The Sandbox Community

Welcome to the dynamic network of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders collaborating to drive growth, share knowledge, and accelerate regional innovation.

Meet Our Team

Dina Tzirakos-Hawker

Managing Director, Leanstack Entrepreneurial Coach Level 3

As the Captain of the Sandbox ship, Dina brings 17 years of diverse experience across finance, customer service, operations, manufacturing, strategy, law, municipal governance, and management, embodying a multifaceted leadership style that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. Her approachable nature and belief in the power of a team-based environment have enabled her to lead and inspire across various sectors. Dina’s leadership is marked by empathy, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, making her a mentor and advocate for positive change within and beyond the workplace.

Dina has a small senior dog named Mr. Hercules who occasionally visits our space… he is grumpy, and is always in need of a haircut. She also wants you to know that she is a huge NFL fan and she owned her Travis Kelce jersey long before Taylor Swift became a Chiefs fan.

Contact: [email protected]

Cameron Christie

Senior Operations Manager, Leanstack Entrepreneurial Coach Level 2

A seasoned operations leader, Cameron has a proven track record of transforming organizational culture, driving growth, and optimizing complex systems. With expertise in operations management, IT infrastructure transitions, and strategic planning, he consistently delivers results that enhance team performance and organizational success. Known for shaping bold, people-first cultures, Cameron helps businesses align their teams and values to create high-performing workplaces where people are engaged, empowered, and set up to succeed. Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at Community Builders and Director of Operations at Gerrits Engineering Limited, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to align mission-driven leadership with tangible outcomes. Under his guidance, organizations have achieved key milestones—reducing absenteeism, driving revenue growth, and strengthening culture all at once.

In addition to his professional roles, Cameron has contributed his expertise on multiple boards, shaping strategy, guiding decision-making, and driving meaningful community impact. Combining technical acumen with a deep understanding of people and culture, he fosters inclusive environments where individuals and teams thrive. A lifelong learner in business, leadership, and human systems, Cameron brings thoughtful perspective and practical clarity to every engagement. His leadership philosophy is simple: leave things better than you found them – and have fun doing it.

Contact: [email protected]

Megan Hall

Member Engagement & Events Specialist, Leanstack Entrepreneurial Coach Level 2

Megan brings great energy to this team and loves to connect with our community. As the Event Lead at Sandbox Centre, Megan and the SBX team co-ordinate the planning and execution of events that bring our community together. From supporting conferences like TARA Talks to facilitating Peer Circles, Megan is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that foster connection and growth. When she’s not planning events, Megan stays busy supporting membership engagement, always ready to welcome new faces!

Fun Fact: Her favourite genre of music is dubstep and she can always be found with a coffee in hand!

Contact: [email protected]

Samantha Yandt

Creative Marketing Strategist & Events Team, Leanstack Entrepreneurial Coach Level 2

Sam has worked in the marketing and events realm for over 10 years. She has a passion for storytelling and a knack for turning ideas into impactful campaigns, and with a a deep understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour, Sam thrives in the dynamic realm where creativity meets strategy. From concept to execution, she has crafted compelling narratives that not only captivate but also drive measurable results. In her spare time you can find Sam out on the lake in Georgian Bay, or on the ski hills in Collingwood in the winter!

Contact: [email protected]

Noah Neill

Junior Operations Coordinator & Events Team

Noah started with the Sandbox Centre as a co-op student and was officially hired on June 2024! Noah ensures smooth day-to-day operations and offers exceptional member experience. As the first point of contact, Noah greets visitors, assist with inquiries, and provides administrative support. Additionally, Noah helps with scheduling and room bookings, maintaining office supplies, and event set-up! Noah loves football and is loves to connect with others!

Craig Busch

Founder & Visionary

Bio coming soon….

Join Our Team!

While we’re not currently hiring, we’re always excited to connect with great talent!
Feel free to send your resume our way to be added to our applicant pool—we’ll keep it on file and reach out if a future opportunity aligns with your skills and experience.
Please apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the job position title in the subject line.

Address

24 Maple Avenue (2nd Floor)
Barrie, ON
L4M 7W7

Business Hours

Sandbox Regional Innovation Centre Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Get in touch!

Contact Us

Membership Benefits

Joining the Sandbox Centre gives businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators access to a dynamic ecosystem of resources, connections, and opportunities to grow. You will have access to Collaborative Workspace & Networking, Exclusive Events & Programming, Expert Advisory & Mentorship, Business Resources & Support, and exposure through newsletters, social media features, and partnership opportunities!

Download our Membership Perks Brochure!

View Membership Benefits

Book A Tour

We would love to show you Sandbox Centre. Please let us know when you are available and we will do our best to receive you on that date and time.

Book a Tour

Interested in getting involved with the Sandbox Centre?

Program Creation & Collaborative Initiatives
Sandbox follows a procurement process for any new program development, partnership proposals, or co-hosted events. If you have an idea that aligns with our innovation mandate or wish to collaborate on a program, please submit your concept through our Program Application Form.
This process ensures all partnerships and initiatives:
- Align with our RIC's funding and innovation objectives.
- Complement existing programming and ecosystem priorities.
- Deliver measurable impact for founders, startups, and the regional economy.
Speaking Engagements & Knowledge Sharing
Sandbox regularly invites speakers and facilitators to share their insights at our workshops and community events. We believe in teaching, not selling — our sessions focus on skill-building, open dialogue, and whiteboarding-style collaboration. Calls for speakers are announced through our social media channels and newsletter, featuring opportunities to present at:
- Educational Workshops & Panels
- Skill Building Programs
- Networking Series & Peer Circles
If you're an expert passionate about sharing real-world knowledge, keep an eye out for our upcoming calls.
Industry Expertise & Roundtables
Sandbox hosts topic-driven roundtables designed to connect experts and founders within specific industries.
We'll announce public calls for participants through LinkedIn and our newsletter, seeking contributors in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, professional services, and innovation leadership.

These sessions create space for collaboration, insight-sharing, and strategy development — helping to shape future programming that aligns with regional business needs.
Interested in becoming a speaker or facilitator? We'd love to collaborate with you.
Fill out this form to be a part of the process.
Speaker/Facilitator Application Form

Sign up for our newsletter!

Stay up to date in the changing face of business by signing up for the SBX newsletter. Gain insights on exclusive events, membership spotlights, business tips, and more!

Please be advised that starting Monday, October 6, 2025, the first floor of 24 Maple Ave will be an active demolition site as preparations begin for Lakehead University’s opening next September. Expect construction noise in the mornings for six to eight weeks. Thank you for your understanding!

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