Taryn Graham

Taryn Graham is a bilingual applied researcher, educator, and social justice advocate with a passion for promoting health and reducing inequities, especially among children and families. She is a
Program Specialist for the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, where she helps lead the evaluation and expansion of the Early Words/Premiers mots program, using evidence to strengthen impact and continuous improvement. Taryn is known for her ability to build strong partnerships across diverse levels and sectors to address needs in focus communities. 

Her work centers on early literacy, digital wellness, and the social determinants of health. She has mobilized parents, educators, and policymakers to support healthier tech habits for children, and has led training initiatives that equip healthcare professionals to work with compassion and cultural safety when supporting families in underserved communities. Taryn holds a BA in Human Relations (Concordia University), MA in Recreation & Leisure Studies (University of Waterloo), PhD in Public Health (University of Calgary), and postdoc in Social Work (York University). 

She is also the founder of PAWSitive Leadership, a unique education program that draws upon the power of dogs to teach compassion to kids. Born and raised in Montreal, Taryn now lives in Toronto with her husband, their daughter, and their dog.