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.

Sasha Owens | Environmental Efficiency Coordinator (Green Economy London)

Sasha is passionate about environmental sustainability with particular interest in renewable energy and urban agriculture. Growing up in London, Sasha has always been motivated to work for and support local businesses and her community. Sasha has an undergraduate degree in Applied Technology - Biotechnology from Fanshawe College is currently completing her Masters of Environment and Sustainability (MES) at Western University. She is excited to be working with Green Economy London to inspire positive change for the environment and community.

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.

Kelly Moir | Community Organizer

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.

Maya Gandhi | Business Development Specialist (Green Economy London)

As a student currently pursuing a degree in Honors Business Administration with a Sustainability Certificate from Ivey Business School, Maya loves learning from and working in her community to make sustainable change. In her free time, she enjoys hiking on new trails and seeking out unique vegan and vegetarian food places. Maya is excited to be helping Green Economy London prove that businesses can be both sustainable and successful.

Mackenzie McKim | Member Engagement 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.

Isabel Taylor | General Researcher (Green Economy London)

Isabel is currently enrolled in the Masters of Environment and Sustainability program at Western University. She is a recent graduate of the McMaster Arts & Science program, where she studied a wide range of topics, and learned to examine contemporary issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. She is deeply passionate about sustainability, and has a particular interest in renewable energy, green buildings, and environmental policy. Isabel is thrilled to be facilitating a more sustainable future in London through her research with Green Economy London.

Aranya Iyer  | General Researcher (Green Economy London)

Aranya Iyer is a Masters student at Western University with the Department of Geography and Environment. She is interested in studying and protecting long-distance migratory birds. She is excited about the real-world applications of GIS and is drawn to how we can use it as a problem-solving tool to map bird movement across the continents.

When she's not looking at or studying birds, she enjoys reading political autobiographies, talking about her ever-growing collection of houseplants and watching home renovation shows.

Her life's goal is to make science-based academia be applicable and accessible to as many people as possible. She is excited to volunteer with Green Economy London because she will be able to work on projects that are truly effecting change at the community level!

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.

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  | Western University (Master's Student)

A student at Brescia University College completing a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in pursuit of a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability. I am a young and passionate leader interested in becoming a recognized professional environmentalist, committed to seeing policy reform so that environmental concerns are appropriately represented in Canadian politics. Non-profit work is important to me as it helps to create communities built on strong and shared values of connection. It’s my civic duty to participate and serve through the political system to ensure that effective interventions are applied in attempting to solve the environmental problems faced today. I am excited that this step is purposeful in striving for environmental justice through community action, and hope to see London as a Blue Community one day. I love spending my time caring for plants, biking, practising yoga, and doing anything that gets me outside.

Nicholas Rothernel, CPA, CA  | CARFAX Canada (Controller)

Nicholas is the Controller at CARFAX Canada Corporation, holding an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor, an advanced diploma of Business Administration from Conestoga College and a certificate of Human Resources from the HRPA of Ontario. Nicholas has used this advanced financial training to support London’s business and not-for-profit communities. He has worked with various not-for-profits in business, consulting and volunteer based roles – most notably with Camp Oochigeas as the Ontario team captain for an international firm, and as building captain for KaBoom! Nicholas enjoys hiking, travelling, working with a local start-up on environmental education programs and spending time outdoors with his family. Nick is the Chair of the Governance and Finance Committee

Heenal Rajani | Reimagine Co. (Co-founder)

Born and raised in England, Heenal is a newcomer to Canada who has lived and worked on four continents and has visited over 60 countries. After graduating with a MA (Hons) from Oxford University, Heenal spent his early career working in local government. Following three years as a union organizer, he moved to Central America and founded a green building and environmental education non-profit and a voluntourism social business, before spending two years in India studying tools and processes for collective social change. A new father, Heenal works at Innovation Works in Downtown London, as a community animator and sower of the seeds of collaboration.

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. Kaitlin has over 5 years of experience in many aspects of ecology and the non-profit sector, having worked as the Stewardship Coordinator at TTLT in the past as well as the Project Manager at ReForest London and an Urban Forestry Technician at the City of London.

Callista Ryan  | Western University Student Council (Associate Vice President Communications)

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.

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 Governance and 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 (Professor)

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 resiliency planning, and a keen interest in nature-based solutions to the climate crises, Brennan's career path is committed to promoting education and adaptive capacities for innovations and sustainable development solutions that can support community-based 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 will begin her doctoral studies in Law at Western University in September 2021.

Jennifer Mills  | Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (Policy Analyst)

Jennifer works as a Policy Analyst 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.