Meet the Team
Our team is full of fun-loving, energetic, experienced people that are all passionate about what they do! The challenges of diabetes are real for them and that’s what keeps them committed to our cause. They keep challenging themselves and diabetes so that they can continue to take accountability for their own health.
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Alan Stewart
Leader/Mentor -
Amy Watkinson
Leader/Mentor -
Ana Robertson
Outdoor Adventure Team/Youth Council -
Angela Cain
Sports Camp Coordinator -
Beth Miller
Leader/Mentor -
Bex Alloway
Outdoor Adventure Team/Outreach Director - Youth Council -
Chris Chesham
Leader/Mentor -
Chris Jarvis
Founder & Executive Director of ICD -
Ciaran McGeown
Board of Directors -
Dessi Zaharieva
Researcher/Leader -
Elizabeth Harvey
Leader/Mentor -
Emilee Wilson
Videographer/Social Media Director - Youth Council -
Geoff Thornton-Trump
Logistics support leader -
Graham Hempel
Leader/Mentor -
Heather van der Geest
Volunteer Leader -
Imran Nathani
Operations Manager -
Jasmine Maghera
VP Outreach - Youth Council -
Jasmyne Kizito
Sports Camp Team/Youth Council -
Julia Pesek
Executive Assistant/Co-president - Youth Council -
Lisa Geelen
Board of Directors -
Maryna Ell
Co-President - Youth Council -
Michael Hodgins
VP Treasurer - Youth Council -
Miriam Dos Anjos
Chair, Wee Challengers Program -
Monica Sadik
Leader/Mentor -
Patrick Herold
Development Officer -
Pepe Bakshi
Board of Directors -
Richard Goudie
Board of Directors -
Robin Fagnan
Leader/Mentor -
Samuel Letnik
Project Coordinator/VP Leadership Development - Youth Council -
Sarah Eckard
Outdoor Adventure Team -
Sarah Park
Sports Camp Coordinator -
Stefanie Alloway
Chair, Board of Directors -
Tino Montopoli
Board of Directors -
Tracy DiMarco
Program Manager -
Tyson Fiveland
Outdoor Adventure Team
Alan Stewart
Leader/Mentor
Alan is a professional engineer engaged in the design and certification of helicopter modifications and located in Vancouver. He has a bachelor’s and master’s in the field of mechanical engineering and aerodynamics. His 30+ years of military and civilian aviation work have provided a broad spectrum of technical and management knowledge and skills. His involvement in diabetes began when his daughter was diagnosed at age 4, where he took an active role in the management process. As a result, Alan and his wife Liz were soon teaching the diabetes clinics their coping strategies. Outside of work, Alan has been a passionate volunteer with Scouts Canada for 15 years, teaching and leading youth on numerous outdoor adventures. As well, his work on outdoor risk management for watercraft journeys has been published. Alan’s involvement with ICD began as a participant on a ski trip, but quickly progressed into co-leading 3 other events, including the 2013 Bowron Lakes trip. He brings his pragmatic approaches to policy, procedures and writing skills to the board and organization.
Amy Watkinson
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Beamsville, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I have been type 1 diabetic for 19 years.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“I thought no one would ever understand what its like to live with this disease. Until my first ICD event. I will never forget the first time I tested my blood sugar with a friend!! It was with Chris Jarvis (founder of ICD), and since then, we have tested our blood sugars together more times than I can count!! ”
Personal fun fact:
“I have been on ICD’s Tobermory Adventure 5 times, been to Disney 19 times!! I also used to be a competitive gymnast.”
Ana Robertson
Outdoor Adventure Team/Youth Council
Hometown: Nelson, BC
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
What are your top skills/accomplishments
Personal fun fact about you:
Angela Cain
Sports Camp Coordinator
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Your connection to T1D:
My connection to type one diabetes is due to being diagnosed at the age of 6, and have been diabetic for about 11 years.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
My favourite thing about I Challenges Diabetes is the ability to connect with other diabetics that understand what it’s like living with the disease while sharing individual ideas and experiences. I Challenge Diabetes has provided me with opportunities to meet and connect with others going through similar challenges in ways that are fun. As apart of ICD I have gotten to challenge my diabetes while also challenging my physical boundaries in extreme conditions. The community of ICD allows connections to form, which have stuck with me throughout my life. After every event, I feel more empowered, motivated, and connected, while taking away something new every time.
What are your top skills/accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment is that I am proud of include the ability to never let diabetes stop me from doing what I love, in ways of competing at a provincial level of swimming, and hiking the west coast trail.
Personal fun fact about you:
A fun fact about myself is that I enjoy the outdoors, trying new activities, and challenging myself. I have gotten to participate in hikes with ICD such as the West Coast Trail, and Tobermory where I got to learn more about myself in an extreme adventure setting with other diabetics and challenge myself while learning that backpacking was something I enjoy.
Beth Miller
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I’ve been Type 1 Diabetic since January 5, 2009. Learning to manage this disease over 10+ years had been quite the rollercoaster, as has my diabetes at times! When, at age 10, I stumbled upon ICD during my first event with them, I found I couldn’t stay away and I wanted to come back for more. Now, at age 16, being a part of their team is incredible.
I’m proud to say I’ve been an athlete since a young age, always pursuing my passion for sport. Recently, I’ve been carded as a provincial athlete in Alberta for rowing, competing at a national level. I’ve also hiked numerous challenging trails with ICD, from Tobermory to the West Coast Trail, all while managing my diabetes!”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“I love I Challenge Diabetes for the community it builds. Having a community of people who share Type 1 and its struggles has been incredible for me, the connections I’ve made are so valuable and make me feel incredibly supported. I also have to say that the events themselves are always amazing, presenting a new challenge, an incredible group of people, and an amazing venue (mountains, forests, glaciers, etc.) every event!”
Personal fun fact:
“I’m sure some other diabetics can say this, but I’ve always thought a fun fact about myself is that I’m able to drink an entire juice box in my sleep!”
Bex Alloway
Outdoor Adventure Team/Outreach Director - Youth Council
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Your connection to T1D:
I have had Type 1 Diabetes since April 21st, 2018. I was 15 years old. I may have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
ICD changed my life. Before I knew anything about ICD, I was living with my diabetes in isolation. My friends and family were supportive but couldn’t really relate to everything I was going through. Then I went on an ICD retreat and met so many amazing people who shared the same struggles and victories as me and I realized that being a part of a T1D community is extremely valuable and an empowering experience. ICD gave me the opportunity to immerse myself within a wonderful T1D community and has taught me that we are unique and special and can learn from each other in a powerful way.
Personal fun fact about you:
I have huge feet! They are size 11 and I am only 5 feet 6 inches!
Chris Chesham
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Canmore, AB
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“Yes, I was diagnosed in 2002 and have been an active outdoor enthusiast since. I have been helping out with ICD since 2006 when I first got involved in a hiking program in Alberta.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“The support that every member gives to each other and to all the participants is great! I have also enjoyed many of the adventure activities, the opportunity to meet new people, and traveling to new parts of Canada.”
Personal fun fact:
“I have always loved the outdoors and continue to enjoy them as much as possible. I have slept outside in -35 temperatures and managed to still remain warm.”
Chris Jarvis
Founder & Executive Director of ICD
Hometown: Grimsby, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“Diagnosed as a kid, I didn’t have the type of support I needed with my diabetes, and would often feel alone in facing challenges related to T1D. Through trial and error, I managed to hone my skills as a rower, and went on to compete at thy Olympics and various world championships. I found that even at the highest level, most coaches and trainers didn’t understand diabetes, so I mostly self-managed while trying to educate others along the way.
Fast-forward 15 years, and now my “connection to T1D” spans this entire community! I love being able to provide the support to so many that I lacked in my early years. I’ve met so many incredible individuals and families, and yet still feel like we’re just cracking the surface of what ICD is capable of!”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“The community, support, and passion we’ve seen from everyone who has been involved since day 1! Whether it’s an extreme adventure, a parent info session, or a Diabuddies school tour presentation, I’ve seen time and time again the impact these programs have on families who are used to feeling isolated and alone. Watching new participants interact with our ICD team make for some of my favourite moments, and make me proud to be the founder of this organization.”
Personal fun fact:
“I also live with Celiac disease, which adds another layer of challenges to nutrition and T1D management. I’m lucky to have an incredible family and support system! My wife Angie and one year old daughter Stella are always looking out for me, and are now the main reason I’m motivated to keep my blood sugar stable.”
Ciaran McGeown
Board of Directors
Hometown
Craigavon, N. Ireland
What’s your connection to T1D?
Ciaran has a keen interest in the diabetes charity world, having had Type 1 Diabetes for over 30 years and with his older son being diagnosed with T1D at 18 months old.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
His favourite thing about ICD is that kids with diabetes don’t have to feel different when at ICD events and are with others who understand the challenges they face every day.
What are your top skills/accomplishments
Personal fun fact about you:
Ciaran loves to travel and has visited over forty countries – although the pace has slowed significantly since he had kids!!!
Dessi Zaharieva
Researcher/Leader
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I was diagnosed with T1D at age 7. My family moved to Canada from Sofia, Bulgaria when I was 4 years old, so my diagnosis came as a big shock to us. Currently, I am a researcher (PhD candidate) at York University. My research focuses on various strategies to improve blood glucose control during exercise, sports, and competition in type 1 diabetes.
My research interests include: exercise physiology, blood glucose fluctuations, artificial pancreas design, continuous glucose monitoring, hypo-glycemia prevention, and overall diabetes management.
My ultimate goal is to help people of all ages living with type 1 diabetes to be more physically active and improve their diabetes self-care.”
What’s Your favourite thing about ICD?
“ICD is a unique organization that reaches individuals of all ages; not only those living with T1D, but parents, friends, and anyone touched by this disease. It incorporates incredible, active educational programming to promote leadership and team building skills. At ICD, we are not just friends, we are a family and a group of individuals pushing the boundaries of T1D and active living. Living with T1D, we all experience frustrations but with ICD, we have open and educational discussions to find ways to overcome these difficulties. You are not alone!”
Personal fun fact:
“I speak Bulgarian, I’m an MMA fighter, and I’m competitive :)”
Elizabeth Harvey
Leader/Mentor
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 12 years ago and have been working and volunteering in the diabetes community for the last 7 years.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“My favourite thing about ICD is the unique perspective on diabetes.
Diabetes – much like all problems in health – is multi faceted. There are physiological factors that make the disease complicated to manage but there are also significant socio-economic and psycho-social barriers. ICD truly works to break down those barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive while living with type 1.
ICD meets people where they’re at and builds self-efficacy and community! The people I’ve met through this organization have become my family. Through ICD I’ve met people who inspire me and push me to do better, people who make me laugh, and people who allow me to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned throughout my journey. It’s a great feeling to know I have people I can text who just get it!
My biggest passions in life are health, helping people, and adventure, and I think ICD is an amazing combination of all three.”
Personal fun fact:
- I love trail running.
- Myers Briggs says I’m an INTJ (if you believe in that sort of thing).
- Burritos are the world’s most perfect food.
Emilee Wilson
Videographer/Social Media Director - Youth Council
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I have had T1D since I was a year old, so I’ve only really known life with diabetes! It’s a blessing in disguise – I have no nostalgia for the days without it! It just is a part of me.
What motivated you to join ICD’s Youth Council??
I am so passionate about connecting with T1Ds and doing what I can to support ICD’s initiatives.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced while living/interacting with T1D?
Overcoming an eating disorder with T1D was a huge challenge. Unlike others in recovery who had to learn to live without counting numbers (like calories) I had the challenge of increasing the focus on numbers (like carbs and my blood sugars) and still having to be okay, mentally and emotionally.
What is your favourite snack to rescue a low blood sugar?
I just can’t help but want an apple! I’ve been told it’s not ideal because it releases sugars too slowly, but it’s still my favourite.
Geoff Thornton-Trump
Logistics support leader
Hometown: Canmore, AB
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I have been Type 1 for 41 years and using different pumps for 11 years.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“ICD is very important for its role and focus on getting kids and young adults involved. Very needed and important!”
Personal fun fact:
“When I was diagnosed at age 9, I was told that I would more than likely be blind by the age of 30. I am now 50 and still have 20/20 vision. I’ve always tried my best to beat the odds!”
Graham Hempel
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Owen Sound, ON
My connection to T1D:
I’ve been type 1 diabetic for 17 years and ICD has been a part of my life since I was 15. Chris and the ICD team have inspired me to pursue physical activity and adventure. After my university years I am excited to have reconnected with ICD and to be a mentor for young diabetics with a drive for adventure.
My favourite thing about ICD:
My favourite thing about I Challenge Diabetes is the attitude of inclusion and the clear message that anyone can participate in extreme activity. The group encourages diabetics to overcome their perceived limitations – teaching independence and driving good diabetes management along the way. I think ICD helped me get motivated to control my sugars during some tougher teenage years.
Top skills and accomplishments:
I’m an avid traveler and backpacker (both the urban and backcountry type). At 17 I travelled solo through New Zealand, and did 300 km of multi-day backcountry hiking. Now I’ve been through 20 countries but I still love Canada’s wilderness the best. I moved to Nova Scotia in 2019 after finishing my engineering degree at Waterloo.
Personal fun fact:
I love food and cooking, and a big part of travelling for me is to try all the different foods around the world. I like the challenge of guessing carbs in unfamiliar foods from a menu you can’t read… I also love board games and funky music.
Heather van der Geest
Volunteer Leader
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 8 years old. I told my parents from the very first day that I was not going to let diabetes stop me from doing anything, and I was going to live a long and healthy life. I said, “I am going to control diabetes, not let diabetes control me”. I have maintained that attitude for the past 23 years so far, and I am still complication free, doing everything in life I want to do.
There are definitely times when diabetes can make life more challenging, but it is important to take it one step at a time, and manage the best you can!
I connected with Chris Jarvis (ICD co-founder) to establish a peer-mentoring network, which was the first ICD group program, as well as the first ever At-Risk Youth program in Canada. I continue to volunteer for ICD while attending medical school.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“Giving people with diabetes the opportunity to meet and connect with others that are living with the same condition. It is a great way for people to share their success, challenges, and to build new friendships.
When living with a health condition, it is so important to have a support network of people that you can relate to. We are all in this together and helping each other every step of the way!”
Personal fun fact:
“I recently graduated from Naturopathic Medical School and started my Naturopathic Practice in Vancouver, BC (June 2018).
I rowed on the Canadian Junior National Rowing Team in 2003, and was the Captain of the UVic Varsity Rowing Team from 2004-2009.”
Imran Nathani
Operations Manager
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
Yes, I am a T1D myself. I have had diabetes since 1999 and have not let it stop me from accomplishing anything that i had wanted to do!
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
Whenever someone approaches us with an out of the box idea, the first thing we do it figure out how does diabetes play into it. Together we can problem solve the diabetes part of the idea and then tackle the rest of it just like anyone else without diabetes would. Its not something that we let limit anyone to accomplishing their goal but using it as a platform to empower people to get together and challenge themselves to doing remarkable things.
Personal fun fact:
I was final owner of the diabetes mobile. A vehicle that was only owned by 2 other diabetes previous to me!
Jasmine Maghera
VP Outreach - Youth Council
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Your connection to T1D: I have had T1D for about 12 years, I recently decided to become more involved with my diabetes management and accept T1D as an overt part of me. Since doing so, management has become easier and I feel happier.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
I love how ICD empowers individuals living with T1D to do whatever they please! I think that is so important because anything is possible with the right skills and tools. ICD also gave me the courage to accept T1D and share the burden with others close to me.
What are your top skills/accomplishments?
I am proud of my resilience as a researcher, my top accomplishments have definitely been the literature I have contributed to in the scientific community. One of my top skills is the ability to deliver my data to other scientists and members of the public in a meaningful way.
Personal fun fact about you:
I love to make art! I will paint anything I can get my hands on.
Jasmyne Kizito
Sports Camp Team/Youth Council
Hometown: Edmonton, AB
Your connection to T1D:
I am a type 1 diabetic, diagnosed just over a year ago!
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
I love the accepting environment. It feels great to be around people who, not only know what diabetes is, but most of them even have it themselves!! ICD camps always make me feel accepted, appreciated and happy 🙂
What are your top skills/accomplishments?
Some of my skills include:
1) I can finish a whole book in one day!
2) I can take really good photos!
3) I can run super fast!
Personal fun fact about you:
A fun fact about me is that I’m learning how to rollerblade!! (it’s super fun)
Julia Pesek
Executive Assistant/Co-president - Youth Council
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I have been a T1D since May 2007!
What motivated you to join ICD’s Youth Council??
I was motivated to join ICD’s youth council because having a voice in the diabetes community is very important to me. It not only keeps me aware of what is happening within our community, but gives a platform to make a difference.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced while living/interacting with T1D?
The greatest challenge I have faced while living with T1D is remembering to pre-bolus.
What is your favorite snack to rescue a low blood sugar?
Starbursts!
Lisa Geelen
Board of Directors
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“My 12-year daughter was diagnosed at age 4 with type one diabetes. She was in her first year of kindergarten at that time. As parents it was a very scary time for us. We had to learn about diabetes, learn how to care for our child, then we had to head to school and train the staff. Eight years later we are trying to help others.”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“I am sure my T1D daughter would say playing sports at the York Diabetes Summer Sports camp, strategizing with team mates, and “the taking down” of Olympian Chris Jarvis during an intense game of dodgeball. However, my favourite thing about ICD is the “roll up the sleeves” approach. We attack challenges at the ground level and do our best to remove obstacles in a very positive way, while fostering the approach of a united front. We connect people, impact lives, and we will often find ourselves saying ‘how can I help?'”
Personal fun fact:
“Some of you with T1D may have had the experience of being let down by a system. This may have driven me a little crazy and I ended up creating awareness tools and personally visiting local schools, day-cares, and child drop-in centres to bring awareness of T1D. I chatted with parents, teachers, and childcare workers to educate them on Type One, including the onset. I personally visited 1500 people in Toronto during the month of November, 2016!
It was even more fun to supercharge that initiative with a team of inspirational speakers, all of whom have T1D. This resulted in me becoming the chair of the Kids in School Action Planning Committee, which led to system-wide policy change. Policy change never sounds fun… but when it means your child’s safety is considered in daily operations, it allows you to enjoy all the fun things again!”
Maryna Ell
Co-President - Youth Council
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for half my life! 12 years in October.
What motivated you to join ICD’s Youth Council??
I love everything that ICD is and does and I want to support them however I can and increase program reach! I figured the youth council was a great place to start and a fantastic place to find an amazing diabetes community while I’m at it!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced while living/interacting with T1D?
Diabetes is hard. All of it is challenging. The big stuff doesn’t get me down anymore, but I find day-to-day it’s the little things that challenge me. Making sure I have low supplies and snacks and enough insulin, making sure to renew my prescriptions on time, ordering supplies with enough time for them to get here…it’s not big but it all adds up.
What is your favourite snack to rescue a low blood sugar?
Dinosaur gummies! A few times when I’ve bought them the cashier has said “oh, those are so fun for the kids”. And for me! We’re all kids at heart and you have to find the joy where you can!
Michael Hodgins
VP Treasurer - Youth Council
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I have several close connections to T1D, from friends to family.
What motivated you to join ICD’s Youth Council??
I have seen ICD impact a life and thought that this was something that I would like to be a part of and help grow.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced while living/interacting with T1D?
Knowing that someone has a dangerously low or high blood sugar but not being there with them to help.
What is your favourite snack to rescue a low blood sugar?
Anything that makes them happy!
Miriam Dos Anjos
Chair, Wee Challengers Program
Hometown: Aurora, ON
My Connection to T1D:
My son, Mason was diagnosed with T1 at 16 months old (September 26, 2014) My niece was diagnosed at the age of 20 (November 1, 2017)
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
I have a few – inclusion, support, understanding, and the compassion.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
I love helping other families cope and manage the daily struggles with T1. We have overcome some challenging school situations and I love to share my knowledge that I have gained. I am an organizer, have created and shared many school forms, and am an avid advocate for our kids!
Personal fun fact about you:
I love to have fun and keep busy with my children and husband.
Monica Sadik
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Do you have a connection to T1D?
I’ve been a type one diabetic for 14 years! Since it has been so long, I can’t even remember NOT having T1D! It definitely shaped the life I chose and decisions I made – like working with ICD!
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
I love that ICD advocates for those who are unable to advocate for themselves, or seek support elsewhere. At ICD, T1Ds are working with T1Ds, to support T1DS. It’s so refreshing to see so much representation within an organization! At ICD, our leaders will connect you with the best supports and resources to best manage your diabetes and live your fullest life. Nothing can stop us here!
Personal fun fact:
I firmly believe that I could give up real food for the rest of my life in replace for desserts. I’m talking ice cream for breakfast lunch, and dinner. And donuts in between… duh! My greatest accomplishment is definitely travelling solo to Europe for 2 weeks. Now I travel all the time and can’t seem to get rid of the travel bug!”
Patrick Herold
Development Officer
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Your connection to T1D:
With more than 300,000 people in Canada living with T1D, there is a strong need for programming that supports and empowers their diabetes management.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD? My favourite thing about I Challenge Diabetes is that it is an inclusive and positive space. I Challenge Diabetes works to connect people to a community of support and really strives to directly address any problems they may be facing.
What are your top skills/accomplishments? Working in the non-profit sector for several years, I have gained a lot experience supporting donors and sponsors to ensure we make the largest possible impact in the lives of those we support.
Personal fun fact about you:
Passionate hockey fan.
Pepe Bakshi
Board of Directors
Your connection to T1D:
Former Executive Director with the Charles. H Best Centre, Pepe brings over 10 years of board experience to ICD. His over 30 years of Corporate and Entrepreneurial experience in Business, Finance and Fundraising is an asset to our team.
As a type one diabetic for over 40 years, and a father to a son with t1d, his ties and passion for the diabetes community in the GTA and beyond, are both personal and professional. His vision for how ICD can continue to grow is invaluable.
Personal fun fact about you:
In his spare time, Pepe enjoys cycling, hiking and being outdoors with his family and his dog.
Richard Goudie
Board of Directors
Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
Do you have a connection to T1D?
My son Lukas was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 14 (in 2016). Although I am a physician, I can honestly say I didn’t understand the impact this medical condition has on an individual and their family.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
The support, inclusivity and community energy it presents and encourages. The challenges it attempts present are all based on every individual’s personal thoughts of limitations. The focus on physical activity and increasing one’s own goals are fantastic.
What are your top skills/accomplishments?
Still working on it but I hope it is developing the biggest large scale Charity Outdoor Bike Ride focused on raising funds an awareness for T1D. ( www.tourdet1d.ca )
Robin Fagnan
Leader/Mentor
Hometown: Victoria
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“T1D since 2002. I am outside of the box by being diagnosed later in my life, but have worked extensively with Type 1’s of all ages for approximately the last ten years. It has been an amazing learning experience! I never cease to be amazed by people’s resilience and commitment to still doing what they want to do within the challenges of the disease!”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“We provide the support to allow people to move past their self limitations and connect with their true potential. The challenges of this disease are many and deeply complex, tending to lead people into a more limited way of living. Through our programming and support we watch again and again as people redefine what they are capable of, and who they are. It’s awesome!”
Personal fun fact:
“I spent an extended period of time in South Asia exploring culture and spirituality and have a strong background in mindfulness practice. This informs all of my work and is a part of who I am. And I still REALLY like to have fun!”
Samuel Letnik
Project Coordinator/VP Leadership Development - Youth Council
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I have been living with T1D since 2008 and, despite facing many challenges with it, have made some of my closest friends and gone on some of the coolest adventures because of it.
What’s your favorite thing about ICD?
I love the focus ICD has on empowering those living with diabetes and showing us the amazing things we can do when we face the challenges of T1D head-on, and as a community.
What are your top Skills/Accomplishments?
I rode my bike over 300km from my house to Tobermory for fun, and made a photo book of the photos I took along the way called Hamilton to Tobermory.
Personal fun facts about you?
My average juice box-drinking speed is 13 seconds, and you’ll probably never see me hatless!
Sarah Eckard
Outdoor Adventure Team
Do you have a connection to T1D? Explain.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2! Don’t know life without it!
What’s your favorite thing about ICD?
I love the opportunities that being a part of ICD has lead me to. ICD has helped me feel more confident in myself and my abilities and has shown me that I have no barriers when it comes to living with Type 1. As well, the community developed from ICD events and the support gained is like magic!
What are your top Skills/Accomplishments?
I could go pro in friendship bracelet making. I also really love sports. I grew up playing soccer competitively, enough so that the team I was on went to provincials 3 years in a row AND had a shut out season our first year! I also grew up sailing with my family and competed in the high school regatta, we came first and won the trophy and a bag of cookies!
Personal fun facts about you?
I love to collect socks! There are so many cool designs out there, my favourite pair is blue and has corgis in shark costumes on them!
Sarah Park
Sports Camp Coordinator
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Your connection to T1D:
I have had T1D for four years!
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
The feeling of empowerment I get when participating in ICD events! Having the common ground of T1D between all people involved allows me to share experiences I otherwise might not!
What are your top skills/accomplishments?
I played the lock position in rugby for three years at my high school and have worked hard to join the University of Calgary symphonic band as a tenor saxophonist!
Personal fun fact about you:
I am aspiring to become a part of the police force once I finish my studies!
Stefanie Alloway
Chair, Board of Directors
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Your connection to T1D:
I have been a Registered Dietitian for 24 years and have a particular interest in those with eating disorders and Type 1 Diabetes. This was the focus of a research project I completed while doing my Master of Science degree at the University of Alberta. I also have a teenage daughter with T1D, diagnosed 3 years ago.
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
My favourite thing about ICD is its inclusive nature and the fact that it empowers youth of all ages and backgrounds.
Tino Montopoli
Board of Directors
Introducing Tino Montopoli, B.Sc. Phm., Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified Insulin Pump Trainer, Certified CGMS Trainer, T1D since Feb 1964
Tino completed his undergraduate training at the University of Toronto. He currently practices at Stutt’s Pharmacy and Diabetes Depot in Orono, Ontario. He has held a part time position with the Peterborough Family Health Team since 2008 where he assists other team members in managing persons with diabetes. He has written or reviewed numerous articles relating to diabetes. Tino has also delivered patient and pharmacist level seminars on the general management of diabetes, obesity, insulin therapy and cardiovascular disease.
Tino has been recognized for his work in diabetes education and awarded the CPhA Pharmacist Diabetes Educator of the Year Award in 1998, Honourable Mention for Pharmacy Practice’s Commitment to Care Award in 1997, the CDA Citation Award in 2000 and the Ontario Pharmacist’s Association Wyeth Apothecary Award in 2009.
Tracy DiMarco
Program Manager
Hometown: Welland, ON
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“My son Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2006, at age 3. We struggled alone for years, not having others to turn to for support, motivation, and understanding. In 2012, we met Chris Jarvis at a speaking engagement, where he spoke about his experiences overcoming obstacles and living well with T1. A week later we attended our first ICD event, and we haven’t looked back! Our family has participated in dozens of ICD events, from paddling, parkour, skiing, to snow tubing, and have learned so much. I volunteered with ICD to plan events in Niagara and now I’m working with ICD to plan events in every region we can reach!”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“My favourite thing about ICD has to be how the leaders have helped my son to be the best he can be. He has taken part in leadership retreats and loves to volunteer his time to help out and is beginning to mentor younger T1s. Chris and the team have an amazing, positive way of connecting to youth (and adults) and encouraging them to keep going when diabetes gets them down.”
Personal fun fact:
“I founded a family support group in Niagara a few years ago. It started as a handful of families who wanted to share tips & trials and ensure our kids knew others going through the same things they were, and it has since grown to a group of 300 individuals. We strive to keep those close connections and have each other’s backs in case of illness or late supply deliveries. For me connection is what it’s all about. I hope to connect even more families in my role at I Challenge Diabetes :)”
Tyson Fiveland
Outdoor Adventure Team
Hometown: Wetaskiwin, AB
Do you have a connection to T1D?
“I have been a type one diabetic for 15 years. I don’t remember not having diabetes!”
What’s your favourite thing about ICD?
“For me, ICD’s work is so important as it teaches kids of all ages that no matter what, diabetes or anything for that matter, should not stop you from accomplishing your goals. This is a message that needs to be heard. This was a message that I needed to hear.
Personal Fun Fact:
“I had the opportunity to represent Team Canada at the Junior Olympics in Roller Hockey last summer. Wearing the Maple Leaf is a feeling like no other.”
