrity, and resilience. His personal and professional commitments align closely with the Sandra Schmirler Foundation’s mission to support families and build stronger communities.
Advisors
Carol Kostrosky
Chris Atchison
Steve Doty
Todd Troyer
Ambassadors
Sara Miller and Jenna England (Sandra’s Daughters)
Honorary Patron
Her Honour the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Honorary Patron
Honourees
Jan Betker
Third, Team Schmirler
Joan McCusker
Second, Team Schmirler
Marcia Gudereit
Lead, Team Schmirler
Atina Ford Johnston
Alternate, Team Schmirler
Anita Ford
Coach, Team Schmirler
Lindsay Sparkes
Team Leader
Vic Rauter
Sportscaster, TSN
Scott Higgins
Senior Producer, TSN
Anne Merklinger
SSF Founder
Robin Wilson
SSF Founder
Shannon England
Sandra’s Husband
SUPPort team
Darren McEwen
Executive Director
Darren grew up in Southwestern Ontario while idolizing Sandra and her team. During the 1998 Nagano Olympics he sent Team Schmirler a note wishing them well and much to his surprise received a response from Sandra. Two decades later he began working with Sandra’s Foundation at the 2016 Telethon, live tweeting and connecting donors and followers to the important cause. Over the years his professional experience in broadcasting and marketing has led him to work with Teams Homan, Jones, Koe and Bottcher to coordinate social media. He’s a two-time Canadian Pride Curling Champion and led the Getting Started League at the Ottawa Curling Club.
Tanya Martin
Program & Financial Services Manager
Tanya has worked for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for 5 years. She has endless volunteer experience in youth sports and educational fields while raising three children. Tanya was previously employed at the Red Cross in their fractionation department. Tanya was born in Biggar, SK and she feels that sharing hometowns with the Foundation’s namesake adds a special connection to an already rewarding career.
Piper Lehtimaki Croisier
Administrative Assistant
Piper is a Sports Administration student at Laurentian University with a passion for helping her community. She is currently a resident of Sudbury, Ontario, where she has been curling for 14 years. She is a two-time past Spirit of Sandra Scholar and is a five-time provincial champion and two time national champion from Northern Ontario. Piper is eager to integrate her love for curling with her educational background in sports business within the Foundation..
Scholars
The Class of 2025 includes Makena Bailey of White City, SK, a back-to-back recipient; and Brayden Snow of Summerside, PEI, a 2024 U18 national gold medalist. They are joined by Katrina Frlan of Kanata, ON, a passionate curling advocate and former host of a curling YouTube channel; Dylan Derksen of Martensville, SK, whose family roots trace back to Sandra’s hometown of Biggar, SK; Bethany Evans of Kamloops, BC, who finished just shy of the podium at the 2025 U18 Championship and maintains a 4.0 GPA; and Emma Deschiffart of Lacombe, AB, who skipped her team at the 2024 Canadian U20 Championships and leads the Little Rocks program at her local curling centre.
Our Vision
Every baby has the opportunity to grow up and become a Champion, just like Sandra Schmirler.
Our Mission
To honour Sandra’s legacy, we raise funds to deliver life-saving equipment and programs for babies who are born too soon, too small or too sick.
Our Strategy
Ensure our Vision, Mission and Strategy reflect our values and focus the Foundation for continued success.
We do this by funding equipment that allows healthcare teams to give every baby a fighting chance—right from the start.
Our Core Values
Respect – We affirm the dignity, privacy and contribution of families, caregivers, donors, partners, volunteers, and staff.
Integrity – We work collaboratively, transparently, and with care to protect our reputation.
Compassion – We are kind and considerate, showing care for families with premature and critically ill babies.
Passion – We bring energy and optimism to all we do, inspiring others to help Champions Start Small.
Gratitude – We express thankfulness through our actions, words, and mission.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – We commit to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in every part of our work.
