Meet Our Board
Director
Yegor Korchemagin
​Yegor Korchemagin was the founding President of the original Taking Strides Calgary organization in 2016. Yegor’s leadership has grown through the creation and development of the Taking Strides programming in Calgary, and he continues to be actively involved in the progression of the Taking Strides mission as a director on the Board of Directors. Outside of Taking Strides, Yegor is a resident physician in the Post-Graduate Medical Education program at the University of Calgary.
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Director
Donelle Elliott
As a parent of a child who has participated in programs through Taking Strides, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact inclusive recreation can have on a child's confidence, independence, and overall well-being. Through opportunities such as rock climbing, rhythm, strength & dance, swimming, and adaptive sports, my daughter has developed new skills, built meaningful relationships with participants and volunteers, along with gaining the confidence to take on new challenges.
Being part of the Taking Strides community has given our family a place where every achievement is celebrated, and every child is supported to reach their full potential. I am passionate about advocating for inclusive programming and helping create opportunities that empower children of all abilities to thrive. I am grateful to be part of an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of families like ours.
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Director
Philip Surmanowicz
Philip Surmanowicz was a founding executive integral in the initial creation of Taking Strides. Since then, he has been involved in the development of the Calgary dry-land and aquatic programs and is expanding Taking Strides into Edmonton. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Philip is interested in facilitating and guiding future expansion projects to better serve special needs youth across Canada.
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Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Verwaayen
Lauren Verwaayen serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Taking Strides Children’s Foundation. She joined the Calgary chapter as an aquatic volunteer in 2019 and has since held several leadership roles within the organization. Outside of Taking Strides, Lauren is a medical student at the University of Calgary, and enjoys baking and gardening.
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Chief Operating Officer
Taylor Bader
Taylor Bader joined Taking Strides in 2018 with the rock-climbing program, despite his crippling fear of heights. This initially seemed like a bad decision but eventually led to numerous incredible experiences. When the child he was working with said they would reach the top of the climbing wall only if Taylor joined them. Once they reached the top, they shared a celebratory high five. Since then, Taylor has gone on to be President of the Calgary Taking Strides Chapter, helping to run five programs. Outside of Taking Strides, Taylor is pursuing a PhD in Medical Sciences, researching the biology and biomechanics of spine degeneration. His time with Taking Strides and his graduate studies have instilled in him a lasting passion to develop new biomarkers and therapies that limit an individual's immobility.
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Chairman
David Yang
David Yang is the Chair of the Board of Directors and began his involvement with Taking Strides as a general volunteer with the Calgary chapter in 2016. Since then, he has served in various leadership roles and has helped expand the organization to communities in Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Vancouver. Outside of Taking Strides, David is a resident physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he is committed to helping and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
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Treasurer
Dustin Degenstein
After obtaining his Chartered Professional Accountant designation at Deloitte in Calgary, he built his career on strengthening financial controls and driving operational efficiencies. Dustin is currently a Senior Manager at AltaGas Ltd., a growing midstream and utilities company, where he oversees all aspects of Accounts Payable, Expense Management, and cash receipts. He also serves as the Team Treasurer for two of his sons’ youth hockey teams.
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Previous Directors & Officers
Michelle Rodgerson (2017-2021)
Co-Founder, Board of Directors
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Mathew Thiessen (2017-2021)
Co-Founder, Board of Directors
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Ashley Urch (2017-2020)
Co-Founder, Board of Directors
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Jaehoon Kim (2018-2022)
Board of Directors
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Reid Collins (2018-2026)
Board of Directors