Board of Directors
Our Members
Ryan Vandervlis
Founder and Chair
Ryan is a child and youth care counsellor for Hull Services in Calgary, Alberta. An alumnus of the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Concordia Stingers, Ryan is completing his degree in public relations and psychology at Mount Royal University. He resides in Calgary with his girlfriend Cailin and their dog, Finnigan.
Jennifer Wallin
Vice Chair
Jenn is a registered psychologist specializing in family therapy, trauma and compassionate inquiry. She has dedicated her professional life to social services and learning innovative ways to optimize mental and physical wellness, both for herself and her clients. She is a passionate dog mom, wife to husband Jesse and mother to her daughter Bella and son Sawyer.
Rene Vandervlis
Director
Rene is a high school math teacher enjoying his 23rd year at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer, Alberta. He is a former Red Deer College Kings soccer player and LTCHS and Red Deer Renegades soccer coach. He resides in Red Deer with his wife, Barb, and is father to his four children Cara, Ryan, Sean and Rachel.
Jantzen Leslie
Director & Treasurer
Jantzen is a chartered professional accountant at BDO Canada. He is a former Western Hockey League player, Red Deer College King and Red Deer College alumnus. Born and raised in Lloydminster, Alberta, Jantzen resides in Red Deer with his wife, Hayley, and their two sons Porter and Rhodes.
Kathy Hong
Director
Kathy is the director of marketing and communications for the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club. An avid traveler, Kathy’s passion for exploration has taken her to 20 countries worldwide and 20 Canadian National Parks, spanning all 10 Canadian Provinces. A self-proclaimed ice cream lover, Kathy is a University of Lethbridge alumna and resides in Lethbridge.
Tanner Shapka
Legal Counsel
Tanner is a fourth-year associate at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP who specializes in tax law. While pursuing his legal practice, Tanner is an avid golfer and passionate Oilers fan. Hailing from Alix, Alberta, Tanner resides in Calgary with his wife Alyssa.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Our three pillars—Community, Education, and Health—are the driving forces behind Ignited Minds Foundation’s work to empower, educate, and support young Albertans. By engaging our community in open conversations, equipping youth with knowledge, and providing access to essential mental health resources, we’re building a brighter future for Alberta’s youth.
Want to learn more about how you can help expand our impact? Visit our Fundraising Page to see how you can get involved, donate, or attend our upcoming events. Together, we can ignite minds, inspire hope, and create lasting change for the next generation.