SIRC TEAM

Our team of professionals are dedicated to supporting the sport and physical activity sector in Canada through research, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration. 

Kim Gurtler
Chief Executive Officer

Kim (she/her) is a bilingual, results-driven leader with a deep understanding of the Canadian sport sector and a reputation for getting things done. At SIRC, she draws on a wealth of experience in operations, project management, and relationship-building to drive meaningful outcomes. Known for her steady optimism and collaborative approach, Kim plays a key role in building strong partnerships and supporting sector-wide initiatives that advance sport through knowledge and evidence. She is also the co-founder of Ringette for All—Canada’s first all-abilities ringette program for children living with disabilities—and continues to volunteer on national committees dedicated to inclusive, barrier-free sport. With a proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and engage diverse stakeholders, Kim is committed to strengthening SIRC’s influence across Canada and on the global stage.

Taylor Matthews
Manager of Outreach and Operations

Taylor (she, her) shines when it comes to communication, branding and marketing as well as project management. At Sport Law and the Ottawa Sport Council, she developed and launched successful programs like the Belonging Playbook, Sportopia Podcast, and the Rebound Program. She holds a BComm degree in Management and a Sport Business Management Certificate. In a volunteer capacity, Taylor is a former varsity football Offensive Line Coach with Carleton University and coaches with the Cumberland Panthers Girls Football Club in Ontario’s first minor tackle football league for girls.

Jennifer Coletti
Manager, Research

Jen (she, her) joined SIRC after 4 years at Queen’s PLAYS lab, where she focused on gender equity and youth development, and gained hands-on experience in research design, data collection, and writing grants and reports. Jen progressed from an assistant role at SIRC to her current role by strengthening her data analysis skills, research methods and ability to synthesize research. Jen has an MSc in Sport Psychology, a BSc in Kinesiology, and was a Registered Kinesiologist (2019-2021). She volunteers for a therapeutic horse-riding program, SARI, by promoting physical and moral support for program participants living with disabilities.

Sara Kramers
Research Lead

Sara (she, her) is a passionate researcher who thrives in collaborative and creative spaces to solve problems and transform sport spaces towards inclusion and representation. After her PhD in Sport Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Sara completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia to continue her research spanning topics of gender equity, coach learning and development, participatory and digital methods, and storytelling. Sara’s experience working with Canadian sport and coaching organizations, as an evaluator and consultant, has informed her applied and meaningful approach to translating research for knowledge users in sport. When she is not working, you can find Sara enjoying the beautiful outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, either running, hiking, cycling, or at the dog beach with her family.

Jenn Bruce
Research Lead, Social Impact

Jenn (she/her) is a dynamic researcher with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Research on Contemporary Social Issues from Saint Paul University (2025). With over eight years of experience working in parasport at all levels, she has held diverse roles that have deepened her understanding of inclusive sport environments and the Canadian sport system. As an action-oriented researcher, and known for her thoughtful approach she excels in evaluation and developing innovative methods to answer complex questions, ensuring work drives meaningful impact and change. Jenn is a former varsity field hockey player who now likes to open water swim, bike, run, and ski, enjoying the trails, rivers, and lakes in the National Capital Region.

Paula Baker
Managing Editor

Paula (she, her) is a seasoned journalist and digital strategist, known for her ability to craft stories that truly resonate. With more than 20 years of experience across print, broadcast, and digital media, her work bridges the worlds of sport and health. Armed with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Exercise Physiology, Paula began her career as a physiologist, training high-performance and professional athletes in Canada and the US. Later, she added a diploma in Journalism, blending analytical depth with creative flair in her storytelling. When she’s not shaping impactful content, Paula volunteers with her therapy dog, Walter, or pursues her love of the outdoors and travel. Thoughtful, strategic, and always engaging, Paula brings both heart and dedication to everything she does.

Brynna Kerr
Senior Research Assistant

Brynna (she, her) is working on her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus on concussion, having earned an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics and a graduate degree in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences. At SIRC, Brynna’s certificate in Knowledge Translation serves her well as she creates toolkits, research summaries and infographics and supports other communication activities. Through those efforts, she advances how SIRC shares academic research that can shape sport practices nationally. Brynna is also known for her research and evaluation skills. 

Gabrielle Cadotte
Research Assistant

Gabrielle (she, her) draws daily upon her skills in project management, advanced research, communication, and fluency in Canada’s official languages. She excels at collaboration, analysis and delivering presentations. Since earning undergrad and graduate degrees in Kinesiology, Gabrielle continues to work toward earning a PhD in Physical Activity Sciences and becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. She expects her interest in working directly with athletes and her focus on sport psychology research to guide her career. Gabrielle also contributes as a member of Artistic Swimming Quebec’s Safe Sport Committee, which enhances athlete safety and wellbeing.

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