Tanis Farish, PhD. Director of W+W Lab
Tanis is an advocate and ambassador for life long movement and mental health. She has been a teacher and researcher in the fitness & performance field for over 25 years. Curious and inspired through her training as a clinical exercise physiologist, health coach and yoga instructor, her research focuses on the connection of how we move, feel, and think.
She holds a doctorate in the area of mental health and fitness promotion where she conducted her research with the Department of National Defense. She also holds degrees in coaching (MEd – University of Victoria) and life sciences (BSc – Queens University). Tanis teaches and conducts research in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Education at Camosun College in Victoria BC. She is an adjunct faculty in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta and is a lecturer and graduate supervisor at several other post secondary institutions.
Allie Percy is a fourth year student at Camosun College studying Kinesiology. Her future career plans are to pursue graduate studies in physiotherapy to eventually work with athletes with chronic illness/impairment. Being a type 1 diabetic since the age of 4, she has a passion for creating an environment in health and fitness that is accessible to everyone regardless of circumstance.
Her hobbies include hiking, backpacking, climbing, reading, yoga, journaling and anything that challenges her brain and body and gets her outside in nature. She is excited about starting her journey into research around mental health, physical health and how other environments affect the human psyche and performance.
Sophie Harvey
Sophie is one of our research assistants working on the impact of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on Canadian Veterans. She is currently enrolled in her last year of a Sports Management degree, looking to pursue an MA in Sports Psychology. She is passionate about holistic health and an outdoor enthusiast. As a previous gymnastic coach, she wants to create a healthy relationship with sport for future generations and help people attain their goals through healing and empowerment.
Raquel Carrion, research assistant Equine Project
Raquel is conducting research in our Equine studies promoting self-leadership and resiliency. She is passionate about mental health, endlessly curious of the natural world, and has an insatiable appetite for learning. Raquel has chosen to dedicate her life to helping others achieve well-being in the medical field and hopes her research will bring awareness and compassion to those living with mental illness and trauma.
Jane Nighswander, CSEP-CPT, BSFL
Jane is a dynamic certified personal trainer with a degree in Exercises and Wellness from Camosun College. She is currently finishing her qualifications to be a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach . Her love and passion for movement, health and exercise lead her to find her true interest within the pregnancy and postpartum population. To help support and encourage how exercise can be applied safely throughout pregnancy, and postpartum populations for both mother and baby. Jane’s mission is to conduct research for this population. Jane also works as a coach at Innovative fitness and Fettle & Food located in Victoria BC. When not working her passions include: weight training, time with family and friends, cooking, and any outdoor adventure.
Crystal Brandt, Marketing & Communications Associate
Crystal is in her final year of a Sport Management degree at Camosun College. She is looking to pursue a career in advertising and marketing. Having been an athlete and coach, Crystal is passionate about finding equal opportunities in sport for youth. Her other passion within sports is gender equality. She wants to advocate for sport as a lifestyle towards achieving better well-being.