BackRoads Move Her Mind

SASHA GOLLISH, MODERATOR

Sasha Gollish, PhD, PEng, ChPC, is the Director of Knowledge Mobilization in the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre at the University of Toronto. Sasha’s represented Canada numerous times from the 1500m to the marathon, with a notable result at the 2015 Pan Am Games where she won a bronze medal in the 1500m. In addition she’s a gender equity consultant, a mentor for the Coaching Association of Canada’s Advanced Coaching Diploma, and a youth middle distance running coach. (Social media: X, Instagram, and Facebook - @SGollishRuns)

KUBET WESTON, PANELIST

Kubet Weston is a Physiotherapist and owner of Skye Health. She believes that despite setbacks, there is always a path forward, and movement is medicine. Her passion for running turned into a career in Physiotherapy after a knee injury sidelined her Olympic track and field dreams. She began rowing in university, eventually winning four World Championship medals and becoming the first Black rower to represent Canada at the World's and Olympics. Kubet dedicates herself to promoting women’s health and empowerment, helping her patients overcome challenges, and inspiring others to keep moving, striving and thriving.

SHAUNA VERSLOOT, PANELIST

Shauna has spent her life immersed in running, fitness, and culinary creativity—guided by her belief that life is about surrounding yourself with good people, pursuing passions, and having a meaningful purpose. Her love for running began at a young age, leading her to complete countless races worldwide. She proudly supports her community as Race Director for Forest City Road Races, where she has served on the Board since 2009. In addition to her work with FCRR, she published a cookbook that received a national award nomination. She holds an education background in Fitness and Lifestyle Management from George Brown College, Food Science, Nutrition, and Psychology from Western University, and Culinary Arts, Management, and Apprenticeship from Fanshawe College. Through her career and volunteer work, Shauna finds joy in bringing people together through food, fitness, and community.

MEAGHAN TERZIS, PANELIST

Meaghan Terzis is one of the owners of F45 Westbend and F45 Masonville, and soon to be owner of Canada’s first FS8 yoga, tone Pilates studio. Meaghan loves building inclusive communities and a place that empowers people to come workout, feel strong and be themselves.

KATE CURRENT, PANELIST

SAWYER NICHOLSON

The Covid-19 lockdown was a challenging time for many, but for me, it turned out to be a transformative period that reshaped my life. In 2020, when our soccer season was put on hold, my coach, Natnale Berhanu, encouraged us to find ways to stay in shape. I decided to give running a try, not realizing how profoundly it would impact me. Within a year, I joined the Durham Dragons Athletics Club, and in the years that followed, I have set 7 Provincial records and achieved a World-Age-Record in the 5km with a time of 17:28 at the Niagara Falls 5km in 2023. Running has opened doors to incredible opportunities, from meeting inspiring people to being featured in magazines like Canadian Running and Runner's World UK. I’ve had the privilege of doing interviews with CBC and partnering with brands like ASICS. Beyond the physical achievements, running has made me a happier, more confident person, teaching me the power of perseverance and the joy of pushing beyond limits.