Meet our Board of Directors

Recreation Manitoba is a volunteer-based organization, comprised of individuals who work in parks, recreation and related fields.

Laine Wilson

Laine is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Recreation Management and Community Development undergraduate degree program. She is currently the Recreation Facilitator for the Rural Municipality of Rockwood and Town of Stonewall, in which she proudly calls home. As the proud mom of three active young kids, she sees the fundamental, proactive role recreation and community development play in increasing the quality of life for everyone. Recreation, community and leisure have been an integral part of her life and Laine is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her passion for our work, alongside the other board members of Rec MB and all of Manitoba. Laine enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, fishing, majority of mainstream sports, volunteering and relaxing at the lake. 

Stephanie Jeffery, BMGNT

Stephanie holds almost 25 years of experience in recreation, fitness and community development. She believes in not only talking about physical activity but getting out and being active. In addition to her role as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Fitness Council, she is a certified fitness leader, leading classes weekly. 

Justine Friesen

Justine has worked for the City of Brandon since June of 2015, first as the Youth Centre Coordinator and now as a Recreation Programmer. She has been involved with the annual Recreation Manitoba conference since 2015 and has been a Board Member for the organization since 2020. Knowledge gained through prior positions with the City of Winnipeg Recreation Department, working at a golf course, ballpark, multiple daycares and a placement with the Manitoba Provincial Department of Recreation and Regional Services has prepared her for a career in Recreation. In addition to her work and volunteer experience, she possesses a degree in Recreation Management and Community Development with a minor in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Justine is passionate about working with her community and providing opportunities to increase overall well-being!

Courtney Bangert-Murray

A life-long resident of the Eastman region, Courtney has worked in the recreation sector for over 12 years. These roles have included working with children through respite, teaching swimming lessons, managing aquatic facilities, coaching many sports and volunteering in her community. After graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Courtney became passionate about using recreation as a driving force to help strengthen community connections and improve the lives of individuals to help live fulfilling, purposeful and healthy lives. 

Courtney is the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Selkirk. She is a certified fitness leader with the Manitoba Fitness Council, leading classes weekly. In her leisure time, she enjoys swimming, listening to music, dancing, hiking, camping, cycling and traveling!

Recreation, community and leisure have all played an integral part of her life and Courtney is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her passion for our work, alongside the other board members of Rec MB and all of Manitoba.

Vice president of Recreation Manitoba

Chris Edwards 

Therapeutic Recreation at Riverview Health Centre 

Chris has provided therapeutic recreation opportunities for the past 15 years in the health care setting, and currently working on the Long Term Ventilator program at Riverview Health Centre.   Chris brings an enthusiasm and spirit to promoting the benefits of recreation and leisure to our daily lives.  Alongside being a year round cyclist, Chris also enjoys softball and hockey in his personal time as well as traveling overseas. 

(in the background of Chris's picture is a mural by an artist named El-Seed and it's called Perception)

Emily George, 

Instructor, University of Manitoba, President of Recreation Manitoba

Tara Cowan,

RM of Pipestone/Pipestone Albert Recreation Commission, Chair of Recreation Manitoba Governance and Nominating Committee