Our Team
the People of CNSC
meet our
Skilled Staff
We work closely as a tight-knit team, keeping our staffing costs low and directing as much funding as we can to our mission.
Executive Director
Dylan McCart
Dylan McCart is no stranger to Churchill, as he studied at CNSC through the University of Manitoba, researching the effect of climate change on local vegetation. He visited many times following his formal education.
“I have loved Churchill since my first visit here. The atmosphere is vibrant and it’s such an inspiring place. I feel privileged to join the community.”
Dylan began at CNSC in January after spending nearly a decade studying polar bears, including the coordination and facilitation of research efforts in Northern Ontario. He is currently earning his Master’s degree in polar bear endocrinology.
Special Projects Assistant & Bookkeeper
Kim Daley
I was born and raised in Massachusetts and first came to Churchill in 1997 as an educator with the Great Bear Foundation of Missoula, Montana. After graduating from the University of Montana with a B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology in 1999, I conducted an independent research project on polar bear behaviour and tourism at Gordon Point and was a field biologist for the Born Free Foundation’s Orphan Polar Bear Cub Project (1999-2009).
I began working for the CNSC first as a volunteer in 2002 and then as a contract fundraiser. I have been in my current position as a Special Projects Assistant and Bookkeeper since 2007.
In 2010 I became a dual citizen of the US and Canada. I live remotely in my cabin at Camp Nanuq (4 km west of the CNSC) and enjoy hunting, fishing, ice fishing, boating, snowmobiling, hiking, snow shoeing and live music.
Field Station Coordinator
Michlynn Gulik
I was born and raised in Winnipeg. As a child I was able to come to Churchill to visit family and in the summer of the 2002 I was asked to come up and help with the family business for the summer. Luckily for me, I have been here ever since.
Churchill is such an amazing place to live not only for its natural beauty & wildlife but the closeness of the community as well. My husband and I have raised our 4 children here and are very thankful for that.
I am happy to be a part of the CNSC team and look forward to settling into my role as the Field Station Coordinator.
Research Technician Manager
Joni Reimer
I first came to Churchill in May of 2021 to work as a Research Technician at the CNSC for the summer. I fell in love with the rugged beauty of the ever-changing landscape, but went back to Winnipeg to finish my last semester for my degree.
After graduating in December 2021 with a degree in Environmental Studies and Soil Science from the University of Manitoba, I felt that my time in Churchill wasn’t done and returned.
Growing up backcountry camping, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling in Northwestern Ontario is what initially sparked my interest in a career centered around environmental science. I enjoy getting my hands dirty in a wide variety of research projects and experiments, and having a deeper understanding of the natural environment around me.
As the Research Technician Manager, my goal is to support researchers and provide them with the tools they need conduct field or lab work safely and effectively.
Research Technician
Dania Meeko
Hello, I’m Dania, I grew up in Sanikiluaq Nunavut, a small community located on the north coast of Flaherty Island, on the Hudson Bay.
I moved to Churchill Manitoba in 2011. I fell in love going out in the land and learning about the northern ecosystems, plants/trees, and animals, so I joined Junior Canadian Rangers to expand my knowledge of going out on the land and the basics of permafrost and plants. With this little bit of knowledge from the JCR’s and some community members I have worked various jobs within the community, learning new things about the history of Churchill and the environment.
I joined the team here at the CNSC to learn more about the ecosystem and environmental sides of nature and plants, so I could teach the kids in the community that there are a lot of options to choose for a career here in Churchill. I look forward to learning and exploring more research topics from everyone that comes to Churchill.
Seasonal Research Technician
Drew Thomson
I grew up in Lindsay, ON and completed my degree in Environmental Biology at the University of Guelph. During my degree I took a field-course on Arctic Ecology at the CNSC and have been dreaming about getting back to Churchill ever since!
My experience in this field-course, along with multiple seasons spent working as a tree planter in the BC wilderness, solidified my passion for remote living and learning about the North. I have always had a strong sense of adventure and try to take every opportunity that I can get to have a unique experience.
In my free time you can find me outside exploring nature with my dog, Tuna. One of my strengths as a researcher is problem-solving in the field.
As part of the CNSC Science Team my goal is to support research that is both relevant to the world we live in today and to the future.
Program Coordinator
Alex Berg
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.
Program Assistant
Kristi Batstone
Hi, I was born and raised in Churchill where I grew up learning how to hunt, fish and spend quality time on the land with my family. After graduating from high school at Duke of Marlborough, I moved to Winnipeg to attend post secondary school at the University of Manitoba.
After 5 long years of being away from home, I was given the opportunity to come work at the CNSC which not only allows me to reconnect with friends and family but also learn more in depth about my home and the unique environment I grew up in. This role also allows me to teach others about my special home and share passion for the community.
Sustainability Coordinator
Fiona Rettie
Hi, I’m Fiona. I grew up just outside Timmins, ON. and spent most of my life in Winnipeg before arriving in Churchill. Growing up in a small town in northern Ontario, I developed a passion for people, community, and the outdoors at an early age.
I quickly fell in love with the town of Churchill and the people who live here when I arrived in 2018, and my growing understanding of the complex challenges we face in the North led me to pursue this role with the CNSC in Sustainability after returning to town in 2020.
My formal education is in Psychology and Urban & Inner City Studies, and my professional experience is in communications, programming and outreach.
I am so excited to connect further with Churchillians to build creative, accessible and sustainable ways to live and eat in our community for years to come. If you have feedback or questions about Rocket Greens, please send me a message any time.
Sustainability Technician
Jenna Leith
Hi, I’m Jenna. I grew up just outside the town of Arthur, Ontario on a hobby farm with many animals. I grew up camping in Ontario’s provincial parks in the summers and playing hockey in the winters.
I completed my degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph and was lucky enough to do an exchange semester abroad in Penang, Malaysia. My last two summers were spent tree planting in BC while living in a remote bush camp.
This spring, I graduated with a certificate in Ecosystem Restoration and was looking for a new challenge in the environmental field. I enjoy travelling to new places and adapting to conditions completely different from what I’m used to, so coming to Churchill to work at the CNSC is my most recent adventure.
I have always had a passion for sustainable agriculture and food systems, so I am thrilled to join the sustainability team. I’m very excited to learn more about northern food systems and local ecology.
Fleet & Facilities Supervisor
Brian Gulik
Brian Gulick is our Maintenance Tech. He has lived in Churchill since he was 4 years old. Brian has worked many years in the tour industry in the mechanical sector. He knows the challenges of working outside in below freezing temperatures with many limitations due to the remoteness of our community. Brian is an outdoors man. In his free time if he’s not fixing skidoos and four wheelers, he is out on the land riding them. If you see Brian on site, take a minute to say hi and ask about one of his many adventures in the north.
Housekeeper
Sharon Yassie
Hi I’m Sharon and I had worked at the Aurora Inn for 13 years before joining the CNSC in June 2011. I enjoys meeting the guests and volunteers from all over the world. I was born and raised in the community of Churchill and like to travel when possible. Working at the CNSC is a good fit as I am frequently surrounded by all our travelling guests!
Assistant to the Executive Director
Fluke McCart
Fluke has been named Employee of the Month every month since the beginning of his employment.
meet our
Dedicated Board
- Chair Rob Penner – University College of the North
- Vice-Chair Michael Goodyear – Member at Large (Churchill)
- Treasurer James Roth – CNSC User
- Secretary Bruce Erickson – University of Winnipeg
- Executive-at-large James Kushny- Director at Large (General)
- Chris Storie – University of Winnipeg
- Dave Allcorn – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Judy Wilson-Director at Large (General)
- Shawn Manning – Duke of Marlborough School
- John Hrominchuk – Churchill Chamber of Commerce
- Karen Blackbourn – Parks Canada Agency
- Pete Whittington – Brandon University
- Joanne Stover – Town of Churchill
- Bryan Stefaniuk – Manitoba Conservation
- Louise Lawrie – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Open Seat – Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations
- Open Seat – Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy
Interested in joining the team? Check out our current job opportunities and be on the lookout for future postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can also get hands-on work experience at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in a three-week Volunteer Expedition.