Natasha Faisal

A first-generation Pakistani immigrant and literature graduate, Natasha has been involved in debating and coaching for over a decade. She is a former coach of the Pakistan National Team and co-author of Winning the House: Strategy for BP & WSDC Debates.

After moving to Canada, Natasha focused her energies on a corporate career, only to discover that her calling may not, in fact, be working for an energy company. Debate has always been a labour of love, particularly the privilege of watching young people grow and dedicate themselves to something they care deeply about.

Natasha is incredibly grateful to have had the honour of working with some of the most remarkable debaters in Pakistan and Canada. Coaching Team Canada and witnessing them win WSDC 2026 has been a dream come true.

Arsalan Ghaemi

An Iranian immigrant, raised in Coquitlam British Columbia, Arsalan is an alumnus of the University of British Columbia, where he studied Political Science.

Arsalan has been involved in the Canadian debate circuit for nearly 11 years, and as a coach for more than 6 years.

He is an often disappointed fan of the Vancouver Canucks, while probably not as much a fan of the Maple Leafs.   Arsalan’s excited to work with, teach, and learn from some of the brightest young minds on the planet.

Brent Schmidt

From the small lakeside town of Goderich Ontario, Brent is a history graduate from the University of Toronto/Western, and has been coaching debate of all levels for more than 15 years. As a debater, Brent was a national top speaker, and champion of numerous university tournaments.

Brent’s main interests outside of debating surround history of all kinds (though a particular focus on the Cold War), as well as fealty to almost exclusively terrible sports franchises.