Our Team
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At every step, highly qualified and dedicated professionals are involved in our operations.
Staff Members
John Millar, B.A., M.A.
Position: Executive Director & Founder
Categories: Staff
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 Driscoll, M.Sc., EP
Position: Senior Manager, Drinking Water
Categories: Staff
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.
Dillon Koopmans
Position: Senior Manager, Education
Categories: Staff
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 Gopal
Position: Director of Development & Communications
Categories: Staff
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 Wright, M.ES.
Position: Fish Habitat Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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.
Brenda Lapell
Position: Digital Communications Manager
Categories: Staff
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.
Ryan Osman
Position: Water Resources Specialist & Field Photographer
Categories: Staff
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 Doucette
Position: Stewardship Co-ordinator
Categories: Staff
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
Position: Program Manager, Indigenous School Engagement
Categories: Staff
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.
Greg Allan
Position: Programs Communications Specialist
Categories: Staff
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 Prout
Position: Communications & Development Specialist
Categories: Staff
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 McGregor
Position: Internship Coordinator & Trainer
Categories: Staff
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
Position: Project Manager
Categories: Staff
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 Sackaney
Position: Indigenous Schools Engagement Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Wordock
Position: Project Manager & Instructor
Categories: Staff
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 Girard
Position: Project Manager
Categories: Staff
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 McGovarin
Position: Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Melillo
Position: Indigenous School Engagement Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Harrison
Position: Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Bonertz
Position: Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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.
Cindy Lawrenson
Position: Director of Finance
Categories: Staff
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 Lynch, M.Sc.
Position: Senior Manager, Environmental Water
Categories: Staff
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 Allemang
Position: Indigenous School Engagement Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Matthew
Position: Office and Community Engagement Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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 Baker
Position: Assistant to the Executive Director
Categories: Staff
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.
Sarah Jayne Kendall
Position: Director of Community Engagement
Categories: Staff
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 Wright
Position: Technical Trainer & Communications Coordinator
Categories: Staff
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.
Erin Peters, Ph.D
Position: Manager, Instructional Design & Delivery
Categories: Staff
Teresa McDonald-Thuro
Position: Manager, Development
Categories: Staff
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 Codina
Position: Senior Manager, Human Resources
Categories: Staff
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 Rawn, CFRE
Position: Senior Manager, Development
Categories: Staff
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 Sanmartin
Position: Director of Western Partnerships
Categories: Staff
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.
Sam Cunningham
Position: Technical Trainer & Project Coordinator
Categories: Staff
Sam holds a Masters of Water Security from the University of Saskatchewan, an Environmental Technologist Diploma from Fleming College, and a BSc in Environmental Science from Saint Mary’s University. Before coming to Water First, she worked at the County of Essex and the Georgian Bay Biosphere, working to incorporate climate change planning into municipal operations. She is excited to be putting her OIT certification to use alongside her passion for equitable environmental education.
Karen Green
Position: Copywriter & Editor
Categories: Staff
Karen Green brings more than 20 years of experience in creative marketing and communications to Water First. She studied Creative Writing at York University and has focused on the nonprofit sector for much of her career. Karen is happy to be able to contribute to the important and innovative work that Water First is doing.
Julia Zazzarini
Position: Project Manager & Instructor
Categories: Staff
Julia brings a unique perspective to the field of water science, blending her experience in land and water monitoring programs with expertise in 3D designing concepts. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Water Science from the University of Wilfrid Laurier, Julia is committed to leveraging her diverse skill set to address complex challenges in the field. Before joining Water First, she served as the Environment Technician with Six Nations of the Grand River, where she developed a deep understanding of environmental issues and community needs.
Board of Directors
Leanne O’Brien, MAPC
Categories: Board of Directors
Leanne is a communications practitioner in global technology who has spent nearly two decades reaching audiences to help organizations grow in the tech, renewable energy, HR, and writing industries. She is a descendent of Irish, French Canadian, and Métis ancestors, and is from Treaty 13, otherwise known as Toronto. As board chair, Leanne is honoured to be involved in what she believes to be one of the most innovative and profound initiatives of our time: the co-creations that happen at Water First.
Ian Heaps
Categories: Board of Directors
An entrepreneur with 20 plus years in building brands and sales through creative marketing and communications initiatives, Ian is co-founder of Blundstone Footwear Canada. Starting with one store in 1994, Blundstone’s distribution has grown to over 600 locations across Canada.
Teza Lawrence, B.A.H.
Categories: Board of Directors
Teza is an award winning television and film producer and co-founder of Amaze Film & Television, working with YTV, HBO & Disney among others. She balances the bright lights of the entertainment industry with the bucolic pasture of her Duntroon farm.
Gary Pritchard
Categories: Board of Directors
Gary is from Curve Lake First Nation and is the Manager of Energy & Environment at Cambium Aboriginal, a First Nations engineering and technical consulting firm. He has worked with and travelled to over 280 Indigenous communities and has over 14 years of work experience regarding environmental assessments, policy, project planning and permitting.
Polly Bobiwash
Categories: Board of Directors
Polly Bobiwash is the Director of Labour Market Development at the Anishinabek Nation, which has 39 member First Nations communities. She has spent over 35 years providing counsel to First Nations individuals, organizations, and communities in the area of employment and training services, guiding individuals to secure both fulfilling and meaningful employment.
Robert McMahon
Categories: Board of Directors
Bob has over 25 years of experience providing auditing, accounting and advisory
services for not-for-profit, public and private sector companies. His clients have
included organizations in healthcare, education, retail, food services, construction and
manufacturing. In addition to his assurance work, he provides advisory services on
business operations, corporate structuring, tax planning, succession planning and financial
solutions. Bob’s practice is composed of multiple clients in the health sector, including
hospitals and health-related NPOs. Bob’s skills include recognizing clients’ needs and
bringing in a team that can provide the most effective services to BDO’s clients.
Advisors
Murray Richardson, Ph.D.
Categories: Advisors
An Associate Professor of Geography at Carleton University, Ottawa, Murray’s research focuses on watershed hydrology and mercury sensitivity, and spans geographic regions from southern Ontario to the Canadian arctic. Murray actively incorporates community-engaged scholarship practices into his research at every opportunity.
Jonathan VanderSteen, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Categories: Advisors
Jonathan was an engineering professor at the University of Guelph before becoming a project engineer working in the Water and Wastewater field. He has extensive experience related to civil and mechanical engineering, humanitarian engineering, and instructional and training program design.
Bob Rae
Categories: Advisors
Bob Rae is a former Premier of Ontario and a former interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He now advocates for First Nations on a number of issues, including the right to safe drinking water.
Paola Accettola
Categories: Advisors
Paola began her career with Liberty Mutual, gaining unparalleled experience in the human resources space, and has worked in senior level HR positions with notable brands such as Nike and Cineplex. Paola is currently the Founder and Principal of True North HR Consulting and is known for her smart, simple people solutions that focus business leaders on the people strategies that make a measurable difference. She and her True North team have been instrumental in the design and implementation of critical human resources processes that support Water First’s hiring and staff support needs. Paola fills an integral role as an advisor to Water First.
Jana Levison
Categories: Advisors
Andrew Binns
Categories: Advisors
Andrew Binns, Ph.D., P.Eng., is an Associate Professor of Water Resources Engineering in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph. Andrew completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Queen’s University. Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Western Ontario and as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph. His research is related to understanding hydraulic and hydrologic processes and investigating the effect of natural and anthropogenic impacts on these processes, with emphasis on physical laboratory experimentation, numerical modelling and field-based investigations. His current research focuses on urban flooding and the mitigation technologies and approaches, investigation of fluvial morphodynamic process in rivers and streams, and the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. Andrew is currently an Associate Editor for the Journal of Flood Risk Management. He is passionate about contributing towards the sustainability of water resources and the environment.
Ambassadors
Nadia George
Categories: Ambassadors
Nadia George is an award-winning Kuskatán Nahua-Canadian actress, activist, and therapeutic performance coach based in Toronto.
Nadia’s lived and professional experiences have empowered her to seek ways to improve the quality of life for all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
Her volunteerism focuses on Indigenous equity, environmental justice and mental health; and believes that gifting her time, talent and treasure is an important piece to being an ally for the Indigenous communities we collaborate with.