Leadership Team

Protecting the beauty and diversity of life on Earth – that’s the mission that has underpinned my entire adult life thus far, and it’s what fuels my enthusiasm for the role of President at Birds Canada. A biologist by training, I have a boundless fascination with animal behaviour (including migrations of course), and have had the great privilege of leading environmental non-profits for over a decade. Not a day goes by where I’m not reminded that North America has lost one in four birds since 1970 – three billion birds. My pledge to you is to work tirelessly to stop that catastrophe in its tracks.

I am a wildlife biologist and conservation professional with over 25 years of experience in the environmental field.I’ve worked on conservation, wildlife research, and educational programs throughout my career, and written publications on a diversity of topics – from birds and reptiles to native plants and watershed ecology. I have directed projects for Ontario Nature, Long Point Basin Land Trust, and the Québec-Labrador Foundation, and have served in a number of senior roles at Birds Canada.

I draw inspiration and rejuvenation from interacting with the natural world – the wilder and more remote, the stronger the inspiration. I have broad interests in avian monitoring and conservation, which includes experience with estimation of demographic parameters, conservation planning, species-habitat modeling, and bioacoustics monitoring. I was awarded a Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan where my studies examined the role of dispersal in population dynamics of breeding Ross’s Geese. For over 20 years, my professional experience has lain primarily in the realm of water-loving birds. I was drawn to the conservation profession seeing a need to protect wildlife and the places where wild critters live.

I have always been passionate about the environment and feel like my true self when immersed in nature – whether it be hiking, canoeing, scuba diving, or birding. After an early career switch from the humanitarian research sector, I spent several years coordinating biological monitoring projects focused on endangered species in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and back home in Ontario. In addition to hands-on work with birds, turtles, snakes, manatees, and benthic invertebrates, I have also been active in local communities to study the many complex human-environment relationships that promote or deter positive conservation action. I absolutely love birding and continue to learn more about local and migratory species as a volunteer at a local bird banding project.

I began exploring the natural world while in the womb, and have been birding since the age of two. In my current role, I’m responsible for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Long Point Bird Observatory, Thunder Cape Bird Observatory, and aspects of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network. I hold degrees from the University of Guelph and Western University. Formerly, I served as President of the Ontario Bird Banding Association and Chair of the North American Banding Council. I live in Port Rowan with my wife and two children.

The nature of my discipline has made me very aware of the interesting challenges that come with balancing human needs with natural resource protection. By studying birds, and protecting them now and for the future, we have a great way to ensure the protection of other species, including ourselves. Birds can allow us to rectify the disconnect between scientists and the general public. As people from all walks of life can connect over bird watching, birds can provide an avenue where we can have those difficult conversations about conservation that need to be had. This is particularly true in my work in Ontario with aerial insectivores, the Breeding Bird Survey, and the Breeding Bird Atlas.

I have had an interest in the natural world for longer than I can remember, and I was still quite young when this interest rather abruptly transformed into a focus, and passion for birds. As a teen, I gained the opportunity to be a part of the Young Ornithologist Workshop led by Long Point Bird Observatory, and subsequently spent a season volunteering at the observatory. In 2015, I was granted my first official position with Birds Canada as a field technician conducting field work targeting forest birds at risk in Southern Ontario. I loved the work, and the birds I was working with, and continued working with those wonderful forest birds almost annually until 2022, when I accepted a new position for Birds Canada in Saskatchewan. Now working as the Grassland Program Biologist, I have the opportunity to work with some of Canada’s most vulnerable, and charismatic bird species. I am eager to do my part in assisting protect Canada’s birds, habitats, and its biodiversity.

I believe that true change starts with the community, and that given the information and resources, small communities can achieve big conservation outcomes. I studied effects of intensive forestry on Three-toed Woodpeckers, Brown Creeper, and other dead-wood dependent birds. After earning a PhD in ecology from the University of Sherbrooke, QC, where I studied reproductive phenology in eastern grey kangaroos in Australia, I returned home to New Brunswick and to birds. An animal ecologist by study, I have focused my career on conservation planning, gaining training and experience in applying the Open Standards for Conservation Planning through community and science-driven knowledge. I hope to help Birds Canada and partners better connect to communities to find the best conservation solutions for people and for birds.

As a fourth generation lobster fisher I grew up on the seashore and lived from the sea. This gave me a great respect for all that lives in coastal areas. After making a choice to pursue environmental studies I got my first summer job working to protect the endangered Piping Plovers that nest on the beaches of my home province of New Brunswick. I was hooked. From the time I started working with Piping Plovers in 1995 I’ve had the privilege of helping to protect the coastal habitats that I hold so dear. And the birds whose survival depends on coastal habitats have inspired the way I communicate this passion to the people that share my attraction to these remarkable places. It’s been a dream come true to spend so much time on beaches, dunes and in marshes. Getting to know the birds that live there and sharing this passion with the thousands that would join our guided walks and special presentations throughout the years has given me a sense of accomplishment that can’t be measured.

I was already in my 20s when I first fell in love with birds, and after learning their songs during a university work term I was shocked and delighted at how much the world opened up around me; a walk in nature truly is never the same again.I have always been passionate about conservation, and I find a particular satisfaction in knowing that my work at Birds Canada has a tangible effect on both birds and the rest of the creatures with which they share their habitats. While my main role is to lead the field season looking for the enigmatic Bicknell's Thrush, I have the pleasure of working in various capacities for almost all of the the Atlantic programs including Motus, Marsh Monitoring, the Nocturnal Owl Survey, and the Newfoundland Breeding Bird Atlas.

Being a naturalist I enjoy hiking in any of our great Canadian seasons. I have worked in my current position at Birds Canada for over a decade. During this time have had the fortuity to observe the advancement and betterment of Birds Canada and to have worked on numerous projects across the country. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization engaged in the guardianship of wild birds and their habitats.

My job brings together two of the things I’m most passionate about – ornithology and science outreach. I believe strongly in the importance of Citizen Science, and I’m eagerly anticipating working with volunteers across Newfoundland to make the province’s first breeding bird atlas happen. I recently completed a Ph.D. studying migration patterns in Western Bluebirds breeding in British Columbia, and am now enjoying learning all about the birds of Newfoundland!

My connection to birds comes from the love of the outdoors and leafing through North American field guides as a kid. My background is in Environmental Sciences but my professional career has been in software development, specifically web based data visualizations. My role at Birds Canada as a web developer is to help grow NatureCounts (naturecounts.ca) and the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (motus.org).

While I like software development, I especially enjoy being able to pursue it in a relatively untouched natural area instead of a downtown city core.I’m a software developer currently devoting my time to the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, a collaborative research network that is improving our knowledge of the movements of birds and other animals. My parents were involved in founding Long Point Bird Observatory, which later spawned Birds Canada, so I have a long history with the organization.

I am an avid supporter of conservation, habitat stewardship, and biodiversity, in the strength of grassroots community actions, and that each individual can make a difference. I spent my childhood in Long Point, Ontario next to the Big Creek National Wildlife Area. There I formed a great love for boating, wetlands, wildlife, and all things aquatic. I hold an H.B.Sc. in Wildlife Ecology and Environmental Studies from the University of Guelph, a M.Sc.F in Wildlife Management from Lakehead University and Volunteer Management accreditation from Humber College. Past work in tourism, retail, raptor and duck research and data management as well as experience collaborating with Citizen Scientists has led me to my present job. My three beautiful and almost adult children have taught me that yes, your beliefs can be instilled in the next generation and that this is hope for our future.

I have always been drawn to nature; whether I was collecting beetles in my lunch kit or spending hours looking for snakes, nature was a big part of my childhood. After completing a diploma in Environmental and Wildlife Management I began working on avian monitoring projects and was immediately hooked. I went on to complete a BSc in Environmental Biology from McGill University where I received the Tomlinson engagement award for mentoring. I enjoy interacting with people and sharing my love of nature, a trait which serves me well in my current role. This work allows me to help others learn about birds while also affording me time alone in nature, both of which keep me inspired. I do what I do in the hopes that I can motivate others to help protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on.

I spent much of my childhood out in nature; camping, hiking, and exploring, which sparked my belief in the need for conservation of our natural world. It wasn’t until a volunteer opportunity working with Wood Thrush in Ontario after completing my Bachelor degree in Wildlife Biology that my eyes (and ears!) were opened to the world of birds. Having completed a Masters degree studying Gray-cheeked Thrush distribution in Newfoundland, I am keen to keep exploring the remoteness and resilience of the birds there. My position with Birds Canada gives me that opportunity, as well as a greater opportunity to share this wonderful avian world with our amazing host of volunteers!

After 8 years of work experience with forest birds in eastern Canada – including coordinating the Atlantic Nocturnal Owl Survey and the High Elevation Landbird Program –, I am now thrilled to dedicate my energy to monitoring, research and conservation projects related to western birds. Since I was very young, my passion for wildlife and birds has never faded. Before joining Birds Canada, I obtained my MSc in Ecology in the south of France, and then a PhD at Université de Moncton, NB. I have always been fascinated by the great enthusiasm for birds of Canadian volunteers, and by their considerable investment in collecting important data for science and conservation! This motivates me even more to run and deliver our Citizen Science programs, as well as various education and research projects in BC, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

I was initially inspired to get involved in conservation science after working on research relating to invasive species and human impacts on aquatic ecosystems during my undergraduate degree. While pursuing an academic career in environmental science, my appreciation for and connection with nature has continued to grow and has allowed me to connect with others who share this same passion. I am constantly inspired by friends and colleagues in this field of work and am so grateful to be a part of the Birds Canada team. I am excited to be involved with the Key Biodiversity Areas Program and contribute to the work of identifying these areas that are so important for national and global biodiversity.

My role is coordinating the Key Biodiversity Areas Program for Birds Canada. I get to work with partners, experts, government, Indigenous peoples, and more on transitioning our Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas to KBAs. I am lucky to work with enthusiastic, dedicated people to identify the most important places for biodiversity in Canada. Identifying these amazing places is the first step to meaningful conservation. I have a background in Environmental Studies and Biology, and have worked with birds, bats, soil, and water. Connecting with nature is what motivates me to work in conservation. I hope to give the next generation the same (or better) opportunity to experience the beauty of nature I’ve enjoyed my whole life.

I first fell in love with birds during my undergraduate degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology in the beautiful grassland interior of British Columbia. Since then my career has taken me across to country to study Chimney Swift Roost abundance in northern Ontario, Barn Swallow post-fledging ecology in southern Ontario for my Masters degree, and boreal landbird distribution and abundance in the Northwest Territories. During this time, I have developed many technical skills for the management and automation of count, acoustic, and spatial bird data. In my current role at Birds Canada I am a part of the Landscape Science and Conservation team where I work as GIS Spatial Analyst. Here I am able use my technical expertise to aid in the understanding and conservation of wild bird species.

My interest is in preventing habitat deterioration and animal population decline. Like many others, I am deeply saddened knowing that beautiful species have become extinct and will never return to the earth because of lack of planning and human comprehension.I am passionate about geospatial technologies and applying them to improve the world around us. I firmly believe that making decisions based on geography is basic to human thinking.My academic knowledge and experience is in Ecology, Digital Geography and GIS, Database Management, Web GIS, GIS mobile apps, automation, and spatial data collection. For more than 12 years, I have applied GIS technologies to a variety of studies including environmental impact assessments, natural heritage studies, socioeconomic, aboriginal, land use studies, wetland delineation, hydrogeology, hydrology, and animal population dynamics among others.Being part of Birds Canada, I have the opportunity to work for a science-based organization and contribute my experience and knowledge to conserve wild birds and prevent their extinction.

Having spent many years witnessing the miracle of avian migration I continue to be both humbled and inspired by how we fit on this planet. For the past 6 years I have been the Program Coordinator of Thunder Cape Bird Observatory. I recruit and train Volunteers in bird handling and manage the operation of our robust protocol for both of our spring and autumn seasons on the north shore of Lake Superior. During breeding season geo tagging Grey-cheeked Thrush and Blackpoll Warblers has drawn me to Newfoundland and Labrador. Perhaps with information gleaned by my efforts we humans can learn from the myriad of avian species crossing geographical and human boundaries. Their precious presence and perseverance reflects the best of our abilities.

I have been interested in birds from a very young age. This interest grew into a passion during my studies at Trent University. After graduating, I volunteered at Long Point Bird Observatory and I was hooked. I went on to work as the Program Coordinator for the observatory and enjoyed incorporating education and outreach into the work I do as much as possible. Currently, as the Ontario Projects Biologist I am able to provide contributions to numerous Birds Canada projects including the Forest Birds at Risk Program, Forest Bird Monitoring Program, and the Long Point Bird Observatory. I am very excited to be collecting data that guide conservation policy and garner a deep understanding of bird behaviour and ecology.

I grew up in rural Eastern Ontario, where I developed a keen interest in observing and learning about the wonderful birds that inhabit Canada. After completing my degree in Biology, I pursued communications roles in environmental and sustainability organizations. I have been following Birds Canada and its amazing initiatives and programs for many years. Now, I am excited to apply my passion for birds in a professional capacity as a Bilingual Communications Coordinator here at Birds Canada.

I grew up in the bustling city of Manila, Philippines and often watched the Pied Fantails forage around the neighbour’s garden. Upon moving to Canada, I’ve completed a Biological Sciences degree from Simon Fraser University and have embarked on numerous science communication roles. In my current role, I support the Birds Canada team through photography, videography, social media, outreach and connecting minority communities to birds and the natural world.

I hail from a small town in southern Ontario. I’m very passionate about my career at Birds Canada, and it shows. I’ve worked here for over 25 years maintaining the member/donor database. Working for Birds Canada has been very inspirational, learning something new every day about birds. Their beauty, their serenading calls, are majestic and should not be taken for granted. As a wife, mother, and now grand-mother, I take great pride in my family role too. When I’m not spending time with my family or working, my favourite thing to do is gardening and crafts.

I grew up on the shores of Lake Wanapitei in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, and developed a passion for nature and observing wildlife in their natural habitat, including my favourite bird, the Common Loon.I’m honoured to work with such a passionate group who is dedicated to bird conservation using sound science and evidence-based research.

I grew up in northern Ontario, in the boreal forest, and have long been passionate about conservation of our wild places. I am a former photo agent, and have worked with multiple news and photo archives over the course of my career, including archives dedicated to natural history. I also have experience in HR and Finance roles, and am thrilled to use these skills to push the mandate of Birds Canada forward: conservation!