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Regional Staff & Contractors
John Bergenske
Conservation DirectorJohn 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.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, Tim has worked in various capacities for Provincial Parks, Conservation...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.Bryan Duffett
Manager of Finance and AdministrationBorn and raised in Newfoundland, Bryan joined the Wildsight team in 2017 after working 10 years as a Financial Accountant on The Rock. He likes budgets, spreadsheets, dark coffee, and wild places. A CPA, Bryan is proud to work for the wild.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.Ali Giesbrecht
Program Assistant: Communications and EducationAli is a 21 year old resident of Cranbrook, who focuses on Wildsight Education development and communications projects. She was a student in the inaugural year of Columbia River Field School and is excited to be continuing her learning and adventuring with Wildsight. Ali is currently a post secondary student, pursuing a B.Sc. in Environmental Science degree from College of the Rockies and University of Lethbridge.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 voice of Wildsight for all who love this place we...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 able to be pried off since. With her experience in...Graeme Lee Rowlands
Environmental Programs Coordinator
Columbia River Field School, Youth Climate CorpsGraeme 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 region.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 City Council including six as Mayor and and six as...Emily Markholm
West Kootenay Youth Climate Corps CoordinatorEmily is the West Kootenay Youth Climate Corps (YCC) Coordinator and was a participant in the YCC pilot program in 2020. She is currently a student at the University of Northern British Columbia, studying Wildlife and Fisheries. Emily hopes that through the YCC we are able to connect young people with meaningful and accessible opportunities in climate action.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
Mining CoordinatorWyatt is the Mining Coordinator for Wildsight, where he is investigating the impacts of metallurgical coal mine expansion in the Elk Valley and its consequences to local and regional ecosystem health. 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 the...Dave Quinn
Know Your Watershed and 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 protect what remains.Bailey Repp
Communications and Engagement LeadBailey is Wildsight’s communications and engagement lead. She is a storyteller of many mediums, a filmmaker, photographer, and conservation communications creator whose work is driven by her passion for wildlife and wild places.Judith Robertson
Program Coordinator, Girls on IceJudith lives in a tiny house she built just outside of Nelson. She is the Program Coordinator for the Girls on Ice Kootenay Expedition with Wildsight. Judith is passionate about shared wilderness experiences. She values the new perspectives and the meaningful conversations that arise while traveling through, and connecting to the natural world.Lars Sander-Green
Mining Lead
Communications AnalystLars is Wildsight's mining lead, focusing on the impacts of coal mining in the Elk Valley. Lars has a BA.&Sc. in physics and a life-long love of clean water. When not focused on mining, Lars helps shape Wildsight's communications and fundraising strategies.
Regional Educators
Ayla Bennett
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.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.Jessie Caza
Educator
Invermere Branch 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.Karen Doughty
EducatorKaren has lived in Valemount, B.C for the past 30 years. Her experiences cycling, camping, hiking and paddling have given her many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Karen’s passion as an elementary school teacher has always been sharing the outdoors and environmental education with children. As a newly retired teacher, Karen is excited to share the Beyond Recycling and Know Your Watershed programs.Carrie Ferguson
EducatorCarrie lives in the wild Blaeberry Valley where she grows food, skis out her backdoor and homeschools her son. She delivers Classroom With Outdoors, Beyond Recycling, Know Your Watershed and Winter Wonder programs. Carrie is trained as an Environmental Protection Technician and has completed an Organic Farming Apprenticeship with Stewards of Irreplaceable Land. She has a passion for nature and loves to share this spark with others.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. Melissa teaches our Beyond Recycling, Classroom with Outdoors, Winter Wonder, and Know Your Watershed programs.Jade Harvey-Berrill
Revelstoke branch manager
EducatorJade is originally from the UK where she obtained her 1st Class HONS BSc in Physical Geography from QMUL. She made Revelstoke, BC her permanent home in 2017. Through her company “Stoked On Science”, she delivers science and geography based field trips and workshops in school to the local community and beyond, in addition to after school clubs focused on nature, outdoors skills and science. Her role of Branch Manager is part of...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.Mia King
Educator (on maternity leave)With over 10 years of experience delivering environmental education, including increasing public awareness of aquatic species at risk and leading school kids on interpretive hikes in the great outdoors, Mia is very excited to be part of the Wildsight education team.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. Patty has also run her own business "Wolfsong Adventures" in...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". Genna teaches our Beyond Recycling, Classroom with Outdoors, and Winter Wonder programs.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
Know Your Watershed and 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 protect what remains.Mary Searchfield
Education Development
EducatorMary started delivering environmental education programs last century (!) She has a Masters in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University, and an education degree from UBC (WKTEP). Mary currently delivers Beyond Recycling, Nature through the Seasons, and Winter Wonder in and around Nelson, BC, her home for the past +20 years.Kim Urbaniak
EducatorKim lives in Kimberley, where she brings plenty of enthusiasm and passion for outdoor activities and connecting people with the natural world. She has a MA in Environmental Education and Communications, and a varied background in 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 future. Activities such as snowboarding, hiking, paddling, mountain biking and...
Regional Board of Directors
Leslie Adams
Regional Branch Director
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 wilderness as much as she does forever.Casey Brennan
Regional & Elk Valley DirectorCasey and his family live work and play in Fernie in the heart of Canada's beautiful Southern Rockies. Casey managed Wildsight's Southern Rockies Campaign for a decade and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to support progress on conservation and community sustainability through volunteering with Wildsight.Brian Conrad
Regional 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 Cuff
Regional DirectorLindsay has extensive experience in environmental and non-profit communications, and has managed communications for inspiring organizations in the US, France, and Canada. Lindsay is currently an Assistant Professor of Teaching at UBC in the faculties of Forestry and Land & Food Systems where she is teaching a new generation to tell stories and create change.Asha DeLisle
Creston Valley Branch Director
Regional DirectorAfter graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany I moved abroad and have since lived in China, South Korea, and Australia. Fortunately, during my time away, my entire family relocated to Creston where I now reside as well. Creston is the perfect place to pursue the myriad of outdoor hobbies I enjoy such as kayaking and hiking. I am also looking forward to starting my journey...Tracy Flynn
Regional & Invermere DirectorTracy 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 hiking, skiing and biking. She feels she has landed in...Lesley Giroday
Regional 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 practice, she provided advice to First Nations on a variety...Margie Jamieson
Regional 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 campaigns but am most proud of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy...Kim Kaiser
Regional DirectorBorn and raised in Rossland BC, Kim’s passion for the environment led her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science at the University of Victoria. Since graduating in 2014, Kim has been employed in the fields of environmental education and invasive species management. Kim works as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society where she enjoys helping citizens to take action in protecting biodiversity. She also works part time...Woody Maguire
Regional Director
Vice President - Kim/CranWoody MaguireGeorgia Peck
Golden Branch Director
Regional DirectorGeorgia moved to Golden, BC in 2018 to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. She graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and strives to incorporate outreach and education in everything she does to ignite passion in others. Georgia also acts as a Program Coordinator for Living Lakes Canada and Columbia Lake Stewardship Society and is leading projects in community outreach, wildlife monitoring and water quality monitoring.Jim Smith
Regional Director Creston Valley BranchBorn 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 people who “saw the forest through the trees.”
Creston Valley Staff & Contractors
Creston Valley Board of Directors
Brian Churchill
Creston Valley Branch 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.Asha DeLisle
Creston Valley Branch Director
Regional DirectorAfter graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany I moved abroad and have since lived in China, South Korea, and Australia. Fortunately, during my time away, my entire family relocated to Creston where I now reside as well. Creston is the perfect place to pursue the myriad of outdoor hobbies I enjoy such as kayaking and hiking. I am also looking forward to starting my journey...Gitte Grover
Creston Valley Branch 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 contribute.Debby Johnson
Creston Valley Branch 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 help give the land a voice.Connie Larochelle
Creston Valley Branch Secretary-TreasurerConnie Larochelle is a lifelong advocate for water conservation with a background working with First Nation and northern remote communities. She completed her undergraduate degree at Thompson Rivers University in Natural Resource Science and her MA in Environment and Management at Royal Roads University. She dabbles in data analysis and mentors others in data transformation and visualization.Vanessa Lozecznik
Creston Valley Branch DirectorI grew up in Chile between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. I moved to Canada many years ago to continue my education at the University of Manitoba. My studies and work focused on transformative learning as a catalyst of action and I had the privilege to work with many Indigenous communities throughout Manitoba. I moved with my family to the Kootenays to enjoy the majestic landscapes and to fulfil my dream...Jim Smith
Regional Director Creston Valley BranchBorn 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 people who “saw the forest through the trees.”Karen Whitford
Creston Valley Branch DirectorKaren tells stories through the lens of the camera. She has a love of the outdoors and the fascinating world around us.
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 Coordinator -- Wildsight Elk ValleyAfter 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
Myriam Bourdeau-Potvin
Board Director -- Wildsight Elk ValleyAfter obtaining her Science Degree at the University of Ottawa, Myriam got involved with not-for-profits, contributing to the preservation of the massive urban Boucher Forest. Her passion for biology, science popularization and sustainable lifestyles brought her to the Rockies where she made Fernie her home.Casey Brennan
Regional & Elk Valley DirectorCasey and his family live work and play in Fernie in the heart of Canada's beautiful Southern Rockies. Casey managed Wildsight's Southern Rockies Campaign for a decade and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to support progress on conservation and community sustainability through volunteering with Wildsight.Mary Cosman
President -- Wildsight Elk ValleyMary 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.Kaitlyn Philip
Board Director -- Wildsight Elk ValleySince 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.
Kristina Woodford
Accountant & Board Director -- Wildsight Elk ValleyKristina 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
Regional Branch Director
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 wilderness as much as she does forever.Rachel Darvill
Golden CWWS Program Biologist
Golden Branch DirectorRachel 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 degree (biology major) from the University of Victoria. She has...Kiana Froese
Project CoordinatorKiana is originally from Edmonton, Alberta where she received a Bachelor of Commerce degree with honors in Legal Studies and HR. She is pursuing a career specializing in environmental law with the goal to make the greatest impact. Her family passed on their passion for the outdoors. She has grown up skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, swimming, and playing ringette. She moved to Golden in 2020 to spend more time doing the activities she...Meg Langley
Golden Branch Director
Golden 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.Evelyn Morett
Community Invasive Plant Program CoordinatorOriginally from Edmonton, Evelyn spent her formative years in the Bow Valley, where she fell in love with the wild mountain spaces. After completing her undergrad degree in Geography at UBC, Evelyn moved to Ottawa to pursue a career with Parks Canada. While in Ottawa, she discovered her love for environmental education and worked alongside passionate educators at the Ottawa-Carleton Outdoor Education Centres. In 2019, Evelyn moved to Nelson and enrolled in a...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 Over the Rockies Bird Festival two years ago she fell...
Golden Board of Directors
Joan Dolinsky
Golden Branch PresidentJoan 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.Jennifer Greenwood
DirectorJen 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 to this, her somewhat meandering career as a biologist took...Meg Langley
Golden Branch Director
Golden Biologist & Project CoordinatorGolden Branch Director & Biologist on the Golden Rocky Mountain Sheep Project and Project Coordinator for the Plant Awareness ProjectJessie Paloposki
Golden Branch DirectorJessie started her career as an Environmental Educator even before she knew what a career was. As a child, she would spent countless hours exploring the forests surrounding her rural BC home. As she grew up, she began to see these wild places disappear. In 2008, her urge to protect wild places led her to begin her professional life as a Park Ranger. Jessie worked for BC Parks for 8 years, committing to...Georgia Peck
Golden Branch Director
Regional DirectorGeorgia moved to Golden, BC in 2018 to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. She graduated from Trent University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and strives to incorporate outreach and education in everything she does to ignite passion in others. Georgia also acts as a Program Coordinator for Living Lakes Canada and Columbia Lake Stewardship Society and is leading projects in community outreach, wildlife monitoring and water quality monitoring.Hanna Sander Green
Golden Branch DirectorHanna is an avid gardener, a mom to two young boys, and an environmentalist. She loves cooking for her family, finding treasures at thrift stores, and spending time on her skis or bike. She moved from her hometown of Kimberley, BC to Golden ten years ago. She has a BSc in Physical Geography, has worked extensively in the outdoor recreation industry, and also has experience in bookkeeping. Moving forward, she plans to pursue...Jenna Schulhof
DirectorJenna is a life-long nature nut. She is a trained fish and wildlife technician and has worked in resource conservation at Parks Canada for the past 4 years. Previously, she worked as an environmental educator in Alberta developing and delivering programs to students and teachers about the natural world and natural resources. She recently nested in Golden and is proud to have the Columbia wetlands and both the Purcell and Rocky mountains in...Brittany Verbeek
DirectorBrittany moved to beautiful Golden five years ago, to pursue early years education and has worked at several local childcare centres, including supervising the ski hill’s Kicking Horse Kids Club. Prior to that she worked in the environmental non-profit sector in Alberta, creating nature-based excursions and experiences for people of all ages, and advocating for the protection of wild spaces. She is a fully certified Early Childhood Educator, has a degree in Biology...
Invermere Staff & Contractors
Karen Barkley
Invermere Branch ManagerKaren Barkley comes to Invermere from Banff with vast experience in climate change and community issues. Most recently, she was the Operations Manager with the Global Call for Climate Action for over 8 years and was Project Manager for The Resilience Institute in Canmore, AB. She has worked in international development in Nigeria and Nepal, where she helped the national office of the Federation of Community Forest Users with its strategic planning and...Katarina Graves
Climate Change Resilience CoordinatorKatarina Graves was born and raised near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and has lived and worked across the country, including in Banff and Toronto. She has degrees in Urban Geography, Energy Management and Environmental Planning.Clare Suggett
Climate Outreach AssistantClare grew up in Calgary where her close proximity to the Rocky Mountains inspired her passion for the environment and sustainability. As a recent graduate from the University of Victoria with a BSc in Geography and Environmental Studies, Clare is excited to help contribute to positive action relating to climate change. Clare spent her summers in Invermere making the Columbia Valley a very special place to her. In her free time, Clare likes...
Invermere Board of Directors
Jessie Caza
Educator
Invermere Branch 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.Miel Dubielewicz
Invermere DirectorMiel DubielewiczTracy Flynn
Regional & Invermere DirectorTracy 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 hiking, skiing and biking. She feels she has landed in...Cam Gillies
Invermere Branch Vice 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 world. He has also been involved in several wildlife research...Baiba Morrow
Invermere Branch PresidentBaiba 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, and her garden.Aurora Orchiston
Invermere Youth representativeAlthough Aurora has lived most of her life in Invermere, she was born in New Zealand and has been enjoying the outdoors since a young age. Many weekends were spent hiking and camping if she was not already training for cross country skiing, soccer and other outdoor sports. Aurora has had the pleasure of travelling to other countries to enjoy nature and appreciate its beauty. Aurora is excited about representing the youth voice in nature conservancy and...Penny Powers
Invermere DirectorPenny was born and raised in South Africa, and moved to Calgary in 1978 with her family. Her passion for travel and adventure took her around the world and back to South Africa briefly. Knowing that Canada and the mountains were her home, she settled in Banff/Canmore for a number of years before moving to the Columbia Valley in 2003. As the owner of Canadian Mountain Experience, she is passionate about the protection...Taoya Schaefer
Invermere 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 in the summer.Ben Tregidgo
Invermere Branch 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 cycling in the warmer months, and skiing in the winter....
Kimberley Cranbrook Staff & Contractors
Andrea Chapman
Branch ManagerAndrea loves everything outdoors, be it a microscopic plant or heartwarming snowfall against a colourful sunset. She brings experience with education, research, and management to the Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook branch, and is excited to be working within the communities she calls home.Darko Gojsic
Sustainability AssistantDarko is originally from Calgary but grew up spending a lot of time on Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, and Vietnam. He moved to Cranbrook full-time about a year ago for school and skiing and started working with Wildsight Kim/Cran this fall. Darko is a big outdoors enthusiast and has a passion for wildlife and conservation, which just so happens to be what he’s studying in school. He is really looking forward to getting...Chad Kile
Sustainability CoordinatorPreviously an urban farmer, Chad is interested in creating strong local food economies.Trixie Pacis
Communications and Fundraising CoordinatorTrixie is an incredibly talented writer, filmmaker and digital creator who is driven to share stories that celebrate our connection to the environment. After many years of travelling the world and capturing the beauty of diverse cultures and landscapes, she is excited to responsibly explore and passionately advocate for the wild corners of the Kootenays.Kim Urbaniak
EducatorKim lives in Kimberley, where she brings plenty of enthusiasm and passion for outdoor activities and connecting people with the natural world. She has a MA in Environmental Education and Communications, and a varied background in community engagement, program development, and volunteer management.
Kimberley Cranbrook Board of Directors
Daniel Bauer
Treasurer - Kim/CranDaniel 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 also volunteers as the Treasurer for the Columbia River-Revelstoke BCNDP....Daryl Calder
Director - Kim/CranGraduated UVic 1978, BSc Physical & Resource Geography. Built energy efficient home near Cranbrook in 1983. Self employed, with a variety of jobs according to the season. Active member of Rocky Mountain Naturalists, South Star Recreation Society, Kootenay Christmas Tree Association. I like birding, paddling, making things from ‘scratch’ and figuring out how to improve my community.Sharon Cross
President - Kim/CranSince the late 1970’s, I’ve been active locally, regionally and nationally in environmental and social issues. Jim Campbell and I were the EKES team that started recycling in Cranbrook. I am actively involved in: Kootenai River Network, Inc. (Montana), Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society, EK Network for Humanity, Social Planning Society, Grow It Eat It Task Force, Cranbrook Food Action Committee, the Cranbrook Community Forest Society, and Yasodhara Yoga Cranbrook.Woody Maguire
Regional Director
Vice President - Kim/CranWoody MaguireNadine Rake
Director - Kim/CranOnce the coordinator for Cranbrook Composts and the Clean Bin project, Nadine now brings her educator background and fresh perspective to the Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook Board of Directors. Passionate about waste reduction and diversion, Nadine is doing her best to reduce her household waste to zero, and blogging all about it! Check out her work on the Zero Journey Blog.Sally Ruoss
Director - Kim/CranI am a young outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about making a difference.Craig Stephani
Director - Kim/CranCraig 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 Rescue.
Revelstoke Staff & Contractors
Aviva Fialkow
Revelstoke Branch Development and Administrative CoordinatorAviva was born and raised in Mohkinstsis on Treaty 7 land, otherwise known as Calgary, Alberta. She obtained a BA in Communications Studies and Sustainability Studies from the University of Calgary in 2018. Throughout her career, she has worked in non-profit, renewable energy and postsecondary environments to advance sustainable development across Alberta. Turning her dreams of pursuing a conservation career and mountain adventures into reality, Aviva relocated to Revelstoke in August 2021 to...Jade Harvey-Berrill
Revelstoke branch manager
EducatorJade is originally from the UK where she obtained her 1st Class HONS BSc in Physical Geography from QMUL. She made Revelstoke, BC her permanent home in 2017. Through her company “Stoked On Science”, she delivers science and geography based field trips and workshops in school to the local community and beyond, in addition to after school clubs focused on nature, outdoors skills and science. Her role of Branch Manager is part of...
Revelstoke Board of Directors
Christina Chong
Revelstoke Branch TreasurerChristina grew up in Toronto and moved to Revelstoke in 2018. From being a backyard composter to volunteering with her university’s residence recycling program, she has always aimed to reduce her impact on the environment. Currently, Christina is a partner at a local accounting firm and loves hiking in her spare time.Kent Christensen
Revelstoke Branch 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. Experiencing the beauty and vastness of our home through work...
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.