My first trip to Churchill in 2004 as a travel author lasted long enough to walk around town and take a selfie on the beach (before selfies were a thing) between the morning train arrival and evening departure. I returned in 2007 with the opportunity for more time and adventure, including a walk on the tundra around Prince of Wales Fort and a moonlit paddle with belugas.

I had a blast and at the time, being from Vancouver with the Rockies and Pacific Ocean for a backyard, I figured Churchill would remain a fond memory. I’ve been able to put my Geography B.A. from Simon Fraser University to use by managing exploration and environmental studies programs globally, with a focus in British Columbia and Alaska. Working in and around remote communities put a new perspective on getting things done; serving on the boards of non-profit organizations along with working in career education programming taught the value of mentorship. There have been plenty of other adventures and opportunities, all while trying to keep up with my kids, and Churchill is a welcome return.

Part of my personal mission of continuously learning aligns with CNSC’s vision to understand and sustain the north. It’s exciting to use the skills I’ve picked up and concepts I’ve learned, along with a real passion for engaging with communities and building relationships, to lead CNSC as Executive Director.

I am an environmental geochemist focusing on freshwater lake and pond water chemistry in arctic and subarctic regions. I live in Churchill, Manitoba full-time as the northern field research scientist on staff at the Centre. As the Scientific Coordinator, I provide a point of contact for researchers, execute scientific research under the auspices of the CNSC, coordinate contract research, participate in the teaching of both academic and general interest courses, and communicate current science issues to the general public. Prior to coming to the Centre, I received my Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada in 2002 conducting research at various locations throughout the High Arctic during graduate studies. In addition to being the Scientific Coordinator, I am an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, Manitoba where I teach and supervise students.

I am a long time “Churchillian” and have lived in this beautiful remote community for most of my life, where both my parents were also raised. Being the Program Coordinator in my hometown allows me to share the beauty of my home with every guest that walks through the door. Growing up in Churchill was filled with bay summer swims, snowmobiling for hours, bonfires on cold winter nights and riding bikes till the sun went down (or when the 10pm siren went off).  

I have worked for various local businesses in town, graduated from the Duke of Marlborough High School and after returning from Victoria, British Columbia in 2019, I am settling down and purchasing my first home. I keep busy with renovations, walks with my dog, and outdoor activities. 

I look forward to exploring my new role in my hometown and building relationships as a community.

I first came to Churchill in the spring of 2000 to work at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre as the Program Coordinator. I was lucky enough to participate in a Polar Bear Behavior research project with Kim Daley (2002-2004) and spent two summers as the Summer Research Technician (2003-2004). By late 2004, I officially became a Churchill resident when my partner Matt and I purchased a small remote cabin at Spruce Ridge (about 6km West of the CNSC). In 2006, I completed my Bachelor͛s degree and became the Full Time Research Technician at the CNSC. It was an exciting time to be working here, as the plans for the new building were truly becoming a reality. After the Grand Opening of the new CNSC facility (2011), I took a small hiatus from Churchill to live in Thompson, Manitoba. Over the course of the following 5 years I completed an Apprenticeship Program, was awarded a Red Seal as a Power Electrician and started a Family. After my son Mason was born, we wanted more than anything to raise him in the North, so I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to return to the CNSC as Assistant Maintenance Supervisor/Rocket Green Manager.

As a Winnipegger, I grew up camping, biking, gardening and exploring nature with my wonderful family. I loved being active and being outdoors, which led to my sports career as a member of Canada’s Sprint Canoe National team. I was very lucky to explore the world through it’s lakes and rivers, and have been honoured to compete with Team Canada at numerous World Championships all across the globe. As I grew and lived these experiences, I quickly realized that not everyone grew up having the privilege of spending time outdoors and learning about the need for sustainable development, as I did. As a result, I shifted my focus and am working towards a B.Sc. in Environmental Science at the University of Manitoba in order to better help the fight against the climate crisis. I feel as though there is nothing more rewarding than working towards a greener, and more food secure future, with the Sustainability team here at CNSC. I am very excited to be at CNSC and working on such innovative and impactful projects, such as rocket greens, in my home province and in a town as exciting as Churchill.