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.
Skylar Franke | Executive Director
Skylar Franke is a community mobilizer and engagement specialist. Skylar is happiest when talking to new people and eating good food with friends and family. Skylar is passionate about building community, environmental advocacy, local food systems, great wine and ethical coffee. She has over 7 years of experience in advancing action in the environmental sector by running a variety of environmental programs in London while working at ReForest London and the London Environmental Network. She graduated in 2013 from King’s University College at Western University with an honours B.A. in Social Justice and Peace Studies and French Studies. Skylar was awarded the Top 20 in their 20’s in 2018 by Business London and the Leading Women, Leading Girls Award from the Province of Ontario.
Marianne Griffith | Director of Programs
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. She is currently the Director of Programs where she is committed to help London businesses set and achieve sustainability targets.
Leah Derikx | Operations Manager
Leah is passionate about mobilizing the community to empower environmental change. In 2018, she graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology - specializing in ecosystem health and sustainability. Her interest in sustainable development led to her involvement with local environmental non-profit organizations, including London Environmental Network. In her free time, you can find Leah enjoying a fair-trade coffee and a nature book. At London Environmental Network, Leah is responsible for coordinating events, educational workshops, volunteers, and communications to help the network strengthen and thrive.
Natalie Merchant | Green Economy London Hub Manager
Natalie is a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Growing up in Thunder Bay surrounded by vast forests and lakes, she is constantly reminded of nature’s astounding beauty, value, and the use we can make of it. She believes healthy environments are essential for healthy communities, and wants to help build and promote sustainable practices to ensure healthy environments for future generations. Natalie has completed her Masters at Western University in Environment and Sustainability (MES) and has a degree in biology specializing in conservation and biodiversity. She supports businesses in the Green Economy London program with their sustainability journeys.
Dipika Giri | Environmental Project Specialist
Dipika has a strong passion for sustainability, with an interest in climate action and species conservation. She is pursuing her Masters in Environment and Sustainability at Western University and is a graduate of the Arts & Science program at the University of Toronto. Dipika loves to spend her free time reading a good book, sketching, and being outdoors. She is excited to be working with the London Environmental Network to help develop engagement opportunities and promote environmental awareness within the community.
Priya Shrestha | Environmental Program Development Specialist
Priya is enthusiastic about community engagement and driving sustainable change. She is a recent Green Process Engineering graduate from Western University, where she studied topics including green fuels and chemicals, carbon footprint management, and sustainable lifecycle analysis. She loves being outdoors, but when at home, you might find her spending leisure time crafting, sewing, or creating digital art. At London Environmental Network, Priya is developing campaigns to engage Londoners in residential sustainability programming.
Cole Taylor | Green Infrastructure Support Staff
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.
Lauren Van Dyke | Greener Homes London Program Assistant
Lauren Van Dyke is a current Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) student at the University of Western Ontario and is looking forward to working with London home owners as part of the Greener Homes London Program. In her spare time, Lauren loves to get outdoors and explore all the beauty nature has to offer. Since recently moving from Alberta, she is excited to bring her breadth of knowledge on climate change adaptation and resilience to the London community.
Mackenzie McKim | Member Engagement & Outreach Specialist
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.
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.
Tina Do | Event Support Volunteer
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!
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.
Chelsea Major | General Researcher (Green Economy London)
Chelsea has a Master of Arts in Geography, Environment, and Geomatics and is currently a Master of Science student in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. She is taking a variety of planning courses and is particularly interested in sustainable initiatives in community economic development. Chelsea is excited to have the opportunity to expand her knowledge while contributing towards the sustainability of the London community as a volunteer researcher with Green Economy London.
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.
Nadine Castonguay - Secretary | Project Manager
Nadine is a junior project manager for RicePoint Administration Inc. who is committed to seeing policy reform so that environmental concerns are appropriately represented in the London and broader communities. A recent graduate from Brescia University College with a degree in food and nutrition, she is passionate about seeing transformed food systems as a strategy to mitigate climate change. As a young and passionate leader, Nadine works to foster greater environmental awareness through her willingness to fight, preserve and promote the health of the natural world. She believes it is her civic duty to participate and serve in her city to ensure that effective interventions are applied in attempt to solve the environmental problems faced today. Part of this includes Non-profit work as it helps create communities that are built on strong and shared values of connection; and large-scale change can only be achieved when we come together and work as a team.
Nadine spends her free time gardening, reading books, spending time outside, and cooking delicious meals.
Nicholas Rothernel, CPA, CA | CARFAX Canada (Director, Finance & Accounting)
Nicholas is the Director, Finance & Accounting at CARFAX Canada and an instructor at Conestoga College. He currently holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor, an advanced diploma of Business Administration from Conestoga College, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). Nicholas has used this advanced financial training to support London’s business and not-for-profit communities throughout his career and has worked with various local and international not-for-profits in business, consulting, and volunteer-based capacities. Nicholas has a passion for nature conservation and environmental sustainability.
In his spare time, Nicholas enjoys hiking, travelling, and spending time outdoors with his family.
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.
Kaitlin Richardson | Nature Conservancy of Canada (Conservation Biology, Coordinator)
Kaitlin is currently the Coordinator of Conservation Biology for the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Midwest Ontario region. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's of Environmental Studies and diplomas in Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation as well as Environmental Assessment. Kaitlin is passionate about protecting, stewarding and restoring land for Ontario's biodiversity and species at risk. Kaitlin's passion for conservation goes beyond the workplace. She spends her spare time tending to her native plant garden, volunteering in the environmental sector and hiking to admire local plants, birds and turtles.
Callista Ryan | Western University Student Council (Vice President Communications and Public Affairs)
Callista is the Vice President Communications and Public Affairs for the University Students’ Council at Western University where she recently graduated. Hailing from Squamish, British Columbia, she is extremely passionate about local sustainability initiatives. Callista is also passionate about youth engagement and has been involved with the British Columbia Youth Parliament and has represented young Canadians at the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation. In her spare time, you can find her sprouting broccoli, roller-blading down the Thames Valley Parkway, or biking.
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.
Brennan Vogel | King's University College (Assistant Professor) & Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Climate Change Liaison)
Brennan was born and raised in the London area and has lived and worked across Canada and in Central America in a variety of environmental education, advocacy and professional planning capacities. After graduating with a PhD in Geography from UWO in 2016, Brennan has worked as a postdoctoral researcher, assistant professor and climate change specialist with municipal governments and First Nations locally and nationally. With an academic background in local climate change adaptation and regional resiliency planning, and a keen interest in equitable, inclusive and reconciliatory nature-based solutions to the climate crises, Brennan's career path is committed to promoting education and adaptive capacities for co-beneficial innovations and sustainable development solutions that can support community-based and regional resilience strategies in local and national contexts of mitigating greenhouse gases, while adapting to climate change impacts now and into the future.
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.
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.
Jay Stanford - Special Advisor | City of London (Director of Environment, Fleet & Solid Waste)
Jay joined the City of London in 1995 and has held number of senior management positions. In 2012, he became the Director of Environment, Fleet & Solid Waste in the Environmental & Engineering Services Area. He has responsibilities for Solid Waste Services; Fleet Services, and Environmental Programs (including energy conservation, active transportation, urban watershed management, and outreach and behaviour change initiatives). Prior to joining London, he worked for 8 years for an environmental consulting firm in Toronto. He is currently on the Board of Directors at the Ontario Waste Management Association and involved in waste management policy development for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Regional Public Works Commissioners of Ontario.
Kate Fraser | Fundraising Committee Chair
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.
Jennifer Mills | Fundraising Committee Member
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.
Kaitlin Richardson | Fundraising Committee Member
Kaitlin is currently the Coordinator of Conservation Biology for the Nature Conservancy of Canada's Midwest Ontario region. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's of Environmental Studies and diplomas in Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation as well as Environmental Assessment. Kaitlin is passionate about protecting, stewarding and restoring land for Ontario's biodiversity and species at risk. Kaitlin's passion for conservation goes beyond the workplace. She spends her spare time tending to her native plant garden, volunteering in the environmental sector and hiking to admire local plants, birds and turtles.
Nadine Castonguay | Fundraising Committee Member
Nadine is a junior project manager for RicePoint Administration Inc. who is committed to seeing policy reform so that environmental concerns are appropriately represented in the London and broader communities. A recent graduate from Brescia University College with a degree in food and nutrition, she is passionate about seeing transformed food systems as a strategy to mitigate climate change. As a young and passionate leader, Nadine works to foster greater environmental awareness through her willingness to fight, preserve and promote the health of the natural world. She believes it is her civic duty to participate and serve in her city to ensure that effective interventions are applied in attempt to solve the environmental problems faced today. Part of this includes Non-profit work as it helps create communities that are built on strong and shared values of connection; and large-scale change can only be achieved when we come together and work as a team.
Nadine spends her free time gardening, reading books, spending time outside, and cooking delicious meals.
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.
Angie Bellehumeur | Governance Committee Member
Angie was born and raised in London’s francophone community and has an endless passion for environmental justice at both global and local levels. Her global experience includes interning at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Switzerland, traveling to Peru and Bolivia to work on community-requested projects (e.g. urban gardening), and studying wildlife conservation in Australia. While studying Environmental Studies and Geography at the University of Toronto, she studied how eco-conscious cities support the happiest and healthiest people. At Western Law, Angie received the Anne Marie Gutierrez Memorial Award for her academic achievement and promise in the fields of environmental and aboriginal law. Angie also focused her Master of Laws on climate justice, publishing her thesis Before the Ice Disappears: Pursuing Climate Justice for Inuit Women in the Context of Mining in Nunavut. Now as a practicing lawyer, Angie represents survivors of abuse in sport, criminal, and human rights matters. Angie enjoys bringing her policy experience and love for community-based environmental initiatives to LEN's Governance Committee.
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.
Nadine Castonguay | Governance Committee Member
Nadine is a junior project manager for RicePoint Administration Inc. who is committed to seeing policy reform so that environmental concerns are appropriately represented in the London and broader communities. A recent graduate from Brescia University College with a degree in food and nutrition, she is passionate about seeing transformed food systems as a strategy to mitigate climate change. As a young and passionate leader, Nadine works to foster greater environmental awareness through her willingness to fight, preserve and promote the health of the natural world. She believes it is her civic duty to participate and serve in her city to ensure that effective interventions are applied in attempt to solve the environmental problems faced today. Part of this includes Non-profit work as it helps create communities that are built on strong and shared values of connection; and large-scale change can only be achieved when we come together and work as a team.
Nadine spends her free time gardening, reading books, spending time outside, and cooking delicious meals.
Rose Cahill | Governance Committee Member
Rose is currently the Volunteer and Tree Gift Coordinator at ReForest London. She believes that London needs to have a more integrated and holistic approach to environmental issues such as waste management, sustainable transportation and bio-diversity within the city. Through education and empowerment, she believes that each Londoner could have a huge impact on the environment — developing a culture where all Londoners care for each other and the environment through community events! During her free time, Rose loves spending time hiking and swimming with her dog and growing vegetables in her garden.
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.
Mike Ullerick | Finance Committee Member
Mike is an Associate at Ullerick & Ullerick Chartered Professional Accountants, formerly with KPMG London. He attended the University of Guelph; as a student-athlete, he was fortunate enough to be introduced to many amazing professors and coaches with a passion for the environment, sustainability and giving back. The examples set by role models like these and the inspirational actions by peers, instilled a want to do more for our community. He looks forward to using his financial knowledge, strong work ethic and passion for the outdoors and environment to help local communities move towards a more sustainable future. In his spare time, Mike enjoys living an active lifestyle (cycling, golf, gym, lawn games..you name it), searching for his next travel adventure, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Sonja Teichert | Finance Committee Member
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.
Callista Ryan | Events & Marketing Committee Chair
Callista is an International Relations student at Western University where she is the incoming Associate Vice President Communications for the University Students’ Council. Hailing from Squamish, British Columbia, she is extremely passionate about local sustainability initiatives. She is currently doing contract work for a community greenhouse in the Northwest Territories where she has previously interned. Callista is passionate about youth engagement in and has been involved with the British Columbia Youth Parliament and represented young Canadians at the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation last year with Young Diplomats of Canada. In her spare time, you can find her sprouting broccoli, hiking, or mountain biking.
Sonja Teichert | Events & Marketing Committee Member
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.
Apeksha Pawanikar | Events & Marketing Committee Member
Apeksha grew up in India and is currently enrolled in Honour Specialization in Social Justice and Peace Studies, Honour Major in History and Certification in Refugees, Migration and Forced Displacement at Western University. Her love for the environment started early on when her mom taught her how to plant rose shrubs. Apeksha's main motive to get involved with the London Environmental Network stems from her interest and passion to advocate about prevalent Environmental Justice and Racism issues throughout the contemporary World. She is excited to be a part of the volunteering team and support the local community of London to build a greener city.
Darby Alderson | Events & Marketing Committee Member
Darby Alderson is currently the Administration and Engagement Coordinator at Thames Talbot Land Trust. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Guelph and a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment from Niagara College. Darby is passionate about sustainability and protecting nature, and in her spare time, she takes too many selfies with her St. Bernard, Buddha.
Kelly Moir | Events & Marketing Committee Member
Kelly is incredibly excited to be joining the London Environmental Network on their mission to make London's environment better through community collaboration. She is passionate about people, the planet, and how the two interact. This interest started during her Bachelor's degree at the University of Guelph where she studied Psychology & Sociology and discovered the environmental movement on a larger city-wide scale. In 2019, she co-founded a youth-led organization in her hometown called the Sarnia Sustainability Ambassadors to mobilize environmental knowledge within the community & build connections with local environmentalists. Upon graduating in 2020, Kelly worked as an entrepreneur helping local businesses grow their digital communications. Starting in September 2021, Kelly will be attending Western University's Masters of Environment & Sustainability program to help broaden her knowledge in the environmental sector.
Kevin Kaisar | Events & Marketing Committee Member
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 now works as the Manager of Junction Climbing Centre in the Old East Village. Kevin is passionate about sustainable food practices, eco-conscious consumption, and shopping local. As part of LEN’s Events and Marketing Committee, he hopes to use his organization and administration wizardry to make some magic!
In his free time, Kevin enjoys trying out new board games, cooking with friends, thrifting, and drinking lots and lots of iced coffee.
Seungwon Han | Events & Marketing 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 | Events & Marketing 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!