Class notes - Spring 2026
See what your former classmates have been up to! Share your news of any personal or professional updates for future issues of Health Hub.
1970s
Odeen Probert (BSc '73, Kinesiology) ran several YMCA programs, including children’s gymnastics, exercises for backs, women’s self-defence and chair exercises for elderly and compromised seniors. She later returned to school to earn a degree in education and taught science in junior classes. She is now back in Waterloo enjoying her grandchildren.
Rod McKenzie (BSc '75, Recreation and Leisure Studies) and Judy McKenzie recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, as well as receiving the Chatham-Kent Senior Achievement Award. Rod was also recognized for his volunteer driving for cancer clients (Wheels of Hope).
1980s
John Michiels (BSc '81, Joint Honours Kinesiology and Health Studies) completed medical school at McMaster University in 1985. He practiced family and emergency medicine from 1986 to 2019 and served as Chief of Emergency Medicine in the Niagara Peninsula hospital until 2019. He later completed a Master of Laws in Health Studies and has since been practicing family medicine in Hamilton and Brantford, while serving on the Board of Directors for St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo. He is divorced with four children and seven grandchildren and is preparing for retirement.
1990s
Jerry Kafieh (BSc '90, Health Studies), having previously retired from professional project management practice, has now chosen to fully retire. He will no longer be teaching project management at institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University and other educational organizations. Instead, Jerry will focus on family, volunteering and other priorities — like his first grandchild.
Mark Williams (BSc '91, Kinesiology) managed a local physiotherapy clinic for 28 years before selling his ownership and starting Williams Kinesiology, where he provides kinesiology and ergonomic assessment services to local employers in the Sarnia-Lambton area. He also designed and continues to manufacture the “Abdominal BACK Up,” a unique lumbar support cushion.
Teresa Ruetz (BA '92, Therapeutic Recreation) retired in January 2024 after more than 32 years working with persons with dementia in a long-term care setting. She has since moved on to doing a variety of volunteer work, including offering seniors’ fitness classes in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, caring for an aging parent, and helping organize a seniors’ information fair on April 18. She is also speedskating and coaching, playing summer ball, volunteering at the YMCA in senior adult living centre programming and travelling.
Nita Tandon (BASc '93, Recreation and Leisure Studies) has built a purpose-driven career at the intersection of health, sustainability and design since graduating from the University of Waterloo. After becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of food packaging on human health and the environment, she founded Dalcini Stainless, an award-winning company creating non-toxic, reusable stainless steel food storage solutions. Today, her products are sought after internationally and available in retail stores across Canada, serving households and institutions looking for safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Melanie Rich Randall (BA '95, Honours Dance) founded a curricular dance program and competitive team in the Lambton Kent District School Board 25 years ago. She married the love of her life, Jarvis, and together they have five children, a grandson and a granddaughter. Mel also loves teaching social justice, politics and English and is proud of her professional writing and advocacy work at the board and provincial levels.
2000s
Stephanie Wyeld (BSc '01, Kinesiology) released her debut novel, The Book of Maggie, published by DarkWinter Press.
2010s
Bernice Ma (BA '15, Therapeutic Recreation) grew her small business, Made of Honour Co., and together with her husband, went on to open Paper Marché, a curated gift shop in Kitchener. The shop features a wide range of local and Canadian makers and hosts workshops and events that inspire connection, creativity and meaningful experiences.
Mahmoud Noweir (BSc '19, Health Sciences) is working as a research assistant and coordinator in clinical research while growing Project SHAMS, a youth-led initiative that supports mental health education, mentorship and health-care access for Middle Eastern communities in Canada.
2020s
Erica Qureshi (BSc '19, MSc '21, Health Studies) completed her PhD as part of the combined MD/PhD program at University of British Columbia. Her research explored redirection programs as a strategy to reduce crowding in pediatric emergency departments. She is excited to return to medical training.
Kayden Beairsto (BSc '23, Health Sciences) is currently living in Thunder Bay and is in their first year of medical school at NOSM University. They are enjoying the experience so far and are considering specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
Story Quibell-Friedel (BA '23, Therapeutic Recreation) has been busy since graduating. She is working full-time as an occupational therapist assistant, married Isaac Friedel, whom she met during her undergraduate studies and is currently back at the University of Waterloo to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work.
Beth Weese (MKin '24, Kinesiology) recently began her Doctor of Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She also stepped into the role of Assistant Director with Camp Quality Southern Ontario after previously serving as a Companion (camp counsellor) and Family Coordinator, continuing her commitment to supporting children with cancer and their families.
Tirth Shah (BSc '24, Health Studies) is currently finishing his second year in the JD/MBA program at Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business.
Victoria Atabakhsh-Todd (PhD '24, Aging Health and Well-Being) is a Director of Programs in long-term care, focused on enhancing quality of life and meaningful experiences for residents. She is also the founder of Victoria Todd Wellness, a private practice promoting holistic well-being and stress management. She met her husband, Joe, while pursuing their PhDs at the University of Waterloo and they recently welcomed their daughter, Lili.
Bara' AlShurman (PhD '25, Public Health Sciences) grew up in a family of physicians, where caring for the community was part of everyday life. After completing their PhD, they joined Grey Bruce Public Health as an epidemiologist, supporting population health assessment, surveillance, health analysis and contributing to public health programs and decision-making across the region.