Our People
Showing: Everyone
Filter People
Regional Staff & Contractors
John Bergenske
Strategic AdvisorJohn was a leader in the 20-year process to create and complete the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. He has been instrumental in designation of protected areas and parks in the East Kootenay, coordinated environmental appeals against industrial polluters, worked to establish the Southern Rocky Mountain Conservation Area, the Columbia Wetlands and East Columbia Lake Wildlife Management Areas.Casey Brennan
Conservation DirectorCasey and his family live work and play in Fernie in the heart of Canada's beautiful Southern Rockies. Casey is 'happy to be home' helping to lead the amazing team at Wildsight and helping to connect with communities in order to better conserve and protect this exceptionally special place in the world.Tim Chapman
Kimberley/Cranbrook Youth Climate Corps CoordinatorBorn and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Tim grew up camping and road tripping with his parents, and at a young age developed an appreciation for nature and wild places. Driven by a passion to teach others, learn, and share knowledge and experience, he was drawn to his current role with Wildsight and the Youth Climate Corps. On a constant search for new adventures,...Dawn Deydey
Beyond Recycling Coordinator
EducatorFounder of the Rocky Mountain Education Series, Dawn Deydey brings the experience and understanding of for over a decade of Beyond Recycling coordination and development to the table. As Community Program Coordinator for the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch, her ability to weave environmental education and community action into successful programming that moves our community towards sustainability has been proven repeatedly.Robyn Duncan
Executive Director
Jumbo Wild Campaign LeadRobyn is the Executive Director of Wildsight and the campaign lead for Jumbo Wild. Born and raised in Kimberley, BC, Robyn fell in love with the mountains at an early age. Her work is driven by her passion for wilderness and wild places and a strong belief that we can minimize our footprint on the planet. She has been with Wildsight since 2006.Jill Jennings
Education CoordinatorJill has been working in environmental education in many capacities throughout her career. She is passionate about nurturing the natural world around her and fostering environmental stewardship in people of all ages.Lorene Keitch
Communications SpecialistLorene joined the team to share the work of Wildsight with the world. Her formative years were spent in Cranbrook where she tromped through the trails, hiked the wild mountains and swam in cold, clear lakes. She is keen to keep these wild spaces for her own children and the generations to come. With a passion for the written word, Lorene presents the...Mel Lavery
West Kootenay Youth Climate Corps CoordinatorWhen Mel discovered hiking when she was 19, she hung up her roller-skates and headed for the hills. Over the next decade, Mel lived a nomadic life, spanning continents as an Outdoor Educator. She witnessed how transformative working outside was while leading backpacking leadership expeditions. When she stumbled on Nelson, BC a part of her heart suctioned to the bridge and hasn’t been...Graeme Lee Rowlands
Director of Water and ClimateGraeme serves as program manager for the Columbia River Field School and the Youth Climate Corps. He is passionate about the relationships that underpin the ways we make decisions about rivers and the climate. In 2017, Graeme spent 35 days biking and kayaking up the Columbia River from sea-to-source. He now lives in Golden but enjoys visiting familiar places and faces across the...Randal Macnair
Elk Valley Conservation CoordinatorRandal moved to Fernie in the 1990’s and with his wife Lisa raised their family in the Kootenays. Randal is the publisher of Oolichan Books, prior to which he was a museum curator and consultant, working throughout western Canada with museums in human and natural history. He spent much of his life in public service with 15 years as a member of Fernie...Tamara Mercandelli
Administrative supportTamara was the administrator at Wildsight for 5 years before she left to pursue her dreams in the restaurant industry. The world looks a little different now, and she is happy to be back with Wildsight in an administrative support role. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and exploring our beautiful backyard on foot.Monica Nissen
Education DirectorA passion for the wilderness and a gift for teaching have drawn Monica into the field of environmental education where she has worked both inside and outside the classroom for the past 15 years.Eddie Petryshen
Conservation SpecialistEddie is an East Kootenay local yokel, a conservationist and a human and coffee powered adventurer. Eddie works to improve logging practices on the ground and at a provincial level, he works on old growth protection, caribou recovery, recreation and land-use planning.Wyatt Petryshen
Science Policy AdvisorWyatt is the Science Policy Advisor for Wildsight, where he volunteers his time examining the intersection between scientific research and policy implementation. Born and raised in Calgary, Wyatt spent most of his free time exploring the mountain tops, old-growth forests, and everything in between in the East Kootenay. Wyatt graduated in 2018 with a B.Sc. (Honours First Class) in Geology and Geophysics from...Dave Quinn
Go Wild! Coordinator
EducatorBorn in Cranbrook, Dave is a wildlife biologist, educator, wilderness guide, writer and photographer whose work is driven by his passion for wilderness and wild spaces. His work with endangered mountain caribou and badgers, threatened fisher and grizzly, as well as lynx and other species has helped shape his understanding of the Kootenay backcountry and its wildlife, and help guide his efforts to...Hanna Sander Green
Operations DirectorHanna is happy to be supporting Wildsight’s work of protecting the wild places that surround her. She’s a systems thinker who loves efficiency, numbers, and problem-solving. Hanna lives in Golden, where she can be found in her vegetable garden, in the kitchen making a pot of soup, or out in the mountains.Lars Sander-Green
Communications AnalystLars helps shape Wildsight's communications and fundraising strategies. Lars loves to turn science into compelling narratives, driven by the love of the wild that we share, and to craft communications strategies that get results. He optimizes Wildsight's capacity by making systems efficient, numbers tell stories and technology sing.Jenna Schulhof
Columbia Valley Conservation CoordinatorJenna is the Columbia Valley Conservation Coordinator. Jenna has lived between BC’s coast mountains and the Rockies her whole life and has made Golden, BC her home since 2020. Her enthusiasm for healthy ecosystems and wild spaces has always shaped her work. This has led her to various roles including ecological monitoring as a resource conservation officer in six mountain national parks and...Simon Wiebe
Mining Policy and Impacts ResearcherSimon is a former mineral exploration geologist and the current Mining Policy and Impacts Researcher for Wildsight. Growing up near Invermere, he gained an appreciation for the mountains and a love of spending time in nature, whether he is hiking, trail running, fossil hunting or cross country skiing. Always curious, he enjoys looking closely to develop understanding and is happy to be working...Siobhan Winters
Communications OfficerSiobhan has always been passionate about the wilderness. A strong desire to protect the planet and the creatures that reside here led Siobhan to be heavily involved in the non-profit sector over the last decade. From rehabilitating wildlife and fostering kittens to spearheading rescue missions, Siobhan does whatever she can to advocate for the environment. In her spare time, she loves cuddling her...
Regional Educators
Shanoon Bennett
EducatorShanoon Bennett lives in beautiful Winlaw, in the Slocan Valley. She teaches a host of programs including Know Your Watershed, as well as Wild Voices for Kids Winter Safety and Survival Skills, Animal Tracks, Habits and Homes, Forest, River, Pond Ecology and Natures Wild Food and Medicine programs.Jess Booth
EducatorJess is originally from a small coastal town in Australia. She has lived in Revelstoke since 2019, where her love for outdoor activities within the community has flourished. Jess has a Bachelor of Environmental and Outdoor Education. She has a background in invasive species education and facilitates connections between children and the natural world through the Revelstoke After School Society. Jess brings enthusiasm...Jessie Caza
Educator
Invermere Branch Board SecretaryJessie moved to Invermere in August 2016 from Crawford Bay in the West Kootenays. She now works as a Wildsight Environmental Educator, and at Eagle-Eye Tours. Her favourite spot in the Columbia Valley is her garden, followed closely by Wilmer Wetlands and any number of local hiking trails.Dawn Deydey
Beyond Recycling Coordinator
EducatorFounder of the Rocky Mountain Education Series, Dawn Deydey brings the experience and understanding of for over a decade of Beyond Recycling coordination and development to the table. As Community Program Coordinator for the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch, her ability to weave environmental education and community action into successful programming that moves our community towards sustainability has been proven repeatedly.Melissa Flint
Educator
Creston Project Director-CoordinatorMelissa Flint has a background in conservation biology, organic farming, permaculture and environmental consulting - and a love for mountain air and exploration. She loves taking people outside and finding connections in the natural world. Melissa's other work includes design, gardening and workshops in permaculture, sustainability and resiliency, through her company Aurora Edible Designs.Jill Jennings
Education CoordinatorJill has been working in environmental education in many capacities throughout her career. She is passionate about nurturing the natural world around her and fostering environmental stewardship in people of all ages.Patty Kolesnichenko
EducatorPatty Kolesnichenko has worked for over 20 years teaching Outdoor Education to individuals of all ages. Her background includes a Degree in Education with a specialization in Physical Education and Science from York University in Toronto. She has taught at the Boyne River Natural Science School, the Nor West Outdoor Centre in Ontario and started St Patrick High school’s Outdoor Program in Yellowknife....Genna Lazier
EducatorGenna is passionate about bringing environmental stewardship to our younger generation in the hopes of passing on that enthusiasm so that they may become the next guardians of the earth. She wants them to pass along that knowledge and wonder of nature to their parents so that it will become a "family love affair".Monica Nissen
Education DirectorA passion for the wilderness and a gift for teaching have drawn Monica into the field of environmental education where she has worked both inside and outside the classroom for the past 15 years.Janelle Park
EducatorJanelle Park lives with her family in beautiful Fernie, BC. She has a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. Janelle strives to connect students to the natural world through her work with Wildsight, HCTF and School District #5. She is passionate about connecting students to place to help foster young stewardsDave Quinn
Go Wild! Coordinator
EducatorBorn in Cranbrook, Dave is a wildlife biologist, educator, wilderness guide, writer and photographer whose work is driven by his passion for wilderness and wild spaces. His work with endangered mountain caribou and badgers, threatened fisher and grizzly, as well as lynx and other species has helped shape his understanding of the Kootenay backcountry and its wildlife, and help guide his efforts to...Ayla Treadwell
EducatorAyla Bennett lives with her family in Fernie, BC. She is passionate about conserving and discovering more of our beautiful mountains, free-flowing rivers and wild spaces. Ayla works with environmental non-profit groups including Wildsight, Elk River Alliance and Mainstreams Environmental Society.Kim Urbaniak
EducatorKim brings plenty of enthusiasm and passion for outdoor activities and connecting people with the natural world. With a background in Environmental Education and Communications, she brings a varied skillset of community engagement, program development, and volunteer management.Jess Williams
EducatorJess is an environmental educator with an Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Degree. She is passionate about the environment and loves to spend time sharing the wonder and awe of nature with her students. She believes that all people, no matter what age, can learn to appreciate the wilderness around them and learn skills to keep it wild for all to enjoy for the...
Regional Board of Directors
Aita Bezzola
Golden Board Director
Golden Area Forestry Lead
Regional Board DirectorAita is a born and raised Parson-ite, she moved away for school and life but recently moved back. She is a biologist and map-maker, and joined Wildsight to advocate for our amazing landscapes. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors and connecting with people.Nicki Blanchard
Elk Valley Board Director
Regional Board DirectorNicki was raised in the prairies and hails from a family with a rich history in agriculture. She has consistently exhibited a fervent passion for food, food security, and supporting local producers. With a Bachelor of Nursing degree and ongoing studies in holistic nutrition and Phytotherapy,Nicki also possesses a profound appreciation for the remarkable benefits that plants offer our bodies. In May 2023,...Brian Conrad
Board ChairBrian Conrad moved to the Kootenays in the mid 1970’s after living in England, the United States, Mexico and Colombia. The grandeur of the region inspired an intensified consciousness of environmental excitement and concerns. As a teacher at Mt. Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook, Brian joined a team of colleagues and ran an Environmental Awareness Program for Grade 11 students for many years.Lindsay Donald
Branch Board Director
Regional Board DirectorLindsay Donald is an international award-winning wildlife photographer. Originally from Scotland, he has a degree in zoology and animal behavior from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. Lindsay started taking photographs to illustrate animal behavior for a research project in the late 1970’s. He has travelled the World in search of amazing wildlife images. In North America he travels from Florida...Tracy Flynn
Regional Board Director
Invermere Branch Vice PresidentTracy Flynn came to the Columbia Valley from northern Alberta 12 years ago. She appreciates intact, healthy ecosystems but it was Columbia Lake that drew her here. Having spent most of her life in the unspoiled lake environments that northern life offered, she was pleased to find Columbia Lake. Tracy has always preferred to be outside, doing everything and anything outdoors related, including...Lesley Giroday
Board DirectorLesley is a retired lawyer who worked for the East Kootenay Environmental Society (Wildsight’s precursor) as a campaigner between 1992-1998. Lesley established the Elk Valley Conservation Society which evolved into Wildsight’s Elk Valley Branch, negotiated the East Kootenay CORE Land Use Plan with the environmental sector, and was on the originating steering committee of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. In her legal...Margie Jamieson
Board Vice-ChairI feel fortunate to have lived in the Rocky Mountain Trench for over 30 years and have been able to play and work in my front-yard, the Rocky Mountains and my backyard, the Purcell Mountains. My history with Wildsight is as old as the organization. As a founding member, I have been a proud supporter for many years. I have worked on many...Woody Maguire
Regional Board Director
Kimberley Cranbrook Board PresidentWoody’s involvement with Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook has mainly taken place behind the scenes through his work on the Board of Directors. His strong pragmatism has helped to guide Wildsight programming since 2013. His involvement is inspired by the value he places on local food security and the stewardship and protection of local ecosystems. He also has a passion for local arts and culture...Kathy Murphy
Regional DirectorKathy joined the Wildsight Board of Directors in 2023.Sarah Newton
Revelstoke Branch Director
Regional Board DirectorSarah came to Revelstoke in 2005 after a decade in Fort St. James, and before that, she grew up in Nova Scotia. She is an avid conservationist and a lover of the wilderness. Currently she is a teacher at Begbie Elementary School. She has an undergraduate degree in history and geography, a diploma in climate change education from Cornell, and a Bachelor in...Kelvin Saldern
Board DirectorKelvin, ‘Kel’ (he/him) resides in Rossland where he squeezes time in his consulting business in between volunteering, biking, hiking, kayaking and skiing in all its forms. He brings a deep background in community and organizational development and non-profit management to Wildsight’s board. As a recently certified Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring (CABIN) field tech, he plans to participate in volunteer citizen science and contribute to...
Creston Valley Staff & Contractors
Melissa Flint
Educator
Creston Project Director-CoordinatorMelissa Flint has a background in conservation biology, organic farming, permaculture and environmental consulting - and a love for mountain air and exploration. She loves taking people outside and finding connections in the natural world. Melissa's other work includes design, gardening and workshops in permaculture, sustainability and resiliency, through her company Aurora Edible Designs.Ulrike Sliworsky
Bird Festival CoordinatorUlrike is a birder that lives in Creston. She has a science degree from the University of Manitoba with an Ornithology major. In addition to re-introducing endangered species such as Peregrine Falcons and Burrowing Owls, she has also banded waterfowl and songbirds. She has enjoyed participating in Audubon’s Christmas bird counts for over 30 years in various communities and is now the Coordinator/Compiler...
Creston Valley Board of Directors
Mary Jayne Blackmore
Branch Board DirectorHaving grown up on the traditional land of the Yaqan Nukiy within the Ktunaxa Territory, Mary Jayne Blackmore is passionate about protecting access to waterways and green spaces for all creatures, which lead to chairing Trails for Creston Valley Society for 5 years. With ten plus years teaching elementary and high school, her focus is to bring kids to have authentic and impactful...Brian Churchill
Branch Board PresidentBrian has a MSc in Forestry Wildlife and had a career as a Wildlife Biologist for BC Government in Fort St. John followed by 15 years of consulting as an ungulate habitat specialist. Brian has been involved in conservation biology and wildlife research projects including swans, mountain goats, caribou, moose, elk, deer and grizzly bear.Lindsay Donald
Branch Board Director
Regional Board DirectorLindsay Donald is an international award-winning wildlife photographer. Originally from Scotland, he has a degree in zoology and animal behavior from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom. Lindsay started taking photographs to illustrate animal behavior for a research project in the late 1970’s. He has travelled the World in search of amazing wildlife images. In North America he travels from Florida...Gitte Grover
Branch Board Vice PresidentI was born in Marburg, Germany and immigrated to Canada after I obtained my Ph.D. in biology from the Justus-Liebig-Universitaet in Giessen. I worked for 21 years as a researcher with a forestry company (Alberta-Pacific) in Northern Alberta and was part of a team implementing innovative forest management systems. I am passionate about protecting the environment and Wildsight gives me the opportunity to...Debby Johnson
Branch Board DirectorMy grandparents' caring interest in the wellbeing of nature influenced me to my core. I raised my family in the Creston Valley because it offers a wholesome, healthy lifestyle. Supporting an environmentally conscious culture is vital for retaining this valued way of life. My business, marketing, communications, and community development background can be an asset to the Wildsight Creston team. I want to...Don Peel
Branch Board DirectorR. Don Peel, PGeo. MSc, MEd, Hon. FEC. FGC. A lifetime career as a geoscientist, homeschooling my granddaughter (from Grade 6), completing a MSc (Earth Sciences-University of Alberta 2004), and a MEd (Peace Education-University of Hawaiʻi 2014) focused on sustainable development, has turned my passion towards crusading for a paradigm shift in public education, to stimulate full human potential. The future of humanity...Jim Smith
Board DirectorBorn and raised in rural west central Minnesota, Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Forestry in 1969, married Sandy and headed west. Over the following 30 years he worked various industry and government positions from Prince George and Burns Lake, to Creston and Vernon and back to Creston again. Throughout most of this experience Jim was fortunate to work with...
Elk Valley Staff & Contractors
Dawn Deydey
Beyond Recycling Coordinator
EducatorFounder of the Rocky Mountain Education Series, Dawn Deydey brings the experience and understanding of for over a decade of Beyond Recycling coordination and development to the table. As Community Program Coordinator for the Wildsight Elk Valley Branch, her ability to weave environmental education and community action into successful programming that moves our community towards sustainability has been proven repeatedly.Jennifer Lennon
Local Store CoordinatorAfter over a decade as a performing arts designer, Jennifer arrived in Fernie in late 2020. With a passion for local and more sustainable food systems, she joined Wildsight that winter to help establish the Local store. She loves a worthy challenge, walking in the woods, and making things beautiful.
Elk Valley Board of Directors
Nicki Blanchard
Elk Valley Board Director
Regional Board DirectorNicki was raised in the prairies and hails from a family with a rich history in agriculture. She has consistently exhibited a fervent passion for food, food security, and supporting local producers. With a Bachelor of Nursing degree and ongoing studies in holistic nutrition and Phytotherapy,Nicki also possesses a profound appreciation for the remarkable benefits that plants offer our bodies. In May 2023,...Katy Bosma
Branch Board PresidentKaty is passionate about all things food-growing it, cooking it, eating it, reading about it, or talking about it to anyone who will listen.Mary Cosman
Branch Board DirectorMary Cosman has been a grower-member of Seeds of Diversity Canada since the early 1990s. She was a member of the Prince George Community Garden while living there, and has been a director of Fernie’s Community EcoGarden since moving here in 2005.Robyn Peel
Branch Board DirectorAs an avid supporter of local, social enterprises and people making positive change, Robyn joined Wildsight Elk Valley as a volunteer in 2020 to help bring Local, their social enterprise local food store, to life.Kaitlyn Philip
Branch Board Vice-PresidentSince her arrival in Fernie, Kaitlyn has spearheaded and supported multiple project campaigns throughout the region. With a deep love for the outdoors, Kaitlyn strives to build a future where humans can leave a positive impact on the environment.Karen Robertson
Branch Board DirectorKaren comes from a family and culture that considers food as more than just sustenance.
Kristina Woodford
Accountant & Branch Board TreasurerKristina studied Biology at UVic and more recently studied Accounting at COTR. She now lives in Jaffray, BC with her husband and two kids where she raises chickens and loves working in her garden and camping at the local lakes. She is passionate about environmental protection and wants to foster more awareness in the South Country community
Golden Staff & Contractors
Leslie Adams
Golden Branch ManagerLeslie has lived in the Kootenays almost her whole life, growing up in Castlegar and now residing in Golden where she has been for almost 30 years. She loves the wilderness and spends as much time as she can outdoors; camping, hiking, swimming and cross-country skiing. Leslie has 7 grandchildren and it is important to her that they are able to enjoy the...Calvin Beauchesne
Branch Board
Contractor Woodstove Exchange ProgramMy name is Calvin Beauchesne. I have a BA (Honours) in Environmental Studies and MA in Sustainability Studies. I led the fossil fuel divestment campaign at my university from 2013- 2015. I wrote my masters thesis on the effectiveness of different tactics and strategies of opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline in BC. I have lived in Golden for 3 seasons. This past...Aita Bezzola
Golden Board Director
Golden Area Forestry Lead
Regional Board DirectorAita is a born and raised Parson-ite, she moved away for school and life but recently moved back. She is a biologist and map-maker, and joined Wildsight to advocate for our amazing landscapes. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors and connecting with people.Gemma Cobb
ResearcherAfter completing a B.A in Geography and GIS at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Gemma came to British Columbia 'for a visit' and never left. She has been residing in Golden, BC for the past four years where she likes to spend time outdoors enjoying the sun, rain and snow. When she's not working you can find her enjoying a good book,...Rachel Darvill
Upper Columbia Swallow Enhancement Program - Project BiologistRachel is a registered professional biologist who developed and currently coordinates Wildsight Golden's Columbia Valley Swallow Project and Community Invasive Plant Program. She also developed and managed on the hugely successful Columbia Wetlands Waterbird Survey for Wildsight. At the top of her class, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Environment and Management in 2014, and has a Bachelors of Science...Sam Foster
Director
Project Lead on Golden Community Wellness TrailOriginally from the UK, my professional focus for the past 17 years has been in business strategy, branding, and design. Now happily settled in Golden, I continue to work with non-profits and small local businesses as a registered 1% for the planet company. My life long love is the natural world. I am a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide at The Wild Lifers,...Meg Langley
Branch Board Director
Biologist & Project CoordinatorGolden Branch Director & Biologist on the Golden Rocky Mountain Sheep Project and Project Coordinator for the Plant Awareness ProjectAnnette Luttermann
ContractorAs a consulting boreal river ecologist, Annette Luttermann works with Aboriginal communities across Canada primarily investigating the cumulative environmental effects of large hydroelectric developments. Annette holds an interdisciplinary PhD from Dalhousie University where her research focused on the historical effects of dams and impoundments on riparian habitats of the Churchill River in Labrador.
Verena Shaw
ContractorVerena Shaw is a very passionate naturalist who loves to get outside into the wild and has been birdwatching for many years. Verena has been involved with various environmental projects with some bird related ones being swallow, bluebird, wood duck nest box monitoring, nightjar and marsh bird surveys, a western screech owl study, and various other bird counts. When coming to the Wings...
Golden Board of Directors
Calvin Beauchesne
Branch Board
Contractor Woodstove Exchange ProgramMy name is Calvin Beauchesne. I have a BA (Honours) in Environmental Studies and MA in Sustainability Studies. I led the fossil fuel divestment campaign at my university from 2013- 2015. I wrote my masters thesis on the effectiveness of different tactics and strategies of opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline in BC. I have lived in Golden for 3 seasons. This past...Aita Bezzola
Golden Board Director
Golden Area Forestry Lead
Regional Board DirectorAita is a born and raised Parson-ite, she moved away for school and life but recently moved back. She is a biologist and map-maker, and joined Wildsight to advocate for our amazing landscapes. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors and connecting with people.Kate Corrigan
Branch Board SecretaryKate grew up with a profound love of nature after summers camping in Jasper with her family and hunting with her dad every fall. For 16 years, Kate played ringette in the winter in her hometown of St.Albert, Alberta. Kate moved to Golden in 2021 after completing a 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus in Environmental Studies and...Joan Dolinsky
Branch Board TreasurerJoan has been volunteering with WIldsight Golden since it’s inception in 1989. She has been the branch president for many years, spearheading and supporting many initiatives and projects Joan finds it a privilege to work with the great people that are part of Wildsight and to live and play in such a wild and wonderful place.Natalie Ebsworth
Branch Board Co-ChairNatalie spent the best part of 10 years travelling the world as a Snow Sports Instructor. After witnessing the unpredictability from season to season due to environmental factors she returned to the UK to complete an Environmental Science B.Sc (hons). Since then has worked in invasive species (plants) with Spectrum Resources Group, as a Community Coordinator with WildSafeBC and as a Junior Biologist....Sam Foster
Director
Project Lead on Golden Community Wellness TrailOriginally from the UK, my professional focus for the past 17 years has been in business strategy, branding, and design. Now happily settled in Golden, I continue to work with non-profits and small local businesses as a registered 1% for the planet company. My life long love is the natural world. I am a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide at The Wild Lifers,...Tyler Garwood
Branch Board DirectorTyler grew up in White Salmon, Washington on the Columbia River. He got his BSc in Fire Ecology and Forest management at the University of Idaho while also working as a Wildland Firefighter for 6 years. Here is where his love for trees, being outdoors, and conserving our natural spaces blossomed. He moved to Golden in 2021, with the hope of participating in conserving this beautiful landscape...Jennifer Greenwood
Branch Board Co-ChairJen has been in Golden since 2019, after moving from Revelstoke. Over the last 10 years, she has developed a strong sense of place and love for this region and is finding joy in exploring this side of the Columbia Valley now. For the last five years Jen has worked in ecological monitoring and now wildlife management as well, for Parks Canada. Prior...Meg Langley
Branch Board Director
Biologist & Project CoordinatorGolden Branch Director & Biologist on the Golden Rocky Mountain Sheep Project and Project Coordinator for the Plant Awareness ProjectMathew Zaleski
Branch Board DirectorMathew Zaleski has degrees in electrical and human factors engineering and a PhD in computer science from the University of Toronto. He has worked as an engineer, manager, and business owner and recently finished a 5 year stint as a computer science professor. In 1986 he started as a software engineer for IBM. Subsequently he worked for Autodesk, Adobe and Intel. In 1994,...
Invermere Board of Directors
Jessie Caza
Educator
Invermere Branch Board SecretaryJessie moved to Invermere in August 2016 from Crawford Bay in the West Kootenays. She now works as a Wildsight Environmental Educator, and at Eagle-Eye Tours. Her favourite spot in the Columbia Valley is her garden, followed closely by Wilmer Wetlands and any number of local hiking trails.Tracy Flynn
Regional Board Director
Invermere Branch Vice PresidentTracy Flynn came to the Columbia Valley from northern Alberta 12 years ago. She appreciates intact, healthy ecosystems but it was Columbia Lake that drew her here. Having spent most of her life in the unspoiled lake environments that northern life offered, she was pleased to find Columbia Lake. Tracy has always preferred to be outside, doing everything and anything outdoors related, including...Cam Gillies
Branch PresidentCam grew up in the Columbia Valley and is thrilled to return and call it home. He has a PhD in Biology and his passion for birds and the environment comes from a life of enjoying the outdoors since he was a child. Living in Windermere, he runs Eagle-Eye Tours, which provides an opportunity for travel to remote and wonderful corners of the...Shannon McGinty
Technical Advisor (non-Board member)Shannon grew up canoeing on the lakes of Southern Ontario, where she nurtured a passion for aquatic insects and terrestrial plants. She moved to Prince George in 2010 to pursue a Bachelors of Science, and continued to grow her connections to natural spaces. She has worked and volunteered with several non-profits, most recently finding her spot as Water Coordinator at MakeWay. Shannon began volunteering...Baiba Morrow
Past Branch President (non-Board member)Baiba Morrow has navigated much of her working life as a freelance writer, photographer, and dabbler in documentary film making. In partnership with her husband, Pat Morrow, she has travelled and explored the mountain world, especially the Himalayan region, and found inspiration from ancient cultures. Since moving back to the East Kootenay in 2007, Baiba continues to find joy in her community, the mountains,...Taoya Schaefer
Branch Board DirectorTaoya Schaefer moved to Invermere in 1985, and has been a member of Wildsight since its inception (as the East Kootenay Environmental Society). She is a retired physiotherapist, and along with her husband has raised two sons. She is passionate about preserving the natural environment and loves all manner of outdoor pursuits, especially ski touring in the winter and hiking, biking, and whitewater kayaking...Ben Tregidgo
Branch Board TreasurerBen’s passion for all things outdoors has brought him from the UK to Invermere in August 2021, with his wife and two children. He is a chartered accountant and has gained experience in a range of finance roles at not-for-profit organisations since 2008. Ben is a fan of all the seasons and likes to connect with the environment by hiking, swimming, kayaking and...
Kimberley Cranbrook Staff & Contractors
Helena Barger
BookkeeperAndrea Chapman
Branch ManagerAndrea loves everything outdoors and brings experience with education, research, and management to the Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook branch. She is excited to be working within the communities she calls home!Ali Hadikin
Communications & Fundraising CoordinatorAli is excited to be living, working, and adventuring in the Kootenays. She is eager to foster your love of our planet through events and communications.Christel Hagn
Program CoordinatorChristel has found her dream job helping to educate people from all walks of life on the importance of creating beautiful, healthy spaces and supporting local food systems. She is passionate about all things involving health, wellness, nature, and community!Chad Kile
Sustainability CoordinatorPreviously an urban farmer, Chad is interested in creating strong local food economies.Patty Kolesnichenko
EducatorPatty Kolesnichenko has worked for over 20 years teaching Outdoor Education to individuals of all ages. Her background includes a Degree in Education with a specialization in Physical Education and Science from York University in Toronto. She has taught at the Boyne River Natural Science School, the Nor West Outdoor Centre in Ontario and started St Patrick High school’s Outdoor Program in Yellowknife....Alannah Leach
Farmers' Market CoordinatorAlannah has a background in fine arts, so she sought out a community with a comfortable juxtaposition between outdoor adventures and artistic opportunities - bringing her to call Kimberley home!Kim Urbaniak
EducatorKim brings plenty of enthusiasm and passion for outdoor activities and connecting people with the natural world. With a background in Environmental Education and Communications, she brings a varied skillset of community engagement, program development, and volunteer management.
Kimberley Cranbrook Board of Directors
Daniel Bauer
Branch Board TreasurerDaniel grew up in Cranbrook skiing, backpacking, climbing, and enjoying the outdoors every opportunity he could get. After graduating from Royal Roads University, he returned to the Kootenays eventually moving back to his home mountain of Kimberley. Daniel currently works as an accountant for Nupqu (proudly owned by the communities of the Ktunaxa Nation), while also working on his CPA Preparatory Courses. He...Dean Chatterson
Branch Board DirectorProudly born and raised in Kimberley, Dean retired from teaching in 2004. He has always enjoyed the outdoor life in the Kootenays and treasured the natural ecosystems that surround us. His involvement with Wildsight is the best fit for preserving and protecting the things he values.Sharon Cross
Branch Board DirectorSince the late 1970s, Sharon has been active locally, regionally, and nationally in environmental and social issues. Jim Campbell and Sharon were the EKES team that started recycling in Cranbrook. Currently, her involvement is in: The Cranbrook Climate Hub, BC Climate Alliance, Kootenai River Network, Inc. (Montana), EK Network for Humanity, Social Planning Society, the Cranbrook Community Forest Society, and Yasodhara Yoga Cranbrook....Megan MacPhee
Branch Board SecretaryMegan is a passionate environmentalist, with extensive knowledge of our natural world, and great admiration for our recreational one. She is creatively inspired by our landscapes and loves photography, bringing data to life and enviro-communications. This passion comes from a decade of working in the field, including work with parks, fisheries, birds of prey, invasive plants, forestry, geology, and recreational tourism, paired with...Woody Maguire
Regional Board Director
Kimberley Cranbrook Board PresidentWoody’s involvement with Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook has mainly taken place behind the scenes through his work on the Board of Directors. His strong pragmatism has helped to guide Wildsight programming since 2013. His involvement is inspired by the value he places on local food security and the stewardship and protection of local ecosystems. He also has a passion for local arts and culture...Craig Stephani
Branch Board Vice PresidentCraig has been working in the environmental education and community outreach industry for more than a decade. His passion for engaging children and young adults to become environmental stewards in their community eventually led him from Winnipeg to the Kootenays. In his free time you can find him camping, playing volleyball, exploring the mountains with his two dogs or volunteering with Search and...
Revelstoke Board of Directors
Kristi Chorney
DirectorKristi brings her passion for the outdoors, Revelstoke and area to positively impact environmental issues through collaboration with others. She brings her experiences and skills acquired from a healthcare career in MB and BC’s interior regions. She has a Bachelor of Human Ecology and Master of Science Human Factors/System Safety. Kristi feels fortunate to contribute to strategic plan development & implementation for the...Kent Christensen
Branch Board PresidentKent moved to Revelstoke in the fall of 2015 after finishing his undergraduate degree.The ease of access to the outdoors and the opportunities that a small town provides brought him to call Revelstoke home. He feels fortunate to have a good job working as a treeplanter in Revelstoke which allows him to see far into the many valleys of the Columbia River Basin....Nikki Lussier
DirectorNikki Lussier holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and after working a few years in the field, realized her true passion was helping others, and returned to school to complete her Bachelor of Social Work. Her zeal for caring for the environment was first inspired by a high school teacher, and then bolstered by backpacking through Central America and Africa. As a mother...Sarah Newton
Revelstoke Branch Director
Regional Board DirectorSarah came to Revelstoke in 2005 after a decade in Fort St. James, and before that, she grew up in Nova Scotia. She is an avid conservationist and a lover of the wilderness. Currently she is a teacher at Begbie Elementary School. She has an undergraduate degree in history and geography, a diploma in climate change education from Cornell, and a Bachelor in...Virginia Thompson
DirectorI have lived in Revelstoke since 2006. I have been the mountain caribou rep for North Columbia Environmental Society (NCES) since 2006 and then for Wildsight Revelstoke, which NCES became in 2020, to the present. On the Board of NCES from 2006 to 2011, then on the Conservation Committee for several years. Prepared a Section 80 Application under the federal Species at Risk...
Join The Team
Want to protect wildlife, clean water and wild spaces? Volunteer with us! Wildsight volunteers are a very special group of people who give generously of their time to stuff envelopes, attend rallies, help run events, put up posters, keep tabs on forestry practices in their communities and participate in citizen science initiatives.