Haley Guest (she/her)
Chair - Nova Scotia
Haley resides on the Atlantic coast in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral unceded land of the Mi’kmaq people. She believes in working in community to build equitable systems for living in harmony with the Earth.
She has completed research on ocean literacy (Guest et al 2014) and public perceptions of marine protection (Lotze et al 2018), and has supported and coordinated pan-Canadian projects and initiatives with multi-level stakeholders, and has worked in community-based nature interpretation centres.
As Manager of Education and Engagement at Clean Foundation, Haley works to advance environmental literacy in Nova Scotia through programming for youth and educators that provides experiences, knowledge, and tools to take action in their own lives and communities. Haley holds a B.Sc from Dalhousie University and an MA (Environmental Education & Communication) from Royal Roads University.
She has completed research on ocean literacy (Guest et al 2014) and public perceptions of marine protection (Lotze et al 2018), and has supported and coordinated pan-Canadian projects and initiatives with multi-level stakeholders, and has worked in community-based nature interpretation centres.
As Manager of Education and Engagement at Clean Foundation, Haley works to advance environmental literacy in Nova Scotia through programming for youth and educators that provides experiences, knowledge, and tools to take action in their own lives and communities. Haley holds a B.Sc from Dalhousie University and an MA (Environmental Education & Communication) from Royal Roads University.
Ryan Benson (he/him)
Vice Chair - Yukon
Ryan hails from Whitehorse on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. He is the Environmental Education Specialist for the Government of Yukon. Working with both scientists and educators, Ryan’s role is to promote a sense of stewardship and conservation in the territories’ youth. He accomplishes this through the EnviroWild Program which offers educator training, in school and on-the-land programming for K-12 students.
He sees EECOM as an important hub for connecting passionate educators across Canada. The more we share perspectives, challenges, and successes from coast to coast to coast the closer we move to a more sustainable and thriving society. Ryan’s current interests: The intersections of outdoor, environmental and experiential education (OE3); learning networks; climate change in northern environments; incorporating First Nation Ways of Knowing Doing and Being into Yukon’s Environmental Education initiatives.
He sees EECOM as an important hub for connecting passionate educators across Canada. The more we share perspectives, challenges, and successes from coast to coast to coast the closer we move to a more sustainable and thriving society. Ryan’s current interests: The intersections of outdoor, environmental and experiential education (OE3); learning networks; climate change in northern environments; incorporating First Nation Ways of Knowing Doing and Being into Yukon’s Environmental Education initiatives.
Shannon Harding (she/her)
Treasurer - Nova Scotia
Shannon Harding studied both Education and Environmental and Resource Science at Trent University, but credits her passion for the environment to outdoor exploration as a child, as well as some inspiring educators she met along the way. Shannon has previously worked in the field of Environmental Education as a classroom teacher, a college vice-principal, a science centre manager and as the Director of Education for a large eNGO. Currently, as CEO of Junior Achievement Nova Scotia, she continues to look at how environment, sustainability and climate can be taught through an entrepreneurship lens. Shannon lives in the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Mi’kmaq people.
Shannon’s current interests: Being an excellent chauffeur to her three very active kiddos, education policy and practice; experiential/inquiry/place-based education; education for sustainability; learning competencies; governance; teacher education; cross-curricular approaches to teaching and learning.
Shannon’s current interests: Being an excellent chauffeur to her three very active kiddos, education policy and practice; experiential/inquiry/place-based education; education for sustainability; learning competencies; governance; teacher education; cross-curricular approaches to teaching and learning.
Danika Strecko (she/her)
Secretary - British Columbia
Danika Strecko lives, teaches, and learns on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
As Senior Manager, Education at the Vancouver Aquarium, Danika’s work expands the reach and engagement of youth in environmental literacy, stewardship, and career pathways supporting VAQ’s mission to conserve aquatic life through rescue, research, conservation and education.
Her experience teaching high school sciences makes her a keen collaborator with students and teachers about how to inspire learners of all ages to solve environmental challenges. Her work includes helping to launch and implement Project Learning Tree’s Forest Literacy Framework for both US and Canadian audiences. Danika earned a Master of Educational Technology, B.Ed., and B.Sc. from the University of British Columbia.
As Senior Manager, Education at the Vancouver Aquarium, Danika’s work expands the reach and engagement of youth in environmental literacy, stewardship, and career pathways supporting VAQ’s mission to conserve aquatic life through rescue, research, conservation and education.
Her experience teaching high school sciences makes her a keen collaborator with students and teachers about how to inspire learners of all ages to solve environmental challenges. Her work includes helping to launch and implement Project Learning Tree’s Forest Literacy Framework for both US and Canadian audiences. Danika earned a Master of Educational Technology, B.Ed., and B.Sc. from the University of British Columbia.
Emma Ausford (she/her)
Director - Alberta
Emma Ausford is a dedicated advocate for creative environmental education. As the Director of Education and Outreach at Fuse, a science-based communication firm in Edmonton, Alberta, she channels her passion for connecting people to the natural world into innovative and engaging projects. With over 15 years of experience at various environmental education centers, Emma brings a wealth of expertise in delivering meaningful and memorable interpretation programs.
Before joining Fuse, Emma spent more than a decade coordinating the award-winning environmental education program at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, where she helped inspire a love of nature in countless students and families. Emma holds an M.A. in Environmental Education and Communication and a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, biking, and exploring the outdoors with her three young children. A nature enthusiast at heart, Emma is passionate about fostering curiosity and connection with the environment in all aspects of her life.
Before joining Fuse, Emma spent more than a decade coordinating the award-winning environmental education program at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, where she helped inspire a love of nature in countless students and families. Emma holds an M.A. in Environmental Education and Communication and a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, biking, and exploring the outdoors with her three young children. A nature enthusiast at heart, Emma is passionate about fostering curiosity and connection with the environment in all aspects of her life.
Dr. Anju Bajaj (she/her)
Director - Manitoba
Dr. Anju Bajaj is an award-winning educator, scientist, and advocate for environmental and STEM education. With over two decades of experience in science education and research, she has been instrumental in advancing inquiry-based learning and building community partnerships. Dr. Bajaj's exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, a nomination for the Empower Women Awards from the Manitoba Status of Women Secretariat, and the Science Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (STAM) Outstanding Science Educator Award.
She actively participates on various committees and advisory boards, contributing to national and international science fairs, sustainability initiatives, and teacher professional development. As a dedicated leader in environmental education, Dr. Bajaj is committed to empowering educators and students to integrate sustainability and ecological literacy into their learning experiences.
She actively participates on various committees and advisory boards, contributing to national and international science fairs, sustainability initiatives, and teacher professional development. As a dedicated leader in environmental education, Dr. Bajaj is committed to empowering educators and students to integrate sustainability and ecological literacy into their learning experiences.
Janna Barkman (she/her)
Director - Manitoba
Janna, a dedicated educator with 16 years of experience, seeks ways to connect with her community, the earth, and herself through being in natural spaces. As a teacher-adviser at the Met School in Winnipeg, she champions environmental and climate justice education, seamlessly integrating it into curricular frameworks to foster creative and critical thinking among her students. Within the big picture learning paradigm, she orchestrates projects that align students' passions and curiosities with community initiatives, anchoring her approach in ecojustice principles.
Janna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto and a Master of Development Practice from the University of Winnipeg. Before teaching, Janna developed and facilitated environmental learning programs at institutions such as FortWhyte Alive, Momenta, and Evergreen Brickworks. Her work and research pursuits have taken her to a variety of natural spaces, from Northern Manitoba to downtown Toronto and to rural India.
As a mother of two young children, Janna is committed to raising them alongside her partner and family, instilling a deep sense of environmental and social responsibility while nurturing their awe and appreciation for the natural world's wonders.
Janna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto and a Master of Development Practice from the University of Winnipeg. Before teaching, Janna developed and facilitated environmental learning programs at institutions such as FortWhyte Alive, Momenta, and Evergreen Brickworks. Her work and research pursuits have taken her to a variety of natural spaces, from Northern Manitoba to downtown Toronto and to rural India.
As a mother of two young children, Janna is committed to raising them alongside her partner and family, instilling a deep sense of environmental and social responsibility while nurturing their awe and appreciation for the natural world's wonders.
Natalie Graveline (she/her)
Director - Alberta
Stephanie Doyle, PhD, OCT, is the Associate Director of Education at Earth Rangers/Éco Héros where she oversees Earth Rangers Homeroom, English and French-language educational resources and programming for educators.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education, she strongly believes in the importance and power of environmental education in bringing about positive change. Stephanie is very concerned about the eco-anxiety young people face today, and is committed to helping kids develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to take positive environmental action.
Stephanie’s current interests include: Eco-anxiety, climate justice, environmental stewardship projects, climate change, biodiversity, and SEL education as well as being outdoors - running, biking, hiking, or snowshoeing.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education, she strongly believes in the importance and power of environmental education in bringing about positive change. Stephanie is very concerned about the eco-anxiety young people face today, and is committed to helping kids develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to take positive environmental action.
Stephanie’s current interests include: Eco-anxiety, climate justice, environmental stewardship projects, climate change, biodiversity, and SEL education as well as being outdoors - running, biking, hiking, or snowshoeing.
Natalie Graveline (she/her)
Director - Alberta
Natalie Graveline is the Forest & Wildlife program lead at Inside Education, an Alberta-based non-profit that delivers environmental and natural resource education across the province. Based in Edmonton, she has a background in Conservation Biology and Secondary Education, and her passion is sharing her excitement about nature with young people, and empowering them to get involved in conservation and stewardship in their communities.
She has worked with Inside Education for over 6 years, and previously worked as a natural history interpreter for the City of Edmonton and Alberta Parks. At one point she had her goals set on becoming a high school science teacher, discovering the impact that could be made by bringing students outside and experiencing the natural world firsthand changed her trajectory towards a love for environmental education!
When she’s not in the forest you can find Natalie biking, swimming, and hanging out with her husband and her cat!
She has worked with Inside Education for over 6 years, and previously worked as a natural history interpreter for the City of Edmonton and Alberta Parks. At one point she had her goals set on becoming a high school science teacher, discovering the impact that could be made by bringing students outside and experiencing the natural world firsthand changed her trajectory towards a love for environmental education!
When she’s not in the forest you can find Natalie biking, swimming, and hanging out with her husband and her cat!
Leah Japp (she/her)
Director - Saskatchewan
Leah lives on a small farm in Treaty 4 Territory near Regina Saskatchewan where she works part-time as the Executive Director of SaskOutdoors, a non profit that focuses on outdoor and environmental education across Saskatchewan. Professionally Leah is particularly interested in connection to nature, land based education and outdoor play across the ages as well as ways to support educators and build community. On their farm, Leah and her family raise chickens, pigs, sheep, fruit and garden produce to feed their family (and some extra). Leah is interested in soil health and regenerative farming practices as a way to meld her interest in ecology and the environment with local food production. For the past 3 years their farm as been a part of the One School One Farm program in Saskatchewan.
Her family is very active with her children enjoying multiple sports and activities, primarily dance, biathlon and 4H. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking, pickleball, curling, traveling, swimming, sledding, board games and much more. Leah volunteers with 4H Saskatchewan and Qu’Appelle Valley Nordic Centre
Her family is very active with her children enjoying multiple sports and activities, primarily dance, biathlon and 4H. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking, pickleball, curling, traveling, swimming, sledding, board games and much more. Leah volunteers with 4H Saskatchewan and Qu’Appelle Valley Nordic Centre
Ellen Long (she/her)
Director - Ontario
Ellen is a settler on the unceeded, Unsurredered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people in what is now known as Ottawa. She works as the Director, Education and Forest Literacy to grow future forest and conservation leaders at Project Learning Tree Canada.
Ellen has over 14 years of experience designing, implementing, and leading education programs with leading non-profits across Canada. She holds a Master and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa.
Outside work, you will find Ellen in her garden, chasing her kids around a local park, or riding her bike.
Ellen has over 14 years of experience designing, implementing, and leading education programs with leading non-profits across Canada. She holds a Master and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa.
Outside work, you will find Ellen in her garden, chasing her kids around a local park, or riding her bike.
Laura Sims (she/her)
Director - Manitoba
Laura Sims resides in Winnipeg in Treaty 1 territory. She is a professor in the Faculty of Education, Université de Saint-Boniface.
In her research she specializes in education for sustainability in formal and non-formal learning contexts. In formal contexts, she looks at education for sustainability in pre-service teacher education in Canada. In non-formal contexts, she works with small-scale farmers in Latin America to understand the learning process involved in transitioning from conventional farming practices to more sustainable ones. Laura taught high school for 10 years. Laura loves playing outside, particularly enjoying wilderness camping, skating on the river trail, cross-country skiing, and cycling. She works, lives, and plays in English, French, and Spanish.
Laura values how EECOM brings together passionate individuals from all different educational contexts in the spirit of sharing to advance environmental and sustainability education.
In her research she specializes in education for sustainability in formal and non-formal learning contexts. In formal contexts, she looks at education for sustainability in pre-service teacher education in Canada. In non-formal contexts, she works with small-scale farmers in Latin America to understand the learning process involved in transitioning from conventional farming practices to more sustainable ones. Laura taught high school for 10 years. Laura loves playing outside, particularly enjoying wilderness camping, skating on the river trail, cross-country skiing, and cycling. She works, lives, and plays in English, French, and Spanish.
Laura values how EECOM brings together passionate individuals from all different educational contexts in the spirit of sharing to advance environmental and sustainability education.
Rochelle Strauss (she/her)
Director - Ontario
Rochelle Strauss is on a mission to change the world – one book at a time!
As an environmental educator and best-selling children’s author, Rochelle is dedicated to building environmental literacy and inspiring people to become active stewards of our planet. Through her work, she uses compelling storytelling to bring complex environmental issues to life, helping young people better understand the natural world and empowering them to make a positive impact. She has worked on a diversity of projects, both locally and globally, creating dynamic programs and inspiring learning experiences for organizations such as the Royal Ontario Museum, IOC-UNESCO, Bruce Mau Design (BioMuseo Panama), Girl Guides of Canada and the Ontario Science Centre. Rochelle’s books have won several awards, been translated globally and incorporated into curriculum in the US. The Global Ocean (Kids Can Press, 2022) is a UNESCO endorsed Ocean Decade Activity, and One Well: The Story of Water on Earth (Kids Can Press 2007) was selected as part of the UN’s SDG Book Club in support of SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. One Well has sold over half a million copies internationally. She has two new books arriving in 2026 and 2027.
Rochelle and her partner live in Toronto, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinabeg and the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Though she grew up a city girl, Rochelle is happiest when she is in, on or by the ocean.
As an environmental educator and best-selling children’s author, Rochelle is dedicated to building environmental literacy and inspiring people to become active stewards of our planet. Through her work, she uses compelling storytelling to bring complex environmental issues to life, helping young people better understand the natural world and empowering them to make a positive impact. She has worked on a diversity of projects, both locally and globally, creating dynamic programs and inspiring learning experiences for organizations such as the Royal Ontario Museum, IOC-UNESCO, Bruce Mau Design (BioMuseo Panama), Girl Guides of Canada and the Ontario Science Centre. Rochelle’s books have won several awards, been translated globally and incorporated into curriculum in the US. The Global Ocean (Kids Can Press, 2022) is a UNESCO endorsed Ocean Decade Activity, and One Well: The Story of Water on Earth (Kids Can Press 2007) was selected as part of the UN’s SDG Book Club in support of SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. One Well has sold over half a million copies internationally. She has two new books arriving in 2026 and 2027.
Rochelle and her partner live in Toronto, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinabeg and the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Though she grew up a city girl, Rochelle is happiest when she is in, on or by the ocean.
Anna-Lee Vienneau (she/they)
Director - New Brunswick
Anna-Lee, raised in Edmundston, NB, now resides near Fredericton on Wolastoqiyik territories with her family - wife Melissa, dog Gipsy, cat Mr. James Bond, and chickens. Her upbringing instilled a deep respect for nature, driving her commitment to environmental preservation.
Joining The Gaia Project in 2020, she launched the Green Experts Program to inspire youth towards meaningful green careers. With a social work degree, Anna-Lee began her career at a teen drop-in center, eventually becoming director, learning leadership intricacies through hands-on experience. With over a decade in the nonprofit sector, she aims to enhance EECOM's impactful work with fresh perspectives.
Beyond work, Anna-Lee finds joy in film photography, 2SLGBTQ+ projects, forest walks with Gipsy, and card games with her wife.
Joining The Gaia Project in 2020, she launched the Green Experts Program to inspire youth towards meaningful green careers. With a social work degree, Anna-Lee began her career at a teen drop-in center, eventually becoming director, learning leadership intricacies through hands-on experience. With over a decade in the nonprofit sector, she aims to enhance EECOM's impactful work with fresh perspectives.
Beyond work, Anna-Lee finds joy in film photography, 2SLGBTQ+ projects, forest walks with Gipsy, and card games with her wife.
Cécile Tang (she/her)
National Network Coordinator – Quebec
Cécile Tang is a bilingual environmental educator from France and China, based in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal. After studying Biology at McGill University, she completed an MSc in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (Erasmus Mundus MESPOM) across Hungary, Greece, the UK and Sweden.
Passionate about community engagement and empowerment, she has spent the past seven years advising environmental non-profits on youth engagement strategies and supporting programs focused on community-building and environmental action. Most recently, she was a Youth Leadership Specialist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a Speaker for Earth Day Canada.
Outside of work, Cécile enjoys exploring new places, being outdoors, sharing meals and soaking up the sun whenever possible. She is the proud mother of a toddler who brightens her life every day. She is excited to build on her past experiences and contribute to strengthening EECOM’s national network!
Passionate about community engagement and empowerment, she has spent the past seven years advising environmental non-profits on youth engagement strategies and supporting programs focused on community-building and environmental action. Most recently, she was a Youth Leadership Specialist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation and a Speaker for Earth Day Canada.
Outside of work, Cécile enjoys exploring new places, being outdoors, sharing meals and soaking up the sun whenever possible. She is the proud mother of a toddler who brightens her life every day. She is excited to build on her past experiences and contribute to strengthening EECOM’s national network!