The strategic partner
of sport leaders.
Helping nonprofit sport and recreation organizations plan and implement stronger strategies, enhanced governance processes, and better participant experiences.
LET’S GET TO WORK
Thoughtful change takes more than good intentions
You know your organization could be doing more. For your athletes, coaches, officials, and the communities you serve.
But between planning for next season, finding sponsors, and the day-to-day realities of running a nonprofit, it’s hard to take the time to have strategic conversations or execute the over-and-above projects.
That’s where I come in.
At Spark Solutions, I work alongside sport leaders and organizers like you to tackle complex challenges, define clear strategies, and build the kind of governance, operations, and engagement frameworks that support long-term community impact.
Helping you strengthen the way your organization works.
Whether you’re updating your strategic plan, improving how your board works together, or revising your programs to better serve your members, I bring structure, clarity, and experience to the process without losing sight of your capacity or values.
Services include:
Strategic Planning
Defining an organization's direction by transforming aspirations into actionable steps.
Governance Reviews and Board Development
Strengthening processes and educating to govern effectively.
Program Reviews
Evaluating programs to ensure they meet participants’ needs and interests.
Every project is customized. Every step is collaborative.
Every voice matters.
EXPLORE ALL OUR SERVICES
A trusted partner with deep roots in sport
I’ve been an athlete, coach, official, volunteer, administrator, and leader at local, provincial, national, and international levels. I understand the moving parts and pressure points of the sport system because I’ve lived them.
I hold a Master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a focus on sport governance, and I bring over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sport sector.
My approach blends strategic thinking with on-the-ground insight, helping you think big while staying rooted in what’s practical, inclusive, and doable.
Organizations I’ve Supported
“I had the recent opportunity to work on a project with Lara involving three other organizations to create a cooperative plan of high contention. Throughout the process Lara was able to guide the process that allowed for open and honest communication which resulted in an agreement being reached that I believe served all parties well. It was Lara’s ability to listen and guide which impressed me the most.”
— Hugh Dooley, Executive Director, QC United
"Lara facilitated an awesome Stakeholder Engagement session at the 2022 Special Olympics Saskatchewan Leadership Conference. She is an excellent speaker, and did a great job of engaging with the attendees. Her session was informative, interactive, and provided everyone with great tools and knowledge they could bring back to their communities. Thank you Lara!"
— Jaret Dezotell, Director of Community, Programs and Health, Special Olympics Saskatchewan
"Lara was so great to work with! She really listened to our ideas and built a perfect presentation for our diverse community. She brought much energy, enthusiasm and excitement to our Zoom session. I would highly recommend Lara and Spark Solutions! I can't wait to bring her to fierce skills to rural communities in the province! #virtualhighfives coming your way."
— Aileen Martin, Community Consultant, Prairie Central District for Sport, Culture, and Recreation
"Our strategic planning and operational planning process with NWT Soccer was led exceptionally well by Spark Solutions. Lara did an excellent job of engaging our membership, board members and staff. She kept us on track, and we were able to complete the process within our designated timeframe. Lara followed through with all the deliverables and went above and beyond guiding us through the process and answering all of our questions. Thank you for the great work, Lara!"
— Lyric Sandhals, Executive Director, NWT Soccer
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is your professional background and experience?
I have a diploma, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in sport management, recreation, tourism, and leisure studies.Â
The roles I held professionally were in member services - working with organizations on governance, organizational management, and program delivery.Â
As well, I have been a director on the board of a provincial level nonprofit organization for almost six years, with three of those years as chair.
Why Spark Solutions?
I bring a unique blend of hands-on experience across all levels and roles in sport to champion the experience of every participant. By integrating strategic thinking with organizational capacity and realities, we craft clear roadmaps that empower meaningful change.
What types of organizations do you typically work with?
I work mostly with nonprofit sport and recreation organizations at the local, provincial, and national level.
I’ve also worked with municipal organizations, federations, nonprofits outside of sport, and for-profit organizations as well.
