Our Team

John has extensive experience in First Nations engagement and non-profit management and has collaborated with nearly 50 Indigenous communities over the last 14 years. Throughout his career he has worked for and partnered with a variety of non-profit organizations focusing on community development, drinking water systems, environmental projects, education and training.

Kendra has a background in water quality monitoring and environmental chemistry. She completed a Masters of Chemical Science from Laurentian University in Environmental Chemistry and is a certified Environmental Professional through ECO Canada. Before working for Water First, Kendra was the Environmental Coordinator for Wahnapitae First Nation, and she also taught Environmental Science at Cambrian College. Kendra has a passion for water protection through science education.

Jag has a background in chemical and environmental engineering and has experience with mining and environmental projects. Jag’s experience with cross-cultural work environments, including First Nations, together with his Operator-in-Training designation and volunteerism with Professional Engineers Ontario, position him to make valuable contributions to Water First’s work.

Dillon is an Ontario Certified Teacher of Potawatomi descent who holds Bachelors degrees in geography and education. He has collaborated with schools and community members in over twenty FNMI communities in Ontario, Manitoba & Quebec to deliver STEM-based science workshops and complete watershed restoration & conservation projects. He has significant experience designing and delivering in-class and land-based educational programs at the Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions. Dillon has been involved with the delivery/management of programs in over 85 Indigenous communities.

Ami has over 19 years experience and a proven track record in fundraising, resource development and marketing. She enjoys nurturing relationships with Water First donors and developing customized strategies to meet their needs. Along with sharing Water First’s stories and increasing awareness of our work.

Jesse’s professional background includes extensive work as a wilderness fishing guide and environmental educator. His work at Water First focuses on fish habitat restoration in partnership with First Nations communities. He holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies from York University.

With over 20 years of marketing and communications experience, Brenda has successfully developed online marketing campaigns and strategies for a variety of non-profits. She shares her vast experience to help Water First build effective public communications initiatives.

Riva’s extensive experience with bookkeeping spans nearly 30 years. With both commercial and non-profit experience, she previously worked for McDonald’s Ronald McDonald House Charities. She also runs her own independent bookkeeping business, Better Bookkeeping Solutions.

Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering and a Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Guelph with a focus on hydrogeology and climate change monitoring. He also gained experience in photography while working along with environmental organizations and with the surf industry.

Ashley has over 5 years experience in office management and is one of the first happy faces you see when you walk through the door. She brings with her the excitement to learn and the skill of organization, as well as many other skills to assist you in your journey with Water First.

Adrianna Bilinski, member of Beausoleil First Nation, is the Program Manager of Indigenous School Engagement with Water First. As a certified teacher working with Water First she has visited 25 different community schools across 6 different provinces. Her passion for teaching helps her to support the work of building water science-related capacity in partner communities beginning with the youth and extending beyond when required.

Heidi is a professional educator with over 16 years of experience in designing and delivering environmental and science-based youth and adult education programs. First teaching high school chemistry and biology in China. Then programs on household water treatment technologies and training of trainers in Afghanistan, Haiti and Zambia. Most recently, e-Learning courses for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. She is passionate about making scientific and technical information hands-on, accessible and engaging.

Greg has worked with brands in an array of sectors across Canada and Australia in graphic design, interactive design, and film and video. He is excited to be using his passion for videography to share the wonderful work of the Water First team.

Mason is from Thunder Bay, on the North Shore of Lake Superior, the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation. He holds a BCom in Marketing Management from Toronto Metropolitan University and is passionate about supporting good work with his skills in communications and fundraising. Mason has years of communications, marketing, outreach and administrative experience with social and environmental businesses and organizations such as MakeWay Charitable Society, Ontario Nature, Patagonia Toronto and for the past 2+ years with Water First. He is passionate about combining his communications and design experience with his love for water and community engagement to support Water First’s communications and fundraising objectives.

Justin’s passion for understanding Indigenous water challenges began when he had the opportunity to work in his community’s water treatment plant in Whitefish River First Nation. Although his time there was short, Justin more deeply appreciated the need for safe, clean water and the impact that water treatment plants have in communities. Shortly after graduating from the civil engineering technology program at Cambrian college, Justin worked for his First Nation’s tribal council where he conducted GIS mapping work on his and affiliated First Nation communities.

Keegan Smith (MSc) has worked on water research projects around Canada, including Indigenous community-based monitoring projects in Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador. As a Project Manager with Water First, he develops and delivers technical training workshops on water quality, fish habitat, snow & ice, and mapping & GIS.

Tanya is an Ontario Certified Teacher and holds a Graduate Diploma of Education in the Primary and Junior divisions, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography. Her background includes several years of teaching experience on a First Nations reserve, as well as time spent delivering environmental programming. Her goal is to provide engaging and empowering, land-based learning opportunities for the Indigenous youth she works with.

Krysta is an OACETT Certified Environmental Technician (C.Tech.) who graduated from Mohawk College with an Environmental Technician Diploma and from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. Her passion is water treatment and she has worked in different Ontario municipalities and industrial settings as a Class 2 Drinking Water Operator, as well as a Class 1 Wastewater Operator. She is an active volunteer within her community, mentoring girls in the FAB (Fit Active Beautiful) program and women as the Grand Valley OACETT Women in Technology Representative and former Chapter Chair. Krysta enjoys any opportunity to share experiences and to learn. Working at Water First, Krysta hopes to further her understanding of how to care for water and to share her experiences and knowledge of water treatment.

Cory’s M.Sc. research at the University of Waterloo helped develop a water monitoring program for a vast floodplain in Northern Alberta to address concerns over industrial expansion that were expressed by local Indigenous communities. Cory has also previously worked alongside a team of knowledge producers from First Nations communities, government, and universities to inform conservation of water resources in the Northwest Territories. At Water First, Cory looks forward to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities while sharing her love for water science and ecology.

Stephen holds an Honours Bsc in Indigenous Environmental Studies and an MSc in Environmental Life Sciences from Trent University. Stephen’s experience has been focused on environmental pollution, fisheries and community-based programs with First Nations.

Catherine is an Ontario Certified Teacher in the Primary/Junior Divisions. She is passionate about environmental education and providing students with enriching experiential learning opportunities. Her background includes experience working for outdoor education centres, conservation authorities, as well as in-class teaching. Catherine is looking forward to collaborating with Indigenous communities to deliver water science programming for students, with a goal of fostering environmental stewardship.

Brooke graduated from Trent University with a degree in Environmental and Earth Sciences, during this time she worked at the Peterborough Water Treatment Plant growing her interest and knowledge in clean drinking water. Before coming to Water First, Brooke worked at Georgian Bay Forever conducting research and education on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, working towards legislative change to stop microfibre pollution at the source- our washing machines. At Water First, Brooke is excited to work alongside First Nations communities who share a love for the aquatic environment. Brooke is lucky to call the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula home.

Jacey, a member of the Piikani Nation in Southern Alberta, first began her educational journey at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Following her graduation from the Chemical Engineering Technology program, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University, from which she graduated in the Spring of 2022. Proud of her identity as an Indigenous woman in engineering, Jacey is excited to share her passion for STEM with other Indigenous youth and play a part in training and providing resources for current and future generations of water protectors.

Chris has 25+ years in environmental program development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring for private, public and not-for-profit organizations. Chris’s work as an environmental regulator in the Northwest Territories, leadership of a Canadian NGO and water and wastewater operations has him uniquely positioned to contribute to the success of the Water First team. Chris holds a Masters’s degree in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University.

Maria has more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing in the not-for-profit, association and government sectors. Her passion is writing compelling stories that lead to action and connection. As an editor and writing coach, she helps others communicate clearly and with intention. Maria has a Master’s degree in English Literature from Queen’s University.

Cindy has worked with charitable organizations for most of her 30-year career.  She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology as well as a CPA designation.  Before working for Water First, Cindy worked for various non-profit organizations that provide services to children, federal inmates and seniors.  At Water First, Cindy is looking forward to facilitating changes that support the organization’s mission.

Alex has extensive experience working with environmental non-profits, municipal and territorial governments, and in the private sector. He spent the last six years working in communities in the Northwest Territories as a regulator on various environmental and water management projects. Most recently, he was part of the senior management team leading the Giant Mine Remediation Project. Alex holds a Master of Science in Integrated Water Resource Management from McGill University.

Sarah is an Ontario Certified Teacher and has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. She has worked with students of all ages teaching environmental and outdoor education programming at multiple outdoor education centres, as well as teaching at a forest school. Sarah loves integrating curriculum with hands-on outdoor and experiential learning opportunities. She is excited to work with and learn from Indigenous communities and students, sharing her passion for the environment, outdoor activities, and environmental stewardship.

Jenny is one of the first happy people you see when you come into the office. When she isn’t in the office, you can find her hiking local trails, camping or canoeing. She jumped at the opportunity to work at Water First and takes pride in being part of an organization that is taking action with the water crisis.

Michelle brings 20+ years of experience with a family-run display advertising company and 10 years in freelance bookkeeping, business development, and sales. These roles gave her a solid foundation in administration at a management level, as well as the ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. She also serves on volunteer Boards of Directors. Michelle loves to find efficiencies in processes, business writing, and supporting the vision and mission of the Executive Director & Founder.

Adam graduated from Nipissing University with a degree in Environmental Geography with a focus on Environmental Management. After completing school, he opened an Environmental Inspection Company working within the oil and gas industry. Always having a passion for conservation and environmental protection, he started working at a local Tribal Council as an Environmental Technician before an opportunity to work with Water First grabbed his interest. At Water First, Adam is excited about helping inspire a new wave of young Water Treatment Operators.

S.J. (Sarah Jayne) is a member of Alderville First Nation who equally embraces her Anishinaabe and settler ancestry.  With over 20 years’ experience in the community mental health and wellness sector, SJ’s career has been rooted in addressing the inequities Indigenous people experience when accessing culturally appropriate health care, safe and affordable housing and meaningful community supports. Community work experience led SJ to her current role with Water First, facilitating ongoing Indigenous historical and cultural awareness learning paths to ensure the Water First team continues its reparation work with Indigenous communities in an informed, inclusive and respectful way. Being an Anishinaabe Kwe, SJ understands her inherent role as a Water Protector and supports meaningful collaboration with community partners.

Beth graduated from the University of Windsor with a degree in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Resource Management. Her schooling, along with her previous work experience in social media earned Beth a spot on both the Environmental Water and Communications teams. She’s excited to be working in two fields she’s passionate about, and is ready to learn as much as possible from her colleagues and from the communities she works with.

Teresa brings 19 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations and event management to the Water First team. She enjoys connecting and collaborating with donors and community organizations to realize their philanthropic goals while supporting Water First’s mission. She graduated from Carleton University with an Honours Bachelor of Journalism and English.

Dawnie is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience ranging from various non-profit charities such as children’s mental health, youth criminal justice, health charities and sustainable communities.  Earlier experiences also include working with global conglomerates to start-up tech firms.  With a diverse array of industry experience, Dawnie blends both strategic and grassroots HR practice that enables and supports the mission, vision and people of the organization.

Jessica holds her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geography and has been working in the charitable sector as a Certified Fundraising Professional for over two decades. Over this time she has worked closely with large corporations, small businesses, family foundations and individuals and families. She says the best part of her role with Water First is seeing people of all kinds have a real impact on a critically important cause.

Émilie has over 16 years of international experience working in the water and sanitation sector for non for profit organizations. She has collaborated with numerous small to large NGOs, municipalities, educational institutions and Governments to increase the availability of safe water and adequate sanitation facilities locally. She holds a Master in Water Management from Cranfield University, UK and a Bachelor in Wildlife and Countryside Conservation from Bishop Burton College, UK.