Krista is a dynamic, creative, and mission-driven leader who has been a pioneer in the field of mental health and sport in Canada, co-founding both the Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative and Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport. She has an undergraduate degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management, a Masters degree in Human Kinetics and is currently completing her PhD, for which she received the Dean’s Award of Excellence.

Over the past four years, Krista has worked as a consultant focussed on program evaluation and evidence-based practice in community settings, working with partners in the sport, education, and health sectors. She also served as the Executive Director of the CCMHS for two years and was a significant contributor to the development of Canada’s Mental Health Strategy for High-Performance Sport.

Krista competed at the Canadian university level, winning two Ontario University Athletics silver medals, and contributing to three national tournament berths. She was a conference All-Star and Academic All-Canadian, the recipient of the 2016 Canadian Interuniversity Sport Tracy MacLeod Award for determination, perseverance, and unwavering spirit and University of Ottawa President’s Award for excellence in athletics, academics and community service. Through this experience Krista has become aware of the commitment, drive, sacrifice and tenacity required to compete at a high level; a perspective that informs all of the work she does at the intersection of mental health and sport.

As a former athlete who struggled with mental illness at the peak of her athletic career, Krista is deeply passionate about supporting athletes, coaches, and sport leaders to improve mental health across the sport system.

“How can I support you?” “To the athletes who are struggling with mental health challenges right now, I want you to know that you are not meant to face that alone. You are not soft, weak, or worthless. Recovery starts and is sustained through the support of a community; the Game Plan team is here to help.”