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 the 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 of 2022 after spending over a decade studying polar bears, including the coordination and facilitation of research efforts in Northern Ontario. 

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.

Fleet and facilities coordinator

Brian gulick

I have lived in Churchill since I was four years old. I have worked many years in the tourism industry in the mechanical sector. I know 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.

Research coordinator

lara grevstad

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA. After graduating with a B.A. in Ecology, I spent several years working as a botany and wildlife technician in Alaska, Wyoming, and the Dominican Republic.

While in Alaska I had the opportunity to visit the Arctic to assist with a research project on tundra plants and I have loved the tundra and taiga ever since.

I moved to Canada to pursue an MSc at the University of British Columbia. My research focused on how tundra plant traits respond to experimental warming in the High Arctic. My interest in research and northern ecosystems brought me to Churchill where you can find me crocheting, playing softball, and looking for cool plants.

RESEARCH Technician

madison crumpton

Like most folks who migrate to Churchill, I was drawn in by life in the North, the landscape and the wildlife. Originally born and raised in Southern Ontario, I attended post-secondary for Tourism programming and continued on to Ecosystem Management, having always had a keen interest in ecology.

As a student my summers were spent working for Ontario Parks easily supporting my enthusiasm for the outdoors. Naturalist by day, hiker/paddler by night. After school I made my way out West to explore Canada a bit more where I worked for the Alberta Government as a Forest Ranger and then made my way a little more north to Whitehorse, YT. Working at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, I was part of a small team helping with wildlife care, rehabilitation, and education. This fostered a relatively healthy obsession with caribou from working with them frequently and I will happily discuss them with anyone who is willing to listen!

In my spare time you’ll find me trying to photosynthesize any time the sun is out (maybe even sometimes at work), or hanging out with other people’s dogs.

Program Coordinator

ashley watts

Bio coming soon!

Program assistant

faith carnegie

I grew up in southern Manitoba, dedicating my weekends and summers exploring everything that southern Manitoba has to offer from Narcisse Snake Dens to Grand Beach. My ultimate goal is to visit every provincial park in Manitoba. Despite my goal my journeys never made it farther north than Gimli -until now. After graduating university with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Business I took the opportunity to start exploring Manitoba’s northern expense, by taking a job in the spectacular town of Churchill!

I was attracted to Churchill because of the beluga whales, kayaking with the whales was high up on my bucket list! However, my favorite memory so far of my time here in Churchill is not kayaking but it’s picking cranberries. After spending an afternoon looking for cranberries with no luck right at sunset I stumbled upon a very plentiful patch. The excitement of finally finding cranberries after looking for so long was amplified by the closeness to the river, where the sound of belugas echoed. 

Sustainability Coordinator

Jayden chapman

I grew up in Manitoba and have spent my life visiting family up in Churchill and eventually moved here myself. I now live remotely at Camp Nanuk (4km from the CNSC) and I enjoy berry picking, and exploring Churchill’s hidden gems by either snowmobiling or four wheeling, and kayaking with the belugas! I also enjoy painting, reading, and gardening (traditionally and hydroponically), which led me to apply for the Sustainability Coordinator position here at the CNSC.  
This job has been very rewarding being able to help my community with food security and being able to provide everyone with fresh greens they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. With plenty of ideas for this department I’m excited to continue working with the CNSC and the community in the future. 

Sustainability technician

KatE branson

I spent my entire life in Texas until I made the move to Churchill in 2023 to become a sustainability technician and learn how to grow leafy greens in the centre’s hydroponic unit. I love drawing, hiking, and spending time with my pup. I am also passionate about local food systems, warm weather, and jalapeno poppers. 

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!

Housekeeper

Jada Omen

Bio coming soon!

first cook

tanya lystiuk

Bio coming soon!

meet our

Dedicated Board

  • Chair Michael Goodyear – Member at Large (Churchill)
  • Vice-Chair Pete Whittington – Brandon University
  • 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)
  • Michele Leclaire– University College of the North
  • Shawn Manning – Duke of Marlborough School
  • John Hrominchuk – Churchill Chamber of Commerce
  • Gregory Stroud– Parks Canada Agency
  • Verna Flett – 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

CBN: 100966175RR0001

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.