- About us / Our Team
United by Purpose. Guided by Care.
Meet the team dedicated to bringing mental health literacy to sport on and off the field.
- The Heart Behind the Mission
Our Team
Our team is made up of the quiet champions, the everyday leaders, and the passionate people who care deeply about mental health in youth sport. They are the heart of Connect Sport, working behind the scenes and on the frontlines to create lasting impact.
Chris Romanchuk
Founder/CEO
Chris Romanchuk, Founder and CEO of ConnectSport, is passionate about bridging the gap between the love of hockey and the mental health challenges that can accompany high-performance sport. Growing up playing minor hockey in Marwayne and Dewberry, AB., Chris went on to compete at an elite level in Lloydminster, the AJHL, and the BCHL. In July 2021, he moved to Calgary to begin a career in hockey development, working with youth players and coaching. That same summer, he tragically lost his best friend to suicide—a turning point that revealed the urgent need for better mental health support in sport. Determined to make a difference, Chris founded ConnectSport. Chris firmly believes that sport has the power to foster resilience, connection, and mental health for everyone involved.
Andrew Baxter - MSW RSW
Head of Content Strategy
Andrew is the Director of Mental Health Literacy at the University of Alberta’s Department of Psychiatry, with over 25 years in school and community mental health. He has led national and international initiatives with groups like the WHO and PAHO and is an Associate Member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education. A former athlete and youth coach, Andrew is dedicated to advancing mental health in sport and supporting youth development.
Coralee Hohne - RSW, BSW
Co-founder/Director
Content Development
Coralee, a Registered Social Worker since 2007 with a degree from the University of Regina, is the Social Emotional Coordinator and a high school counsellor with the Lloydminster Catholic School Division. With experience across Child & Family Services, health, and education, she’s passionate about building resilience, reducing mental health stigma, and strengthening sports communities. An active athlete and coach, Coralee co-founded ConnectSport to promote mental health literacy and support the lasting impact of coaches and teams on youth.
Mitch Berg, B.A., B.MSc.
Content Development
Mitch, from Saskatoon, SK, grew up playing hockey, baseball, and lacrosse, later competing in Major and Junior A hockey. Since 2016, he has worked in mental health and addictions and now serves as a Clinical Coordinator with the Saskatchewan Medical Association, supporting physicians’ mental health. Pursuing a master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology (2025), Mitch founded Optima Athletic to help athletes build mental strength and reach peak performance, believing the mind is their greatest asset.
Jen Romanchuk, B. Ed.
LMS Coordinator
Jen is an experienced online educator with many years of experience teaching high school and adult learners. In addition to her Bachelor of Education, she holds a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification and Mental Health Literacy Teacher Training. She is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge in both areas and is passionate about the power of education as a foundation for youth health, personal growth, and lifelong development.
Charmene Brewer - BHKin
Executive Assistant
Charmene grew up in BC and was an avid basketball player. She played on the provincial team
throughout her teens then excelled at UBC. She graduated with a degree in Human Kinetics and specialized in Health and Fitness. After a few years as a personal trainer, she moved to Calgary and has spent the last 17 years as a Health Education in post-secondary education. She has a passion for helping others and loves the idea of educating parents, coaches and athletes on the mental health side of sport – it is often overlooked but can have an immense impact on an athlete’s success. She was drawn to Connect Sport because health and education is where she believes time and energy can be most beneficial.
Gary Makar
Strategic Advisor
Board of Directors
Stephen Smith
Board of Directors
Stephen is the CEO of Strike Group Inc., where he’s led the company to become one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2007 and an Alberta “Contractor of the Year.” With a BBA, CPA/CGA, and ICD.D designation, he brings extensive leadership experience in energy and construction. Stephen believes ConnectSport plays a vital role in promoting mental health and supporting positive experiences for coaches, players, and parents in sport.
Ryan Giles
Board of Directors
Ryan joined TriWest, a Calgary private equity firm, in 2006 after roles with Onex Corporation and Morgan Stanley. He holds an Honors Business degree from the Ivey School of Business and an A.B. in Economics and Math from Bowdoin College, where he was a four-time NCAA hockey letter recipient. A board member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Ryan supports ConnectSport to advance mental health literacy in sport and build healthier, more supportive athletic communities.
Mark Franks
Board of Directors
Mark’s career includes extensive professional hockey worldwide followed by his post-secondary and leadership management education. He has spent the last 25 years in the Energy/Oil & Gas Industry, holding key Executive, Sales, and Marketing roles. As a former player and coach, Mark views Connect Sport as a game-changer that offers essential tools for success and mental stability beyond the realm of sport. He is fortunate to provide insight and guidance.
- Get Involved
Community and Fundraisers
See how we support our community and how you can be part of it. Every event helps make youth sport a place where mental health is a priority.
Supporters
One hour. One course. A lifetime of impact for mental well-being—on and off the field.