The London Environmental Network (LEN) is supported by a team of diverse staff and volunteers, as well as a Board of Directors. LEN was hosted and incubated for 3 years by Thames Talbot Land Trust and ReForest London and is now its own non-profit organization.
We frequently seek volunteers to help with LEN event planning and setup, marketing, communications, and outreach. Contact us to learn more about current opportunities with the London Environmental Network.
Marianne Griffith | Executive Director
Marianne Griffith is a committed environmentalist and an advocate for local, sustainable food systems and renewable energy. She's worked with London based organizations to promote sustainability and community driven carbon and waste reduction, including Growing Chefs, The Root Cellar and Building Better. She's worked on social justice and sustainable development projects in Indigenous communities in many countries and she works closely with First Nations communities in Ontario to increase access to clean water, clean energy sources and sustainable, affordable housing.
She is a Certified Energy Auditor, a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, a LEED Green Associate, and has extensive building science training including Energy Star and CHBA Net Zero Builder. As Executive Director, Marianne is committed to help London businesses set and achieve sustainability targets.
Leah Derikx | Director of Operations
Leah Derikx is passionate about mobilizing grassroots and community-led projects and programs to create positive change in London’s environment. In 2018, she graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializing in ecosystem health and sustainability. Her interest in ecology and climate change led to her involvement with local environmental groups. Leah began working at the London Environmental Network in 2017 as a communications summer student and currently serves as the Director of Operations. In her role, Leah supports the organization’s administration, bookkeeping, human resources, fund development, and internal operations to make the London Environmental Network a thriving organization.
Nicole Karsch | Director of Programs
Nicole is a committed individual with a keen interest in environmental injustice and the relationship between unbounded economic growth and environmental devastation. In 2017, she graduated from King’s University College with an Honors Specialization in Social Justice and Peace Studies and in 2019, she obtained her Masters in Environmental Sustainability from Western University. Nicole is a published author, Vice-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee with the City of Sarnia and a dedicated environmental researcher. In her spare time, you can find Nicole sipping tea at the local thrift store, reading Tolkien or tending to her many house plants. At the London Environmental Network, Nicole is excited about working together with other environmentally driven individuals, helping community members achieve their own sustainability goals, and becoming more involved in the local environmental scene.
Kaitlin Creighton | Green Economy London Manager
Kaitlin is an advocate for environmental sustainability with interests in business sustainability, environmental stewardship and education. In 2020 she graduated from Western University with a Masters of Environment and Sustainability (MES) and has a degree specializing in Environmental Governance. As the Hub Manager Kaitlin is responsible for managing the Green Economy London program by walking members through the milestones, identifying cost and energy savings opportunities and environmental projects, and helping to build capacity within the workplace to reach member's sustainability goals. She is excited about empowering and supporting London businesses and organizations to make sustainable change!
Jamie Dardarian | Greener Homes London Manager
Jamie is a passionate and motivated individual interested in building a more sustainable and equitable future for all. This includes the particular interests in low impact developments, building resilient local food systems, native species, and green infrastructure development. Jamie developed a passion for the environment and its species at a young age, growing up in the countryside. In later years with international travel she saw the lack of environmental protection, and unjust circumstances humans and fauna are often born into. Jamie is currently completing her Masters in Environments and Sustainability at Western University, with her bachelors from The University of Waterloo in Global Business and Digital Arts. When not at work you can find Jamie exploring locally or internationally, hanging out with her dogs, or caring for her houseplants.
Mackenzie McKim | Environmental Events & Outreach Coordinator
Growing up in London, Mackenzie has always felt a strong passion for the environment and living sustainably. While completing her Honours Specialization in Social Justice and Peace Studies at King's University College, she studied a number of different global issues but was always drawn back to environmental issues, specifically water security and waste reduction. She became involved with local environmental groups which further fueled her desire to see London become an even stronger hub for green leadership. She is committed to living more sustainably and is excited to connect with the many groups and individuals that LEN supports.
Allison Morgan | Sustainable Engagement Specialist (Green Economy London)
Allison has a keen interest in addressing environmental challenges occurring in both local and global communities. As the Sustainable Engagement Specialist, Allison is supporting the Hub manager of Green Economy London with program implementation, volunteer management, program reporting, and event planning. In 2021, she obtained her Masters of Environment and Sustainability (MES) from Western University. Previously, Allison graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Psychology. She is excited to bring together businesses to set and achieve sustainability-focused goals and develop community connections. In her personal life, Allison enjoys playing field hockey, exploring the outdoors, and caring for her two cats.
Cole Taylor | Green Infrastructure Program Lead
Cole is a dedicated individual with a focus on sustainability and uses an environmental design approach to create welcoming outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and Planning at Fanshawe College and looks to continue working on practical design changes that improve the user experience of our urban and natural environments. While growing up, he spent time camping and playing outdoors where he learned to appreciate nature and respect the balance necessary for a complete lifestyle and prioritizing our natural resources. In his free time, he loves to spend time on trails and visit new local sites around Southwestern Ontario with his partner. At the London Environmental Network, Cole is looking forward to developing the Depave Paradise program in London to revitalize underutilized land within the city and to promote community education through positive examples.
Andrée Kiernan | Energy Advisor
Andrée is an environmental and human rights advocate, achieving this by promoting thought, encouraging action and by being absorbed with discovering the truth. Becoming enthralled with the sustainable and natural building community is what guided Andrée towards the Energy Advising role. With a deep dive into Building Science, in combination with renovation experience, Andrée's intention is to provide homeowners with a well thought out, retrofit roadmap.
Seungwon Han | Event Support Volunteer
Seungwon grew up in South Korea, Germany, and Toronto. She’s now in London as a student at Western University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences.
When she’s not at work or studying for her never-ending slew of tests and quizzes, Seungwon enjoys long walks around her London neighbourhood and up-cycling old clothes. Seungwon is also an active member of various environmental and social justice organizations at Western, and she is excited to be working with the London Environmental Network as an Event Volunteer to continue her journey in environmental activism.
Nicole Braden | Digital Database Coordinator
Nicole is a recent graduate from Fanshawe with a diploma in Internet Applications and Web Development. She comes from a non-profit background, graduating with a diploma in Non-Profit Management from Western University in 2016. She has been a volunteer for many organizations and is currently supporting Kid’s Country Club and Golden Rescue. In her spare time, you can find Nicole enjoying London’s trails with her dog, cooking, or drawing. Nicole is passionate about her community and is excited to contribute to London Environmental Network.
Mandy Birch | Content Creator (Green Economy London)
Mandy has lived in London her entire life, and over the last 6 years she's been on a mission to figure out how to support her city in any sort of way. She loves to shop local as often as she can, which includes waste-free grocery shopping at Reimagine Co. and other markets. She currently works at McCabe Promotional Advertising as a Client Relationship Coordinator, and is very involved in the campaigns that they run for different social causes. In her spare time, Mandy loves to draw in one of her many sketchbooks, go thrift shopping, and try new vegan recipes. You'll often see her posting about her adopted cat Crookshanks on her social media pages, as well.
Riley Buist | Content Creator
Riley is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts at Western University, doing a double major in Gender Studies Women Studies and Social Justice and Peace Studies. In his spare time, Riley enjoys creating art, being outdoors, and getting involved in the local community. Riley's growing interest in environmental issues, sustainability and activism has drawn him to the London Environmental Network. He is excited to work closely with LEN and bring his knowledge and creativity to the team!
Sonja Teichert - Chair | Consultant
After graduating with a PhD (2016), Sonja has worked as a postdoctoral researcher, project manager and most recently, consultant. With an academic background in ecology and an interest in species monitoring, over the past 20 years Sonja has worked in various capacities with citizen science programs and is passionate about community outreach and stewardship. Her best job ever was coordinating the Nova Scotia Herpetofaunal Atlas Project, with teaching Biology labs at Cape Breton University coming in as a close second.
Miguel Belcina - Treasurer | KPMG (Manager, Tax)
Miguel is a Tax Manager at KPMG LLP. He has a degree in Accounting (BSc) and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA). While at KPMG, Miguel has been involved in working with not-for-profits, and coordinates community initiatives for the office, such as volunteer tax clinics and blood donation drives. Miguel has a passion for sustainability and the environment, and is excited to be a part of LEN. In his spare time, Miguel enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active.
Heenal Rajani | Reimagine Co. (Co-founder)
Heenal Rajani is a social entrepreneur, facilitator, dad, step-dad and poet, who sees the silver lining in every cloud and believes in the power of humans to co-create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible. Alongside his wife, Kara, Heenal is the co-founder of Reimagine Co, a package-free grocery store, refillery and community hub in downtown London, as well as the forthcoming Thing Library. A committed activist and glocalist, Heenal has helped to organise climate strikes and placemaking initiatives including 100 in 1 Day, City of Neighbours Day and the Place Matters Conference.
Heather Schulz | Hydra Dyne Technology Inc. (Controller)
Heather Schulz holds an Honours Economics and Accounting degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Heather works in the manufacturing industry and has been involved in initiatives to reduce energy consumption in the facilities through retrofit and green energy programs. She is looking forward to contributing her finance and operational background to the London Environmental Network's Finance Committee. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, camping, and playing rec sports.
Ann-Marie Cooper | Convertus (Human Resources and Communications Advisor)
Ann-Marie is a leader, environmentalist, and human resources professional who is committed to protecting and improving the planet for future generations. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor's Degree in Science, she moved to Hamilton to further her education at Mohawk College in Human Resources Management. She started her career at Hamilton Health Sciences before returning to the city that stole her heart, London, Ontario - a big city with a small city feel. Since 2017, she has worked as a Human Resources and Communications Advisor for Convertus Group, a Canadian company that closes the loop through organic waste treatment and recycling and treatment. Ann-Marie is experienced in the full spectrum of human resources programs, services, and functions and has experience in corporate communications, marketing, and public relations. Her leadership, unerring enthusiasm, and dedication to teamwork has earned her a reputation as a leader in employee relations.
When she isn't working, Ann-Marie enjoys cooking, hiking in one Canada's most greenest and resilient cities, gardening, and is always down for an adventure.
Carol Dyck | Freelance Researcher / Advisor
Carol Dyck is originally from British Columbia and moved to London in 2007. She has a Masters of Arts in International Environmental Policy, a Masters of Law (LLM) in Environmental Law and a Masters of Science in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management. She has engaged in environmental consulting for both public and non-profit organizations. Carol is active in the London community. She previously sat on the Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Committee for the City of London and was a board member for both the Thames Talbot Land Trust and the London Environmental Network, in addition to volunteering for other organizations. She is passionate about biodiversity conservation, particularly in marine and urban environments. Carol is currently a doctoral student in the Faculty of Law at Western University.
Jennifer Mills | Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Policy Analyst)
Jennifer works in energy sector consultation at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. . She moved back to her hometown of London in 2019 after pursuing graduate studies at York University. Her doctoral research in Environmental Studies focuses on environmental governance, extractive industries and Indigenous rights. While at York, she volunteered with the Mining Injustice Solidarity Network and Fossil Free York. In her spare time, she enjoys baking as well as hiking in the region’s beautiful green spaces. Jennifer is excited to collaborate with others passionate about sustainability as part of the LEN.
Kevin Kaiser | Stoney Creek YMCA (Aquatics Manager)
Kevin (he/him or they/them) is a proud immigrant and cat dad. After graduating from Fanshawe College with double diplomas in Business Administration - Leadership and Management and Event Planning, Kevin managed the Junction Climbing Centre for five years and is now the Aquatics Manager at the Stoney Creek YMCA. Kevin is passionate about sustainable food practices, eco-conscious consumption, and shopping local. When not working, Kevin enjoys trying out new board games, cooking with friends, thrifting, and drinking lots and lots of iced coffee.
Sarah Brooks | Advanced Chemistry Development (Director of Commercialization)
Sarah is the Director of Commercialization at Advanced Chemistry Development overseeing the development and launch of new applications to help organizations manage their analytical data. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from University of Waterloo and Masters in Business Administration from Queens University and moved to London in 2007 after having a slightly nomadic existence growing up in a military family and working in the US and Europe. Sarah has passion for environment sustainability and biodiversity conservation. She has spent most of career leading diverse teams to solve the problems that stifle innovation, collaboration, and growth. In her spare time, she can frequently be found in one of London’s wonderful parks with her rescue dog Zoe or in her garden.
Annie Legate-Wolfe | Lawyer (Foreman & Company)
Annie is a class actions and Indigenous law lawyer. A native Londoner, Annie returned to the City for her legal education at Western University after obtaining a degree in International Development (Sustainable Development) from the University of Guelph. Annie is driven to provide access to justice in her career, and a sustainable future for global citizens outside of it. If you don't find Annie in her flower, vegetable, or indoor gardens, she's likely in her canoe, on her bike, or on her skis. Annie also lends her skills to some of LEN's member organizations, including London Cycle Link and the Pollinator Pathways Project.
Myles Swift | Engineer (Centric Engineering)
Myles is a licensed professional engineer and holds the position of Principal and Manager of Engineering at Centric Engineering. Joining the firm in 2014 shortly after it opened its doors, Myles has made meaningful contributions to the firm’s development as a leader in both the technical and business management aspects of the firm. He completed his Engineering Science (Civil/Structural) degree at Western University and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from the DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University).
Myles has a passion for the built environment and has helped position his firm as a leader in timber design and the design for zero philosophy. He has been a guest lecturer at Western University and industry conferences, and served on multiple government task forces, working to highlight the benefits of timber as a building material and promoting its use in the industry. Outside of his professional life Myles can be found browsing through record stores, on the water either boating or paddling, travelling and backcountry camping, and spending time with his family and friends.
Tayler Reiners | Law Clerk & Paralegal
Tayler is a Law Clerk and licensed Paralegal with Law Society of Ontario. She completed her Law Clerk Diploma at Fanshawe College, and continued her education graduating with honours in Paralegal Studies. Tayler has a passion for environmental sustainability from living and growing up in a rural area. She strongly believes that we can all make a massive positive change together, even if we each contribute a little bit individually. Tayler enjoys reading, spending time with her family - especially her dog, and karate.
Dean Sheppard - Special Advisor | ReForest London (Executive Director)
Dean Sheppard is an environmental consultant owning and operating his own consulting firm since 1996, specializing in management processes and systems. He has been the Executive Director of ReForest London since 2012 and also teaches a capstone project course in the Masters of Environment and Sustainability program at Western University. Being active in making his community a better place for today and for tomorrow is a hobby and a passion. He has served on several City of London Advisory Committees and taskforces.
Sonja Teichert | Governance Committee Chair
After graduating with a PhD (2016), Sonja has worked as a postdoctoral researcher, project manager and most recently, consultant. With an academic background in ecology and an interest in species monitoring, over the past 20 years Sonja has worked in various capacities with citizen science programs and is passionate about community outreach and stewardship. Her best job ever was coordinating the Nova Scotia Herpetofaunal Atlas Project, with teaching Biology labs at Cape Breton University coming in as a close second.
Ann-Marie Cooper | Governance Committee Member
Ann-Marie is a leader, environmentalist, and human resources professional who is committed to protecting and improving the planet for future generations. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor's Degree in Science, she moved to Hamilton to further her education at Mohawk College in Human Resources Management. She started her career at Hamilton Health Sciences before returning to the city that stole her heart, London, Ontario - a big city with a small city feel. Since 2017, she has worked as a Human Resources and Communications Advisor for Convertus Group, a Canadian company that closes the loop through organic waste treatment and recycling and treatment. Ann-Marie is experienced in the full spectrum of human resources programs, services, and functions and has experience in corporate communications, marketing, and public relations. Her leadership, unerring enthusiasm, and dedication to teamwork has earned her a reputation as a leader in employee relations.
When she isn't working, Ann-Marie enjoys cooking, hiking in one Canada's most greenest and resilient cities, gardening, and is always down for an adventure.
Carol Dyck | Governance Committee Member
Carol Dyck is originally from British Columbia and moved to London in 2007. She has a Masters of Arts in International Environmental Policy, a Masters of Law (LLM) in Environmental Law and a Masters of Science in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management. She has engaged in environmental consulting for both public and non-profit organizations. Carol is active in the London community. She previously sat on the Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory Committee for the City of London and was a board member for both the Thames Talbot Land Trust and the London Environmental Network, in addition to volunteering for other organizations. She is passionate about biodiversity conservation, particularly in marine and urban environments. Carol is currently a doctoral student in the Faculty of Law at Western University.
Miguel Belcina | Finance Committee Chair
Miguel is a Tax Manager at KPMG LLP. He has a degree in Accounting (BSc) and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA). While at KPMG, Miguel has been involved in working with not-for-profits, and coordinates community initiatives for the office, such as volunteer tax clinics and blood donation drives. Miguel has a passion for sustainability and the environment, and is excited to be a part of LEN. In his spare time, Miguel enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active.
Heather Schulz, CPA, CMA | Finance Committee Member
Heather Schulz holds an Honours Economics and Accounting degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Heather works in the manufacturing industry and has been involved in initiatives to reduce energy consumption in the facilities through retrofit and green energy programs. She is looking forward to contributing her finance and operational background to the London Environmental Network's Governance and Finance Committee. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with friends and family, gardening, camping, and playing rec sports.
Kevin Kaisar | Fundraising & Events Committee Chair
Kevin (he/him or they/them) is a proud immigrant and cat dad. After graduating from Fanshawe College with double diplomas in Business Administration - Leadership and Management and Event Planning, Kevin managed the Junction Climbing Centre for five years and is now the Aquatics Manager at the Stoney Creek YMCA. Kevin is passionate about sustainable food practices, eco-conscious consumption, and shopping local. When not working, Kevin enjoys trying out new board games, cooking with friends, thrifting, and drinking lots and lots of iced coffee.
Jennifer Mills | Fundraising & Events Committee Vice-Chair
Jennifer works in energy sector consultation at Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. . She moved back to her hometown of London in 2019 after pursuing graduate studies at York University. Her doctoral research in Environmental Studies focuses on environmental governance, extractive industries and Indigenous rights. While at York, she volunteered with the Mining Injustice Solidarity Network and Fossil Free York. In her spare time, she enjoys baking as well as hiking in the region’s beautiful green spaces. Jennifer is excited to collaborate with others passionate about sustainability as part of the LEN.
Meghan Scott | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Meghan was born and raised in Victoria BC, in unceded T'Sou-ke, Sc'ianew, lək̓wəŋən, and W̱SÁNEĆ Territory. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Integrated Science and Physics at Western University, and has a passion for climate justice, atmospheric and ocean protection, and slowing the loss of biodiversity. She has studied the effects of fossil fuel extraction and deforestation, and is always seeking to raise awareness about climate injustice. She believes youth engagement will be at the heart of getting through the climate crisis and hopes that fostering an appreciation of nature in young people will inspire worldwide action. In her spare time, Meghan loves hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and playing volleyball.
Kate Fraser | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Kate is an eco-conscious volunteer that aims to lead and inspire others to take action for our planet. She has always been passionate about making strides towards a more sustainable future both individually and within the community as whole. She studied Environmental Concerns at Georgian College. Kate is a Professional Lending Advisor with TD Canada Trust. Born and raised off of Lake Huron, she had the opportunity to develop hands-on skills and respect for our environment working as a landscaper. In her free time she enjoys photography and hiking. Throughout her time here in London, she has been involved in many environmentally-focused groups and continues to extend her passion for green initiatives with involvement in organizations such as: Reforest London – Hike Leader and Tree Specialist; TD Canada Trust Tree Days – Committee Member; Thames Talbot Land Trust – Biodiversity Boss; as well as London Clean and Green – Photographer. She was featured in an article in the Globe and Mail for her efforts with TD and Reforest London, where TD was recognized for expanding green spaces to create more livable cities. As she continues to develop her environmental skills, she believes that everyday is a new opportunity to increase the overall health of our planet. It is her goal to bring Londoner’s together to collaborate on this global mission alongside London Environmental Network.
Seungwon Han | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Seungwon grew up in South Korea, Germany, and Toronto. She’s now in London as a student at Western University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences.
When she’s not at work or studying for her never-ending slew of tests and quizzes, Seungwon enjoys long walks around her London neighbourhood and up-cycling old clothes. Seungwon is also an active member of various environmental and social justice organizations at Western, and she is excited to be working with the London Environmental Network as an Event Volunteer to continue her journey in environmental activism.
Tina Do | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Tina is in her junior year of high school at London Central S.S. and plans to pursue a science-based degree in the near future.
Stemming a love for the environment from her father, Tina is interested in learning more about the implications that climate change currently has on our Earth. Some topics that have motivated her passion for the environment are sustainability, environmental engineering, and environmental recovery programs. During her time off, Tina likes to indulge in digital art and comic books. She is excited to be able to support the LEN with their future endeavours!
Myles Swift | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Myles is a licensed professional engineer and holds the position of Principal and Manager of Engineering at Centric Engineering. Joining the firm in 2014 shortly after it opened its doors, Myles has made meaningful contributions to the firm’s development as a leader in both the technical and business management aspects of the firm. He completed his Engineering Science (Civil/Structural) degree at Western University and also holds a Masters of Business Administration from the DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University).
Myles has a passion for the built environment and has helped position his firm as a leader in timber design and the design for zero philosophy. He has been a guest lecturer at Western University and industry conferences, and served on multiple government task forces, working to highlight the benefits of timber as a building material and promoting its use in the industry. Outside of his professional life Myles can be found browsing through record stores, on the water either boating or paddling, travelling and backcountry camping, and spending time with his family and friends.
Sarah Brooks | Fundraising & Events Committee Member
Sarah is the Director of Commercialization at Advanced Chemistry Development overseeing the development and launch of new applications to help organizations manage their analytical data. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from University of Waterloo and Masters in Business Administration from Queens University and moved to London in 2007 after having a slightly nomadic existence growing up in a military family and working in the US and Europe. Sarah has passion for environment sustainability and biodiversity conservation. She has spent most of career leading diverse teams to solve the problems that stifle innovation, collaboration, and growth. In her spare time, she can frequently be found in one of London’s wonderful parks with her rescue dog Zoe or in her garden.