P5 Project YXE

 Marie Agioritis 

 Brandi Abele 

 Jo-Ann Saddleback 

Dr. Barb Fornssler

 Dr. Lori Hanson 

 Lori Hanson, Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, primarily works on issues related to upstream social determinants of health, political economy of health and social movements for health. All of her work is guided by an ethic of social solidarity and appreciation for diverse communities and their knowledges as well as an action orientation. As an activist scholar, Lori’s research is primarily qualitative, participatory and community-based. 

 Dr. Peter Butt 

 Jason Mercredi 

 At the time of this project, Jason Mercredi was the Executive Director of Prairie Harm Reduction (formerly AIDS Saskatoon) and had been with the agency since 2013. He is co-founder of Canada’s National HIV Testing Day, wrote the policy for drug-smoking pipes to be introduced into Saskatchewan needle exchanges, successfully advocated for the expansion of take-home naloxone in Saskatchewan and is currently establishing the province’s first safe consumption site. He is of Denesuline, Métis and Scottish ancestry, and was born and raised on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. 

Maryellen Gibson

Lindsey Vold

Dr. James Dixon

Dr. James Dixon completed his PhD in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. His doctoral research focused on the economic context of the opioid overdose crisis in Western Canada. James started in the field of substance use in 2012, working at a community-based nonprofit harm reduction agency until 2015 when he started his graduate studies. James enjoys yoga and meditation, film, music, and the beach. 

Maggie Coupland

 Maggie Coupland is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked in front-line positions in different emergency shelters and supported living programs in Ottawa, Halifax and Saskatoon. She is a passionate advocate for individuals experiencing barriers in accessing healthcare. Maggie’s research interests include health promotion, harm reduction services and health policy. In her spare time, you can find her watching Jeopardy or doing puzzles in her living room. 

 Natasha Istifo 

  Natasha Istifo is a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan who is studying in the Masters of Public Health Program. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Health Studies with a minor in Sociology. Natasha has a passion for public health, health advocacy/promotion and epidemiology. Hoping for a future career in population health promotion, Natasha is excited to be a part of the P5 Project Research Team and to continue her journey in this field. In her free time, Natasha loves to travel to new countries, go to the lake and spend time with her family.  

 Kacie Kushniruk 

 Kacie Kushniruk is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed a B.Sc. Honours in Physiology and Pharmacology in 2016 and a B. Comm in Marketing & Communications in 2018. Kacie is an active volunteer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and has worked as an Emergency Room Ambassador, Vaccination Clinic Facilitator, and Paediatric Companion at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. As a Licentiate with the Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association, most of her experiences have been working with athletes and educators for incorporating physical activity in her community. Her research interests include mental health policy, harm reduction advocacy, and re-imagining health communications messaging with enhanced public health literacy. In her spare time, Kacie enjoys BarreRoom workouts, playing cards, and hanging out with family and friends. 

 Roha Shahzad 

 Roha Shahzad is a fourth year University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, minoring in Sociology and working toward a Certificate in Ethics, Justice and Law. Roha is passionate about working in the Mental Health field and is curious and excited to grow and learn more about substance use. She also likes to spend her free time socially, enjoying the company of peers, friends and family. She is thrilled to join the P5 research team and contribute to the community.  

 Mark Hammer 

 Mark Hammer is a fourth year University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student majoring in Sociology and working toward his certificate in Criminology and Addictions. Mark has lived experience with recovery and a passion for peer support. Mark loves to spend time with his partner of 30 years and his two dogs, Pan and Murphy.  

 Macala Harriman 

 Macala Harriman is a third year University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Crime, Law and Justice Studies. She is also currently working toward her certificate in Criminology and Addictions. Macala has always been passionate about working in the human services field, particularly in addictions, and she is excited to be part of the P5 research team. In her spare time, Macala likes to spend time with her puppy Norman, go for walks by the river, and binge-watch Netflix. 

 Alexa Thompson 

 Alexa Thompson is an undergraduate student at the University of Saskatchewan and is currently completing her BA in Sociology. She previously completed a BA in Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan. The P5 Project is personal to Alexa, as she has had people in her life affected by substance use. In her free time, Alexa likes to do martial arts, photography and antique collecting.