We’re powering through the charity application.
We have a name: The Kion Foundation.
We have an incorporation number.
And we have a board! Meet the Kion team below.
Ed Tams
Ed Tams was born and raised in Edmonton and moved with his family to Coaldale in 1972. Ed has 50 years of experience in the grocery retail and wholesale/distribution industry in Alberta, serving customers across Canada. As an entrepreneur, he has had to adapt to many changes in the retail industry over the years. He hopes to be able to build on that experience and the lessons learned to help identify where the ‘gaps’ are in the resources and support services for individuals who have acquired a brain injury and their caregivers through the KION foundation.
Dr. Stephen Neal
Dr. Stephen Neal was born and raised in Edmonton, and while life and work have taken him on sojourns to New Brunswick, Manitoba, California, and points between, Alberta has always been home. He studied engineering at the University of Alberta and worked in various tech roles, ending up as a Senior Computer Scientist at Adobe Systems before heeding a call to join the Canadian Armed Forces in the early 2000s. Forced to retire by injuries after ten years as a military engineer, he was fortunate to be accepted into medical school at the University of Manitoba, graduating with an MD in 2019. He is thus quadrilingual, speaking not only English, but also Engineer, Military, and Doctor, and has broad experience navigating complex systems, both physical and human.
On his first day as a medical resident, one of his first ER patients was a teenager with brain and spinal cord injuries from a car accident. He looked after this same patient again two months later, now in the surgery ward, still unable to speak or move his legs, but his tears bore witness to weeks of pain and frustration, and left a lasting impression.
Alisa Lieuwen
Alisa Lieuwen was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and experienced a number of moves during her childhood as her family followed her father’s pastoral calling. These transitions instilled in her a strong sense of adaptability and community, values that continue to shape her life today. She now lives in Yarrow, British Columbia, with her husband and their three children. Alisa works as an administrative assistant at John Calvin Christian School, where she supports staff, students, and families in a warm and welcoming environment.
Eight years ago, Alisa’s youngest brother was diagnosed with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare neurological condition that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic and non-verbal. Witnessing the profound impact this has had on her brother and their family has given Alisa a deep understanding of the challenges that come with sudden, life-altering brain injuries.
Through this personal journey, she has become passionate about advocating for families navigating similar circumstances. She recognizes the urgent need to improve access to support systems, medical resources, and community networks for individuals living with brain injuries. Alisa is committed to helping bridge these gaps and hopes to play a meaningful role in easing the burden for families during such an overwhelming and emotional time in their lives.
Ed Hoogerdyk
Ed Hoogerdyk has spent 30 years in education, serving in Alberta, British Columbia, Australia, and Manitoba, including 16 years as a school principal. He also dedicated six years working for a political association focusing on grassroots political action.
Ed’s journey took a deeply personal turn following his son Zach’s brain injury, a story shared on RunningforZach.ca. Zach was known for his compassion—standing up for the vulnerable, the unheard, and those who felt left out. That same spirit now lives on through The Kion Foundation, where Ed hopes to play an active role. His involvement is both a tribute to Zach’s legacy and a commitment to ensuring that others facing similar challenges are seen, supported, and spoken for.
Wanda Knol
Born and raised in Southern Alberta, Wanda Knol continues to live there on a small farm with her husband, Johan. Together, they own and operate Preventive Maintenance, a business that has served the agricultural sector for nearly three decades. They have developed a strong client base, building lasting relationships and deep connections in their community. With a heart for service, Wanda has been a long-time member of the Rehoboth Auxiliary, raising funds and leading volunteer efforts. She finds great joy in hosting the clients on the farm and creating meaningful experiences for them. She has been committed to walking alongside individuals on their health and wellness journeys, offering encouragement and care. Wanda is honored to contribute to the Kion Foundation and looks forward to supporting initiatives that make a positive impact in the lives of others.
