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.
Chief of maintenance
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.
Fleet & Facilities assistant
Richard fredlund
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.
Program Assistant
Marika Breton
I grew up in Quebec, Canada. After getting my bachelor’s degree in biology, my passion for travelling and wildlife conservation led me to find field work experiences around the world for non-profit organizations. From monitoring nesting sea turtles in Costa Rica to projects in the South African bushveld, my next step led me to the CNSC. I am excited ot have the opportunity to explore this unique subarctic environment and expand my knowledge on the different species found while learning about the challenges faced by both the people and the wildlife living in the area.
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 to become a sustainability technician and learn how to grow leafy greens in the centre’s hydroponic unit. I graduated with a degree in sustainability studies from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns!), which is what sparked my interest in local food systems, agroecology, and intersectional environmentalism.
After graduation, I switched paths to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and was involved in Mexican grey wolf, American red wolf, and black-footed cat recovery efforts. I also worked seasonally as a wildlife rehabber. My favorite animals to work with are maned wolves, porcupines, and nighthawks!
After leaving the wildlife field to return to my educational “roots” in sustainability, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to head to Churchill. Since my early teens I had always wanted to go north! I’m very grateful to be living in a town as unique and beautiful as this one, and hope to learn all I can about the community in the upcoming months.
seasonal Sustainability Technician
Sidney Chapman
I grew up in my hometown of York Landing until I eventually moved to Churchill to finish school, I enjoy practicing my guitar and learning about auto motives, working at CNSC has been a blast to learning how to treat plants and learning about compost, I have been working her since June 2025
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!
meet our
Dedicated Board
- Chair Michael Goodyear – Member at Large (Churchill)
- Vice-Chair Michel Leclaire– University College of the North
- Executive at Large Jay Maillet – University of Winnipeg
- Treasurer James Roth – CNSC User
- Secretary Bruce Erickson – University of Manitoba
- Executive-at-large James Kushny – Director at Large (General)
- Pete Whittington – Brandon University
- Dave Allcorn – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Judy Wilson-Director at Large (General)
- Shawn Manning – Duke of Marlborough School
- John Hrominchuk – Churchill Chamber of Commerce
- Stephen Peterson – Director at Large (General)
- Gregory Stroud– Parks Canada Agency
- Verna Flett – Town of Churchill
- Timothy Poole – Manitoba Conservation
- Carley Basler – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Meg McGimpsey – Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy
- Open Seat – Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations
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.