Board of Directors
We are people coming together for a common purpose.
Brenda Rossow-Kimball
Board Chair
Brenda Rossow-Kimball is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies (KHS) at the University of Regina. Her area of teaching and research is in adapted physical activity, specifically exploring aspects of leisure & recreation, health promotion, aging and retirement, and community involvement as they are experienced by persons labelled with intellectual and/or developmental disability. In addition to her involvement with Astonished! Brenda is also a member of the advisory committee for the Supporting Retirement Program (for Older Adults with ID/DD) and a member of the board of directors for Creative Options Regina, a non-profit organization rooted in the philosophy of Gentle Teaching that develops personalized support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her spare time, Brenda plays tenor drum with the Regina Police Services Pipes & Drums. At heart, Brenda is a prairie girl, and lives in White City with her husband Ian, and their daughter Wilder.
Taylor Carson
Vice Chair
I was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and attended Luther College High School graduating in 2009. After attending three years of undergrad at the University of Regina, Paul J. Hill School of Business, I was accepted into the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. In 2015, I received my Bachelors of Administration (graduating with distinction) majoring in Human Resource Management from the University of Regina and my Juris Doctrate from the University of Saskatchewan.
Currently, I live in Saskatoon and work at the law firm McKercher LLP. I am an associate lawyer working in the Saskatoon office practicing primarily as a solicitor in the Corporate Commercial area.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time at the cabin, boxing at New Line Boxing Academy, and being a participating member on my condo board. While I was in law school, I volunteered at CLASSIC, a pro bono legal service that serves individuals in inner city Saskatoon. I also currently volunteer at Pro Bono Saskatchewan, being a member of their corporate solicitor program.
I am very excited to be a Director for Astonished! and to serve all members of Astonished! Thanks to the Board and all of the members for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.
Deneeca Ludwar
Treasurer
A little bit about me. I am married to a wonderful husband for almost 11 years, and we have two beautiful girls who are 9 and 18. It is hard to believe that we have a child graduating this year and has been accepted to university in the fall. I have been working in the accounting industry for about 20 years. I have been at my current job for 15 years. I received my CA designation in 2011. I have been on various boards throughout my career, usually in the treasurer role due to my background. I am qualified to perform audits in my day-to-day job, so I work with many different committees as I complete their annual audited financial statements. I work with the board members with any questions that they may have as well as present the financial statements at the AGM. In my spare time, I enjoy taking pictures, tending to my flowers, and spending time with my family. My ability to keep flowers looking their best is not near as good as my accounting ability, but I can manage the flowers for a short period of time. As a family, we also enjoy spending time at the lake and visiting our extended family. I am grateful for this opportunity and to be able to assist in any way that I can.
Helen Pridmore
Secretary
Helen Pridmore is a singer and sound artist, with a focus on new and experimental music. She has performed as a soloist across Canada and the USA, and also in Mexico, Japan, Germany and France. Helen has 3 CDs to her name, including one which was awarded “Best Classical Recording” at the East Coast Music Awards in 2013. Read more about Helen’s musical career on her website, www.helenpridmore.ca.
With degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, University of Toronto and the Eastman School of Music, Helen has had a flourishing academic career in addition to her life as a performer. For 15 years Helen taught at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. In 2014 she and her husband returned to their home province of Saskatchewan, where Helen joined the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance at the University of Regina. There, she has been teaching courses in Music and in Creative Technologies.
It was at the U of R that Helen was introduced to the Astonished! organization and its inspiring mandate and members. For the last few years, Helen has been involved with Astonished! student researchers and members of the summer literacy program, running improvisation sessions and various types of music events. Helen has also been involved with improv at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, and with students at the U of R. She enjoys the discovery of new sounds, open ears and creative sound sharing.
Neveen Nageeb
Board Member
My name is Neveen Nageeb and I’m really happy to be
here with you today. I’ve spent over twenty years teaching
and supporting students from all walks of life — newcomers, international students, and domestic learners
— each with their own unique strengths, needs, and
stories. Whether in classrooms, language programs, or
one-on-one support, I’ve always been passionate about
creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued,
and capable of thriving.
That passion became even more personal this year when
my son was accepted into the Campus for All program at
the University of Regina. Watching him be welcomed,
supported, and empowered reminded me how lifechanging that kind of care and inclusion can be — especially for students who might not always get it. It truly touched me, and it made me even more committed to giving that same support to others. Others helped my son — now it’s my turn to help someone else’s.
I’ve recently started a new role as the Academic Integrity
and Equity Coordinator in the Faculty of Arts at the
University of Regina. This role allows me to work
directly at the intersection of academic values, student
support, and inclusive practices. I get to collaborate with
faculty, staff, and students to ensure that everyone — no
matter their background or circumstances — has a fair
and supportive environment to learn and thrive. It aligns
beautifully with the goals of this group, and I’m
incredibly excited to contribute to our shared mission of
equity, dignity, and opportunity for all students.
Thank you for welcoming me — I’m truly looking
forward to learning and working alongside each of you.
Dr. Sujatha Ross
Board Member
Dr. Sujatha Ross is an educator, advocate, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) specialist whose work is grounded in lived experience, academic inquiry, and a deep commitment to social justice. She is passionate about fostering meaningful engagement and dialogue that challenges systemic inequities, promotes inclusion, and creates spaces of belonging for all.
With professional experience across India, Scotland (UK), and Canada, Dr. Ross has worked in academic institutions, grassroots organizations, and mental health service provision. Her approach is shaped by her cross-cultural experiences and long-standing advocacy for marginalized communities. She is particularly committed to amplifying non-dominant voices and co-creating knowledge with those whose perspectives have historically been excluded.
Her doctoral research explored the impact of race, culture, employment, and discrimination on the identity construction of Chinese, African, Indian, and Pakistani women in Edinburgh. This work highlighted the complex intersectionality of these factors and their influence on women’s lived experiences both in and beyond the workplace.
Dr. Ross has presented widely and facilitated workshops in post-secondary, health, and social work settings, with a focus on building culturally responsive services. She currently serves as Advisor, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Regina, where she works collaboratively to embed EDI values across teaching, research, governance, and community engagement advancing institutional change and building inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive. Dr. Ross is a member of the University of Regina’s Accessibility plan development committee and is the team lead for the project.
She welcomes opportunities to collaborate with others who share a vision of equity, inclusion, and social transformation.
Nora Davis
Board Member
Nora was a Medical Laboratory Technologist with Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region for 33 years. She is also Sean Davis’ mom. Sean is a core member of Astonished! and actively participates in our three main programs as well as some of the short-term initiatives that we offer throughout the year. Nora is familiar with the work of Astonished! and will be an asset in knowing the strengths, dreams and needs of our Core Members.
Dr. James Daschuk
Board Member
Jim Daschuk is originally from Timmins, Ontario. He’s lived in Regina for 29 years. He is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies.
May Desnomie
Elder
May Desnomie was born and raised on Wapaskokimaw in northern Saskatchewan. Also known as Sandy Bay First Nation.
May has worked as an educator and in social work all her life. She taught at Red Earth First Nation in Saskatchewan, Grassy Narrows First Nation in northern Ontario. Now May is an Elder in the Regina Catholic School Board and works as substitute teacher with the Regina Public School Board. May also worked for ten years in a Women‘s Shelter as a Children’s Counselor.
May is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
