Iktan De la Vega – Research Technologist and Web Developer

Iktan De La Vega is a graduate of the Interactive Design & Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from the Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico City. Throughout his studies and professional development, he has grown interest in accessible design and the impact of new technologies in society, which inspires him to create safe online and offline spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. He believes the VICCIY project can meaningfully help Indigenous youth by providing them with life-long tools to improve their well-being through fun and innovative technology. Beyond his career, Iktan has a passion for music and photography.

Dale Apesis – Lived Experience Advisor 

Dale Apesis is a Dene from the English River First Nation, residing in Northern Saskatchewan. With a lifelong commitment to youth, Dale has dedicated the majority of his professional career to working with young people, advocating for their well-being and empowerment. Recently, he completed a Master’s in Indigenous Nation Building at the University of Saskatchewan, in addition to earning a Sociology Degree with a major in Indigenous Studies.

A strong advocate for Indigenous youth and all youth, Dale believes in the transformative power of nature as a key element in healing and empowerment. Being part of this study was important to him because he sees firsthand the challenges Indigenous youth face and recognizes the need for innovative, culturally grounded approaches to support their well-being. Through this work, Dale hopes to contribute to meaningful change and create spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Darien Dyck – VR Technology Specialist 

Darien Dyck is a Cree, Regina-born graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Psychiatric Nursing program (2024). She is active in academic research and has worked on several studies in areas including mental health, nursing burnout, minority stress and queer caregiving, and ADHD education. As a mental health advocate and tech enthusiast, Darien joined VICCIY to aid in the pursuit and promotion of the innovative integration of technology and culturally sensitive mental health services for Indigenous communities. In her free time, Darien enjoys playing video games, reading, and playing piano.

Eileen Zaba – Researcher

With 40 years of experience in mental health care, Eileen has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through various therapeutic techniques. Eileen has not only practiced as a clinician but has also shared her expertise as an educator in nursing and psychiatric nursing. Her diverse skill set includes formal training in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy, all underpinned by a trauma-informed approach. This extensive background is crucial to Eileen because it allows her to provide comprehensive and empathetic care, tailored to meet the diverse needs of her clients. Her commitment to mental health is driven by a deep-seated passion for helping individuals heal and thrive, leveraging her skills to foster resilience and positive change.

Joey Genereaux

Joey Genereaux is a proud Plains Cree man from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. Drawing strength from his lived experience of trauma, addiction, incarceration, and recovery, Joey has transformed his pain into purpose. Now more than seven years clean and sober, he is an Indigenous motivational speaker, youth advocate, and fitness coach who inspires others through honesty, hope, and resilience. Joey is deeply honoured to be part of the VICCIY team and the important work being done alongside northern communities to improve the lives of children and youth. He is grateful for everything he continues to learn through this meaningful work.

Rhea Collins – Newsletter Editor 

Rhea Collins is a Psychiatric Nurse and recent Sask Polytech alumni. She tirelessly dedicates her career and time to serving high-risk populations in Saskatoon and its surrounding areas. With extensive experience across various sectors, Rhea brings a wealth of knowledge to the VICCIY project, focusing on reaching youth in isolated communities who often lack access to the support and resources available in urban settings. Her enduring passion lies in working with high-risk youth and linking them to tailored resources that meet their specific needs. As a committed and enthusiastic member of the VICCIY team, Rhea is a firm believer in the project’s potential to provide essential support to youth, regardless of their location.

Shauna Davies – Researcher

Dr. Shauna Davies is a registered nurse and Associate Professor at the University of Regina, passionate about using technology to improve healthcare and education. She works on international projects focused on digital health, virtual care, and immersive learning, exploring how virtual reality (VR) can enhance training and professional development.

She has received grants from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation to study how VR can be used to assess healthcare skills and has published widely, including two Editor’s Choice articles in the Journal of American Medical Informatics Association.

Dr. Davies is dedicated to finding innovative ways to improve health and empower communities. She joined the VICCIY project to connect with youth and create engaging, accessible VR experiences that support their well-being in meaningful ways.

Soo Kim – Researcher

Dr. Soo Kim is a Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan. As a faculty member, clinical anatomist, and registered physical therapist, Dr. Kim has an active research program investigating muscle architecture and function in response to pathology, surgery, cancer treatments and rehabilitation. Dr. Kim has a passion for teaching and is a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) fellow with the Jane and Ron Graham Center for SoTL. 

She is enthusiastic about using virtual reality to create innovative educational tools and immersive learning experiences for students. Dr. Kim’s passion for the VICCIY project stems from her belief in the transformative power of these technologies to enhance educational outcomes and improve access to rehabilitation services, especially for remote and underserved communities.

Stacey Lovo – Researcher

Stacey Lovo, BScPT, MSc, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Science, University of Saskatchewan, and Director of Virtual Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at the Virtual Health Hub. Passionate about making healthcare more accessible, she collaborates with communities to explore how virtual reality (VR) can support learning and well-being.

Stacey has been working with Dr. Soo Kim to integrate VR into the Master of Physical Therapy curriculum and is actively engaged with the youth and community experts of Whitecap Dakota Nation, using VR to enhance anatomy and health promotion education. She also partners with First Nation and Métis communities to co-develop virtual health and remote presence robotics models for rehabilitation care.

Excited to be part of the VICCIY project, Stacey looks forward to learning from the youth, supporting their innovative work, and expanding VR’s role in health promotion and education.

Vien Vu – VR Technology Specialist and Research Assistant 

Vien Vu is a Student Research Assistant at Sask Polytech and a first-year USask Master’s student in Sustainability. Currently, Vien is working on the technology side of the VICCIY Initiative. Vien joined the VICCIY project to build connections with new communities and contribute to meaningful work. The opportunity to introduce VR technology and share new skills with these communities was something they couldn’t pass up. Vien looks forward to learning, collaborating, and making a positive impact through this initiative.