Meet Our Champions for Life Team
Welcome to the heart of Champions for Life Foundation, where a vibrant team of dedicated professionals converges to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Our Champions for Life Team is a dynamic blend of passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment.
We are a team of accomplished athletes, seasoned educators, adept kinesiologists, and influential leaders: united by a shared vision—to foster the growth of physical literacy in every corner of our community!
David Arsenault
Founder
Sarah Al-Kawas
Content Manager, Physical Literacy Toolbox
Sarah, a dedicated professional with a bachelor's in Kinesiology from Université de Montréal, has been the Content Manager at Champions for Life since 2019. She also specializes in knee pain rehabilitation and brings a wealth of expertise to benefit her diverse patients. Sarah fervently advocates for the holistic advantages of physical activity, emphasizing the significance of moving well. Beyond her role, she is passionate about continuous learning and creative expression. Whether engaged in personal training sessions or cozied on the couch with a book, Sarah consistently strives to embody the multifaceted benefits of an active and well-balanced lifestyle. Her commitment to enhancing physical literacy aligns seamlessly with her belief in the transformative power of movement for overall well-being.
David Arsenault
Founder & Executive Director
David Arsenault is a former National Taekwondo champion, proudly representing Canada multiple times in international competitions. After founding a successful community-based Taekwondo school, David became a professional trainer for many executives and professional athletes. David is a happy husband and a proud father who has devoted his life to teaching children how to move to the best of their abilities. His journey is guided by his love for movement and sharing his passion with others. As a visionary and driven change-maker, David advocates for strengthening physical literacy daily and stresses the importance of quality physical education in all our schools.
Nadine Lavallée
Preschool Program Coordinator
Nadine is a passionate kinesiologist with a Master's in Kinesiology specializing in physical activity promotion. Her deep-seated love for promoting physical activity stems from a lifelong journey of active pursuits, starting from her early years. Her primary passion lies in promoting good health habits and active lifestyles, particularly in young people. In her current role, she plays a pivotal part in developing and implementing the foundation's Little Champions program, fostering enriching physical activities for children. Nadine is not just a dedicated professional; she's also an accomplished ballet dancer and a genuine lover of outdoor activities such as hiking, skating, snowboarding, and running. Her zest for life and movement extends beyond the workplace. When she's not dancing or exploring the great outdoors, you'll often find her nurturing her plants.
Joanne Lawson
Director of Programs
Joanne holds a Bachelor of Education Degree and an Honours Degree in Physical and Health Education, both from the University of Toronto. She brings a wealth of teaching experience from her tenure in Ontario and Quebec. Over the past decade, Joanne has served as the Director of Programs at the Champions for Life Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to the organization's mission. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, actively participating in community volunteer work, and staying physically engaged through activities like swimming, volleyball, and outdoor pursuits.
Gabrielle Legaré-Hamel
Program Coordinator
After obtaining her Master's degree in Kinesiology from Université de Montréal, Gabrielle began her career at Champions for Life Foundation, where she completed her final Master's internship. She currently holds the position of Program Coordinator at the Foundation, supporting the team in program design implementation and fundraising. She has a particular passion for children's support and motor development, an interest that took shape during her seven years of experience as a gymnastics coach. Outside work, she devotes her free time to activities such as running, climbing, cross-country skiing, urban and nature walks, and never misses an opportunity to concoct tasty desserts.
Véronique Lemieux
Nunavik Little Champions Program Coordinator
Véronique holds the position of Program Coordinator for the Little Champions program in Nunavik. She has a bachelor's degree in preschool and elementary education. In her work, integrating academic concepts into physical activity has always been essential—both to keep students motivated and to build a strong connection with them. She taught for two years in Nunavik, in Ivujivik and Kangiqsujuaq. This experience allowed her to adopt a new perspective on teaching and strengthened her desire to contribute to this region, rich in fascinating culture and natural beauty. Outside of her professional life, she has been practicing hot yoga for nearly 10 years and loves outdoor sports such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. She values spontaneity and is always ready for new experiences.
Marie-Christine Murphy
Director of Operations
Marie-Christine holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the Université du Québec à Montréal. For nearly 10 years, she has been working to popularize scientific concepts in physical activity, making them more accessible to various stakeholders in the sports, leisure and education sectors. Her field knowledge and active involvement in multiple community roundtables set her apart. Marie-Christine is also an avid outdoorswoman, exploring any opportunity to get “out and about” on new adventures.
