Board Members and Staff

Board Members
Staff: Policy & Partnerships
Staff: Operations & Finance
Staff: Communications
Staff: Training & Education
Staff: Research

Our Board

Oscar Kistabish

Elder

Quebec

Chief Austin Bear

President

Saskatchewan

Dr. William Mussell

Vice President

Alternate: Dr. Brenda Restoule

First Peoples Wellness Circle

Janice Nicotine

Treasurer

Saskatchewan

Keith Leclaire

Special Advisor

Lauren Clement

Ex-Officio

Indigenous Services Canada

Pamela Charlong

Secretary

Alternate: Audrey Ward

YSAC

Nelson Alisappi

ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS

Dawna Prosper

Alternate: Cheyenne Joseph

Atlantic Region

Wanda Smith

Alternate: Francine Pellerin

Ontario

Angela Miljour

Alternate: Richard Gray

Quebec

Tina Linklater

Alternate: Marci Tavares

Manitoba

Dr. Terri-Lynn Fox

Alternate: Caroline Adam-Courtoreille

Alberta

Sonia Isaac-Mann

Alternate: Duanna Johnston-Virgo

British Columbia

Alexis Anderson

Alternate: Cheryl Kates

Yukon

Jeannie Marie-Jewell

Alternate: Theresa Etchinelle

Northwest Territories

Camilla Sehti

NUNAVUT

Staff

Partnerships & Policy

Dr. Carol Hopkins

Chief Executive Officer

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Dr. Carol Hopkins is the executive director of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and is of the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown, Ontario. Carol was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018. In 2019, she was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws from Western University. Carol has spent more than 20 years in the field of First Nations addictions and mental health. She holds both a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a degree in sacred Indigenous Knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in western based education systems. Carol also holds a sessional faculty position at the School of Social Work at King’s University College at Western University.

Carol has co-chaired national initiatives known for best practice in national policy review and development, resulting in the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum (FNMWC) framework, the Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Among First Nations People in Canada, the Indigenous Wellness Framework, and best practice guidelines for culturally based inhalant abuse treatment. Carol has also inspired the development of the Native Wellness AssessmentTM. In recognition of this work, she received the Champions of Mental Health Award 2015 for Research/Clinician, the Health Canada Innovations Award, was a member of the leadership advisory council to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and was part of the Canadian delegation to the 2016 United Nations General Assembly, Special Session on the World Drug Problem. Carol also participates on a national mental health advisory council to the federal Minister of Health.

Mary-Lou Ducharme

Culture & Language Coordinator

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Mary-Lou Ducharme is the Culture and Language Coordinator at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. Mary-Lou is an Ojibwe from the Crane River First Nation in Manitoba. Her Anishinaabe names are Ningaabii’anokwe (Coming from the West Woman) and Nenaakwanibiik (Heat Wave) and is from the Madwewechiged Wabizii (Trumpeter Swan) clan.

Mary-Lou worked for former Premier Gary Doer with the Province of Manitoba as one of his executive assistants and eventually her tasks veered towards assisting with cultural events for all departments and Cabinet. Prior to her job at Thunderbird, she also worked at Wiiji’idwag Ikwewag as a Birthing Helper where she worked with high-risk pregnant mothers a job she found to be very rewarding.

Mary-Lou’s focus has always been her family, three children and now her three grandchildren. Mary-Lou enjoys going to ceremonies and has received her foundation from the Midewiwin ‘way of the heart’ Lodge. Mary-Lou loves dancing at powwows, watching the Winnipeg Jets, enjoys horseback riding, golfing, fishing, rollercoasters, sewing and crafting.

Noah Riccardi

Senior Policy Analyst

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Noah Ricciardi is Thunderbird’s Senior Policy Analyst. His work centers around advocacy and research with a focus on the analysis and advocacy of issues related to mental wellness for First Nations.

Noah has a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in History from the University of Windsor and a graduate degree in Applied Politics from Wilfrid Laurier University. He also successfully completed a workplace practicum with Family Services Ontario, where he helped to create a Cultural Humility Toolkit that led to a reshaping of the client-provider relationship. He also served as the Director of Campus and Community Outreach for the University of Windsor chapter of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG). He acted as a facilitator and mediator between the campus and community that allowed OPIRG Windsor to become more effectively involved in the community

Outside of work Noah enjoys an occasional cigar, cooking, going for walks, exploring new trails and parks, watching movies with his partner, and spending time with friends.
He loves to return to his hometown of Windsor, to spend time with family and friends.

Operations & Finance

Annette Howlett

Operations Manager

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Annette Howlett is the Operations Manager at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. Annette grew up on a farm in Delaware Township and currently resides in London, Ontario. She has a specialist Bachelor of Arts in social cultural Anthropology from the University of Toronto. She is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and has worked in various facets of human resources including recruitment and selection, payroll, and as a human resources manager before joining Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.

Outside of work, Annette enjoys watching films, reading, and listening to music. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring topics related to health and wellbeing. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and her little dog.

Valerie Peters

Senior Administrative Assistant

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Valerie Peters is senior administrative assistant at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She is Bizawn Oday Kwe (Peaceful Heart Woman) of the Ndamiiminzwi Takwax (of the Turtle Family) and is a proud Lunapeew and Anishinabe from the Munsee-Delaware and Delaware Nation.

Valerie obtained a Bachelor of Sociology from the University of Windsor in 2003 and shortly after began the insightful work of community development, specifically with health and wellness initiatives. Valerie enjoyed developing new relationships to support service delivery aimed at optimizing the community’s capacity to obtain their health and wellness goals. Having worked in both home communities since 2004, Valerie is continuing to support the advancement of Indigenous Knowledge into practical initiatives through wholistic approaches.

In her daily life, she strives to exemplify her strong belief in practicing cultural values, teachings and thinking. Valerie’s joy is her ‘son shines’ whom she and her partner are committed to raising with a strong cultural foundation in her home community of the Delaware Nation.

Connie McDougall

Inventory Specialist

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Connie McDougall is the Inventory Specialist at Thunderbird, ensuring our valued resources get to where they need to go! Connie keeps track of all our resource materials, shipments, incoming deliveries, and stock at Thunderbird. She digitally manages our inventory and creates inventory reports.

She has a background in retail management and operated her own dog grooming business up until 2009. In 2021 she attended triOS College for Business, Technology, Healthcare, enrolling in the Supply Chain and Logistics program, which included Inventory Management. She then completed her internship in Inventory at Science Tech Inc. in London before joining Thunderbird.

Outside of work Connie enjoys kayaking, camping, reading cooking and raising three boys.

Cheryl White

Finance Manager

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Cheryl White (Yokonikoli) is the finance manager at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. Her educational background is in administration and human resource management. She has worked in residential treatment settings, in administration and in finance for 24 years.

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren. Her quiet time at home is spent sewing, quilting, and crafting. Cheryl attends Longhouse Ceremonies and says in general, she tries to be the best person she can.

Kate Turner

Evaluation & CQI Coordinator

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Kate Turner is evaluation and continuous quality improvement (CQI) coordinator at Thunderbird. She comes from a quiet farm outside of Oil Springs, Ontario. Kate has an undergraduate degree in psychology and mathematical sciences from the University of Guelph and a master’s degree in public health from Western University. Previously working for a local public health unit Kate was able to create comprehensive health status reports and assist frontline staff with program planning and evaluation.

Kate enjoys spending time outside during all the seasons, on the diamond and in the arena playing fastball and hockey, as well as going for long walks with her furry four legged friend.

Communications

Kathy Stackelberg

Writer/Editor

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Kathy Stackelberg is writer/editor and social media coordinator at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She grew up on a farm in northern Ontario with a German heritage. She works from her home office in North Bay, the traditional territory of Nbisiing Anishinaabeg (Nipissing First Nation), covered by the Robinson-Huron and Upper Canada Treaties. After graduating from the journalism program at Canadore College in 1979, Kathy worked as a television reporter with CTV for seven years, then as a reporter/editor with CBC Radio for 20 years before moving into the communications field at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Writing about and creating awareness about mental wellness and Indigenous issues has been a passion in her years as a reporter and also as a communications specialist.

In her free time Kathy enjoys gardening, boating, camping, swimming, reading, and spending time with her family and pets. Kathy is married and has two grown children and one granddaughter.

Jordan Davis

Full Stack Developer

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Jordan Davis is our full stack developer at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. He lives in Victoria BC on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) ancestors and families. Prior to working at Thunderbird, Jordan worked as a freelance web developer, graphic designer and photographer. Jordan’s work includes developing apps focused on Indigenous Wellness for iOS and Android, as well as supporting the development and maintenance of Thunderbird’s web projects. Jordan is grateful to be able to work on meaningful projects with Thunderbird and enjoys the challenges each day brings.

In his spare time, Jordan enjoys 3D printing, and exploring the outdoors with his three daughters.

Christopher Heffley

Creative Lead

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Chris Heffley is Thunderbird’s creative lead, ensuring that the organization is represented with a consistent visual language and tone, true to our values. He spent more than 25 years working in numerous design areas after graduating in visual communications in 1996. Most recently he worked as a full-time freelancer focusing on values-based work with clients in community development, education and activism, arts and culture, health and wellness, and environmental technology and sustainability.

Chris is a 3rd generation settler of Scottish and German descent, he grew up in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). He now lives on the territory of the Tla’amin First Nation on the Sunshine Coast of BC with his partner where he enjoys gardening, photography, art, music and cooking.

Caroline Parnell-Barry

Writer/Editor

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Caroline Parnell-Barry is writer/editor at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. Culturally, she is Metis with Irish/Scottish lineage and membership with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan.

Caroline works from her home office in the traditional territory of Nbisiing Anishinaabe (Nipissing First Nation) which is covered by the Robinson-Huron and Upper Canada Treaties.

Her post-secondary training was in Television Broadcasting which led her to work for CTV as a commercial copywriter/producer. After some time, she moved into radio for promotional copywriting, then newsprint to write marketing editorials, followed by public sector PR and health promotion communications, web/social media writing, and marketing coordination for a private college and a historic theatre. Writing has been the backbone of her career.

In her private life, Caroline is married and has 3 biological children, 2 stepchildren and assorted fur-babies. She is also an artisan who makes funky creations using natural and repurposed elements.

Sidney Tran

Graphic Designer

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Sidney Tran is Thunderbird’s graphic designer and assists our creative lead in designing and branding electronic and print materials. She studied graphic design at OCAD University (Toronto, ON) and earned a bachelor’s degree in design in 2021. Sidney has worked in a variety of settings, such as: start-ups, print houses, real estate and non-profit organizations.

Sidney comes from a Vietnamese heritage and was born and raised in Barrie, ON, on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. She later moved to Toronto, in 2016 for school and career opportunities.

Outside of work, Sidney enjoys playing video games on her Nintendo Switch. She enjoys travelling and hopes to visit every part of the world one day, especially Japan. She also likes spending time with her dog, exploring the city and learning new recipes to cook. Her favourite drinks are coffee and bubble tea.

Training & Education

Mary Deleary

Training & Education Manager

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Mary Deleary is training education manager at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She is Algonquin Anishinabe originating from Kitigan Zibi (Quebec), who’s lifelong dedication in the pursuit of Indigenous knowledge and practice is grounded and nurtured through the Midewiwin ‘way of the heart’. Mary brings her years of Indigenous learning within traditional lodges and mainstream university to her leadership role as training education manager. Mary devoted a number of years to the field of Indigenous-based education including the development and establishment of culturally relevant post- secondary programs to meet the specific needs of First Nation individuals and communities. She also draws upon her past experience serving as executive director of Nimkee Nupigawagan Healing Centre and participating in the HOS:CASI research project, which led to the development of NWA™.

Outside of work Mary enjoys devoting time to family, being with her grandchildren in all their stages of development, ceremonial gatherings, gathering medicine, and long walks amongst creation.

Ashley Deacon

Learning Systems Navigator

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Ashley Deacon is the virtual learning systems navigator at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She is a Cree woman born and raised in Thompson Manitoba and has 5 children. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. She has worked with youth who have misused substances (in the role of a teacher) and has also worked in a high school where she was the Indigenous graduation coach.

At Thunderbird she supports those who are engaged in on-line learning through Thunderbird’s digital Community of Practice; Train the Trainer program and those utilizing Thunderbird’s virtual platforms and training hubs. She guides knowledge transfer of best practices, expertise, tools, and resources to meet the ever-changing needs of individual learners and community treatment partners in a virtual learning environment. She will develop resources such as tutorials, instructional aids, and screen videos to engage participants/stakeholders with effective use of virtual learning technology and online Community of Practice platforms.

Outside of work Ashley enjoys sewing, beading, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Jessica Ford

Training Coordinator

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Dr. Jessica Ford (Kizhay Wahdizi Quay) is the training coordinator at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She is an Inuk who is adopted into an Anishinabe family. Her Spirit name talks about her way of being: that is of kindness and a caring nature. She is from the Caribou Clan. Jessica is from Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake, NU) but has lived in the south since she was younger. She is a mother of two children and ensures culture is a focus in their lives. Jessica strives to exemplify her strong belief in practicing cultural values, teachings and thinking. Before starting employment at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation Jessica had been a teacher for 17 years in several capacities from elementary school through graduate school. In 2017 Jessica completed her PhD in Education specifically on the importance of story work.

Outside of work she spends time with her children participating in ceremonies and loves to have fun outside and on the water playing and enjoying the beautiful gifts of Creation. She also loves to quilt and craft and enjoys early morning quiet walks or runs with her dog.

Jody-Ann Henry

Instructional Design & Development Specialist

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Jody-Ann Henry is the instructional design and development specialist at Thunderbird. She was born and raised in St. Andrew, Jamaica and feels blessed to have been exposed to a rich diversity of many cultures. She has worked in the field of education and training for more than 15 years, as a teacher, technical writer, online learning project manager and instructional designer. As an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) Jody-Ann is passionate about training and education. She holds a MSc. in Public Administration (Distinction), a Bachelor of Education in Business and Computer Studies (Honours), and a PGCert in Technical Communications (Honours). Jody-Ann recently completed a M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Design (ETAD) with the University of Saskatchewan. Jody-Ann facilitates the continued design and development of the digital Community of Practice and support of the Train-the-Trainer programs at Thunderbird, and also supports the ongoing development of on-line courses. In her free time, Jody-Ann enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, painting, gardening, and listening to a wide genre of music. She is also a technology enthusiast.

Nancy Peters

Curriculum/Knowledge Exchange Developer

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Nancy Peters is the curriculum knowledge exchange developer at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation. She is Lenni Lenape of the Munsee-Delaware Nation located in southwestern Ontario. She obtained her Honours BSW (Native Human Services) at Laurentian University, BEd (Aboriginal) Queen’s University and MEd (Special Education/Psychology – Inclusive Education Native perspective) from Western University. She worked as a teacher in the public-school system for a number of years before joining Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.

Outside of work, Nancy is the proud mother of two young adults, a son and daughter and works to ensure culture is their grounding foundation. Nancy strives to exemplify her strong belief in practicing cultural values, teachings and thinking.

Tiffany Tadgell

Facilitator Coach-Navigator

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Tiffany Tadgell is is a facilitator-coach/virtual navigator with the Training and Education team at Thunderbird, supporting delivery of training and the Community of Practice.

Tiffany has a BA in Social Development Studies, from the University of Waterloo and a Supply Management Training Certificate from the Ontario Institute of PMAC (Purchasing Management Assn of Canada). She previously worked as an inventory control specialist at Scholars Choice. She also assisted with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation and inventory management at Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc.

Outside of work Tiffany enjoys hiking with her dog (Boone), gardening, crafts and sharing the mental health benefits of reconnecting with nature.

She aspires to learn something from every interaction and gain new perspectives. Her family background is French-Canadian.

Jaime Ann Whiteye

Administrative Assistant

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Jaime Ann Whiteye is the administrative assistant for the Training and Education team at Thunderbird. Her background is in Business Administration with an Accounting Diploma from St. Clair College. Before joining Thunderbird, Jaime was the Economic Development Coordinator with Delaware Nation for six years and before that, the Nation’s Economic Development assistant.

Jaime Ann has a Lenape/Ojibway background – was born, raised and lives in Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit.

Outside of work Jaime enjoys reading and watching documentaries. Her family is her most important hobby and gives her Hope, Belonging, Meaning and Purpose in her life.

Research

Eleanor Boyle

Research Manager

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Dr. Eleanor Boyle is Thunderbird’s research manager. She obtained her doctoral degree in health outcomes from the University of
Toronto and her master’s in epidemiology
and biostatistics from The University of Western Ontario.

Eleanor describes herself as a methodologist who enjoys both the quantitative and qualitative research realm! Before joining Thunderbird, Eleanor was an associated professor for nine years at the University of Southern Denmark in the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics. Previously, she had adjunct appointments at Dalla Lana School of Public Health and at Lakehead University, which allowed her to contribute her specialist expertise to the teaching/research activities of the schools. Eleanor has more than one hundred peer-reviewed publications.

Eleanor grew up in London, lived in Toronto and most recently in Denmark. Outside of work she enjoys knitting, baking and cooking, gardening and photography and her little Westie dog, Thistle.

Christy Bird

Addictions Program Coordinator

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Christy Bird is an Addictions Program Coordinator at Thunderbird. She works with the research team to build and maintain relationships with community partners, planning, coordinating and implementing the AMIS database system. She has a BSW from University of Manitoba and is working on her Master of Development Practice with a focus on Indigenous development from the University of Winnipeg.

Christy is Anishinaabe and Cree. She worked for many years in helping fields such child and family services and most recently in community as a program manager at a treatment centre.

Christy believes her greatest gifts are her daughters and family. She loves being on the land in every season, as a family often outdoors fishing, hunting, harvesting wild rice, medicines, and berries. Attending ceremonies is also a big part of her spiritual and mental wellbeing and is a huge role in her family life. Outside of work Christy likes to dance pow wow, enjoys sewing/beading and cooking.

Dr. Heba Hassan

Qualitative Research Analyst

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Dr. Heba Hassan is a qualitative research analyst at Thunderbird. She has a PhD in nursing from the University of Western Ontario, with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing from Cairo University, Egypt. Heba has experience coordinating and working with research participants living with health and wellness issues. She has experience in qualitative research methodology, focus groups and in-depth interview facilitation, qualitative analysis, and qualitative report writing. Heba worked as a nurse educator at the School of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt.

Outside of work she enjoys doing embroidery and loves to read in her first spoken language, Arabic. She has a strong respect for families, and values family ties, coming from a culture that encourages social inclusion and relationships with others.

Eric Mack

Administrative Assistant / Data Entry

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Eric Mack is an admin/data entry assistant at Thunderbird. Born and raised in London Ontario, Eric graduated from King’s University College with a BA, Honors in Specialization in Social Justice and Peace Studies and a minor in Political Science. He also has ageneral business diploma from Fanshawe College. Prior to working with Thunderbird he worked as a processing clerk for Premier Insurance Group and as an admin assistant for the Alumni Affairs and Foundation office at King’s University College, through the school’s work study program.

Eric supports the operational and admin needs of the Research team and works with the admin support team members to assist with the overall operations of Thunderbird.

Outside of work Eric enjoys video games, movies, comic books, photography, and reading, and making a good lemonade!

Shawna Olson

Addictions Program Coordinator

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Shawna Olson is an Addictions Program Coordinator at Thunderbird. She is a member of the research team and works with the Buffalo Riders Program, building and maintaining relationships with community partners, planning, coordinating, and implementing the Addictions Management Information System (AMIS).

Shawna is an Ojibway from the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba. Her Anishinaabe name is Beshaanakadooikwe (Beautiful Cloud Woman) and she is from the Ma’iingan (Wolf) Clan. Shawna has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Native Studies from the University of Manitoba. She has previously worked for her community in Brokenhead as a mental wellness worker.

Shawna is a mother of two children and a yorkie. She enjoys ice fishing, golfing, beading, sewing, cycling, and going to movies. Shawna loves practicing her culture by attending Midewiwin ceremonies, travelling and dancing at many powwows across Canada and the United States with her family.

Ekta Pandya

Epidemiologist

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Ekta Pandya is an epidemiologist at Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, London office. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy in India. She has completed her Master of Pharmacy Research from Sydney, Australia and Master of Public Health and Epidemiology from Karolinska Institute, Sweden.

Ekta has a background in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. However, most of her experience has been working with large population-based registries in Canada and Sweden. She also has experience in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. She is a published author and has contributed as first and co-author peer-review publications and National and local public health reports.

Ekta enjoys watching documentaries, learning about different cultures, cooking for family and friends, ice-skating, and playing basketball.

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