Haley Guest (she/her)
Chair - Nova Scotia
Haley is grateful to reside in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded land of the Mi’kmaq people. Her family's roots are from England and Ireland, and she currently lives in Kjipanupek, or St Margaret's Bay, with her partner, Kevin, and their dog, Paige.
Following her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Haley completed research on ocean literacy (Guest et al 2014) and public perceptions of marine protection (Lotze et al 2018). Haley holds a Master's in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University, and has worked in community-based nature interpretation centres both in Canada and Cambodia. As a founding Board member of the Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE), she has supported and coordinated pan-Canadian projects and initiatives with multi-level stakeholders. She believes that EECOM plays a vital role in advancing environmental learning in Canada by connecting the incredible community of individuals and organizations doing this good work across Canada.
She currently works as a School Manager with Nova Scotia Community College's School of Technology and Environment, where she supports accessible, high quality programs for learners across the province.
Following her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Haley completed research on ocean literacy (Guest et al 2014) and public perceptions of marine protection (Lotze et al 2018). Haley holds a Master's in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University, and has worked in community-based nature interpretation centres both in Canada and Cambodia. As a founding Board member of the Canadian Network for Ocean Education (CaNOE), she has supported and coordinated pan-Canadian projects and initiatives with multi-level stakeholders. She believes that EECOM plays a vital role in advancing environmental learning in Canada by connecting the incredible community of individuals and organizations doing this good work across Canada.
She currently works as a School Manager with Nova Scotia Community College's School of Technology and Environment, where she supports accessible, high quality programs for learners across the province.
Ellen Long (she/her)
Vice Chair - 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 many 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 on a nature trail, or riding her bike.
She works as the Director, Education and Forest Literacy to grow future forest and conservation leaders at Project Learning Tree Canada. Ellen has many 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 on a nature trail, or riding her bike.
Shannon Harding (she/her)
Treasurer - Nova Scotia
Shannon 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 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.
Danika Strecko (she/her)
Secretary - British Columbia
Danika 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 lives and works in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) on the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, and Nakota Sioux peoples.
She is the co-founder of Fenwood Creative, a design studio focused on ecological and cultural storytelling. Her work centres on interpretation and environmental communication, with a focus on creating engaging and accessible experiences. She works with municipalities, school boards, Indigenous nations, parks, and non-profits to develop interpretive signage, educational materials, and other creative tools that help people share stories about the places they care about. Emma brings over 20 years of experience in environmental education. She spent more than a decade leading the environmental education program at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, working with students, families, and educators through place-based learning. She 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, spending time outside with her three children, and reading in her backyard hammock.
She is the co-founder of Fenwood Creative, a design studio focused on ecological and cultural storytelling. Her work centres on interpretation and environmental communication, with a focus on creating engaging and accessible experiences. She works with municipalities, school boards, Indigenous nations, parks, and non-profits to develop interpretive signage, educational materials, and other creative tools that help people share stories about the places they care about. Emma brings over 20 years of experience in environmental education. She spent more than a decade leading the environmental education program at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, working with students, families, and educators through place-based learning. She 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, spending time outside with her three children, and reading in her backyard hammock.
Dr. Anju Bajaj (she/her)
Director - Manitoba
Anju 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.
Anju'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, Anju is committed to empowering educators and students to integrate sustainability and ecological literacy into their learning experiences.
Anju'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, Anju is committed to empowering educators and students to integrate sustainability and ecological literacy into their learning experiences.
Natasha Bascavan (she/her)
Director - Ontario
Natasha - miskwaabiimizh mashkiki (Red Willow Medicine, Bear clan) is an Indigiqueer, Nishinaabe-Métis-French educator, mother, artist, advocate and traditional helper, who currently resides in York Region on Williams Treaty territory.
She specializes in land-based learning, knowledge translation, and decolonial approaches to environmental education. With an MEd and deep expertise in weaving Indigenous ways of knowing into environmental curriculum, the heart of her work is life promotion and collective wellbeing across cultures.
She is co-founder of Verdant Roots Farming, Board Chair of the Odeiwin Foundation, and actively involved with Feather Carriers, and the Indigenous Evaluation Network. Her experiences span health, education, justice, land stewardship and corporate governance.
She specializes in land-based learning, knowledge translation, and decolonial approaches to environmental education. With an MEd and deep expertise in weaving Indigenous ways of knowing into environmental curriculum, the heart of her work is life promotion and collective wellbeing across cultures.
She is co-founder of Verdant Roots Farming, Board Chair of the Odeiwin Foundation, and actively involved with Feather Carriers, and the Indigenous Evaluation Network. Her experiences span health, education, justice, land stewardship and corporate governance.
Ryan Benson (he/him)
Director - 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 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.
Stephanie Doyle (she/her)
Director - Quebec
Stephanie, PhD, OCT, is the 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 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 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.
Dara Gellman (she/her)
Director - Ontario
Dara is the Program Leader of the My Clothes My World program at Fashion Takes Action.
For more than 20 years Dara has worked in a diverse range of educational settings, focusing on art and design, interdisciplinary studies, and climate change and sustainability education. Dara is passionate about education that encourages personal expression and empowerment, supports creative problem solving, and promotes community building.
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.
For more than 20 years Dara has worked in a diverse range of educational settings, focusing on art and design, interdisciplinary studies, and climate change and sustainability education. Dara is passionate about education that encourages personal expression and empowerment, supports creative problem solving, and promotes community building.
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 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 8 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!
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 8 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!
Gabrielle Jolly (she/her)
Director - British Columbia
Gabrielle is based in Revelstoke on the homeland of the Sinixt and within the territories of the Secwépemc, Syilx, and Ktunaxa peoples. She is the Manager of the Discover Parks Ambassador Program with the BC Parks Foundation, where she leads a province-wide team delivering environmental education and stewardship programming that connects people with nature in meaningful and accessible ways.
Gabrielle’s background is in guiding and experiential education, with experience leading outdoor learning programs across British Columbia and internationally. She holds an undergraduate degree in International Studies from Simon Fraser University and a graduate diploma in Adventure Education from Camosun College. She is passionate about fostering environmental stewardship through hands-on, place-based learning.
She is particularly interested in strengthening connections between people, parks, and communities, and advancing collaborative approaches to environmental learning across Canada. Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys hiking, paddling, skiing, and working on her school bus conversion.
Gabrielle’s background is in guiding and experiential education, with experience leading outdoor learning programs across British Columbia and internationally. She holds an undergraduate degree in International Studies from Simon Fraser University and a graduate diploma in Adventure Education from Camosun College. She is passionate about fostering environmental stewardship through hands-on, place-based learning.
She is particularly interested in strengthening connections between people, parks, and communities, and advancing collaborative approaches to environmental learning across Canada. Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys hiking, paddling, skiing, and working on her school bus conversion.
Geoff MacDonald (he/him)
Director - New Brunswick
Geoff is the Executive Director of The Gaia Project, a sustainability education organization working with schools across New Brunswick. With more than a decade of experience in science education and curriculum development, Geoff has dedicated his career to helping students and teachers engage with climate change through hands-on learning and real-world investigations.
Since joining The Gaia Project in 2018, he has led the organization’s growth by building local and national partnerships and managing a team of educators delivering environmental programs across the province.
Geoff also serves as an adjunct instructor at St. Thomas University, where he teaches climate change education to future teachers in the Faculty of Education.
Since joining The Gaia Project in 2018, he has led the organization’s growth by building local and national partnerships and managing a team of educators delivering environmental programs across the province.
Geoff also serves as an adjunct instructor at St. Thomas University, where he teaches climate change education to future teachers in the Faculty of Education.
Laura Sims (she/her)
Director - Manitoba
Laura 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 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.
Cécile Tang (she/her)
National Network Coordinator – Quebec
Cécile Tang is a bilingual project coordinator 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!