Researchers
Dr. Lynne Lafave
Director & Principal Investigator, CHEERS
Dr. Lynne Lafave is an associate professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Mount Royal University in Calgary Alberta.
She holds a doctorate in nutritional sciences and her research focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and well-being initiatives in early childhood education and care.
Role with CHEERS
She works jointly with the CHEERS project coordinators to support early child health and well-being initiatives in the early childhood education and care setting.
As director of the CHEERS project, Dr. Lafave is responsible for the project’s long-term scientific strategy.
Dr. Nadine Van Wyk
Co-Investigator, CHEERS
Nadine completed her Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Her area of focus in the field of physical literacy and curriculum design.
Nadine has been assisting the CHEERS research team to explore the inclusion of physical literacy in the early year's environment.
Dr. Catherine Smey Carston
Co-Investigator, CHEERS
Dr. Catherine Smey Carston is an associate professor in the Bachelor of Child Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary Alberta. She is currently co-leading a team of researchers who are exploring pedagogical supports for the implementation of the Alberta Early Learning and Care curriculum framework in child care programs across the province.
Her research interests include pedagogical leadership, mentoring and coaching and her teaching focus is around the child, family and community.
Dr. Smey Carston’s acts in an advisory and consultative capacity in regard to the field of early learning and child care, as well as a research co-investigator
Project Coordinators
Caroline Sasse
Research Coordinator - Program, CHEERS
During the completion of her bachelor’s degree, Caroline had the opportunity to become involved in a variety of research projects. She enjoys early learning and child development with an interest in school and applied child psychology.
Caroline joins CHEERS as a project coordinator, with prior working experience as an early childhood educator (ECE) herself. She assists with ECE engagement and research dissemination.
Katharine Elliott
Research Coordinator - Data, CHEERS
Katharine graduated from Mount Royal University (MRU) in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Katharine discovered her passion for research during her time at MRU and has since been involved in several research projects.
In her role as research coordinator, Katharine assists in the execution of the CHEERS program. Additionally, Katharine is involved in performing research activities including data collection, analysis, and research dissemination
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Sara Reena
Student Research Assistant, CHEERS
Sara is currently earning a degree in the Bachelor of Science majoring in Health Science through the Department of Science and Technology at Mount Royal University.
Sara works on the CHEERS Day Home project and assists the research team in various CHEERS initiatives.
Qaisara Mohamed
Practicum Student, CHEERS
Qaisara Mohamed is currently a Bachelor of Child Studies student - Early Learning and Child Care major in the Department of Child Studies and Social Work at Mount Royal University.
Qaisara assists the CHEERS research team with sharing nutrition, physical activity, and self-care knowledge mobilization with the early childhood community.
Makayla
Research Assistant, CHEERS
Makayla is currently a Psychology student - in the Department of Psychology at Mount Royal University.
Makayla assists the CHEERS research team with sharing nutrition, physical activity, and self-care knowledge mobilization with the early childhood community.
Our Alumni
A well functioning team can make a world of difference. Our alumni have made important contributions to the success of the CHEERS research project and we wish them well on the next steps of their career and making their mark on society.
Ceilidh McConnell
Research Coordinator, CHEERS
2019-2021
Ceilidh is a graduate of the Psychology Honours Program in the Department of Psychology at Mount Royal University.
Role with CHEERS
Ceilidh supported the development and execution of the CHEERS Program including data collection and research dissemination.
Ceilidh is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
Alexis Webster
Research Coordinator, CHEERS
2019-2021
Alexis is a graduate of the Psychology Honours Program in the Department of Psychology at Mount Royal University.
Role with CHEERS
Alexis supported the development and execution of the CHEERS Program including data collection and research dissemination.
Alexis is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology at the University of British Columbia in British Columbia, Canada.
Samira Ali
Knowledge Translation Coordinator, CHEERS
As the social media coordinator, Samira shares important resources and information with the early childhood education community. Additionally, she increases awareness of the CHEERS project through our social media platforms
Samira holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology from Mount Royal University.
Undergraduate Alumni
Elena Nessler
Student RA & Social Media Coordinator, CHEERS
2019-2020
Elena is a graduate of the Information Design Program in the School of Communication Studies at Mount Royal University.
Role with CHEERS
Elena completed a re-design of the CHEERS website and updated the visual design to reflect the brand identity. She also wrote website blogs and managed social media in order to support a growing online community.
Elena is currently pursuing a Graphic Design career.
Jenny Vuong
Student Research Assistant, CHEERS
2017 - 2019
Jenny Vuong is a graduate of the Physical Literacy program in the Department of Health and Physical Education.
Role with CHEERS
Jenny assisted in the assessment of physical activity levels and the physical activity environment of preschool children in child care programs.
Jenny is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Australia Bond University in Melbourne, Australia.
