Expedition Leader, Naturalist, Photographer
Though I grew up in a city lacking in nature, I found escapes to the natural world as often as I could. And as I got older, this task became increasingly more important. In my early career, I sought a connection with animals, completing a degree in Zoology and working in various zoos and other conservation organizations. It was here that I could see a need for educators; those with a passion to help bridge the gap between researchers that are discovering magical things about our planet, and the everyday people that carried with them a curiosity about the world around them.
I completed a master's degree in science communication where my studies focused on the importance of leadership, communication and community involvement for environmental preservation. Through multiple field courses, I witnessed spectacular conservation programs around the globe and developed a strong interest in human-wildlife coexistence and wildlife tourism. These experiences led to my guiding career, allowing me to apply my passion for education and desire to use photography to capture incredible moments.
To me, nature offers a mindful escape from our busy lives; an opportunity to place ourselves in another world, where things just seem serene. It calms the body and heightens the senses. And I love to use photography as a way of transporting me back to those places. From a single image, I can recall the feeling of snow flakes kissing my face on a cold winter day, I can smell the forest after a big rainfall, and I can feel the sunshine hitting the back of my neck as I climb a mountain. Photography provides an avenue of connection.
We live in a world full of wildlife and wild spaces, offering an abundance of exploration possibilities that constantly leave me in awe. Conservation travel and photography are powerful tools that can be harnessed to foster meaningful connections with the natural world and I feel privileged to devote my career to this initiative. In both my personal and professional lives, I hope to inspire and be inspired, not only by nature, but the people I meet along the way, all with a camera in hand.
University of Guelph - B.S.c Zoology
Miami University - M.A. Science Communication
Experience
EXPEDITION LEADER
Guide multi-day expeditions in Iceland, the Canadian Rockies, Churchill, Alaska, and England, delivering immersive experiences and regional expertise.
Deliver presentations on topics such as animal behaviour, ecology, biodiversity, ornithology, conservation, climate change, sea ice, glaciology, volcanology, geology, research tactics, and sustainable travel.
Collaborate with co-guides, field staff and office personnel professionally and efficiently, while maintaining autonomy and independence in the field.
Lead hikes up to 3 miles, providing nature interpretation tailored to various physical capabilities.
Create an inclusive environment to foster the development of meaningful relationships between guests, indigenous communities, local partners, and operations staff.
GUIDE/NATURALIST
Drive small groups through unserviced road networks to access trails within the Churchill Wildlife Management Area for wildlife, sightseeing and northern lights tours, providing nature interpretation.
Experienced in firearm handling and safety protocols in polar bear territory, ensuring safety while working in compliance with permits and local authorities.
Host photography groups on multi-day excursions around Churchill, Manitoba, providing expert knowledge on local wildlife and landscapes, and enhancing participants' photography skills through hands-on instruction.
Lead guided hikes to local historic sites through polar bear territory, ensuring safety measures in high-risk wildlife areas.
BIOLOGIST
Provided guests with educational briefings and safety protocols prior to each tour, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of bear behaviour and best practices for safe wildlife viewing.
Captained shallow-draft skiffs in the inlets of British Columbia's coast, navigating strong tidal currents, intense opposing winds, and heavy seas while managing human-bear interactions.
Led science-oriented grizzly bear viewing tours in areas of high bear density on foot, by boat, or in vehicles, with a major emphasis on safety and natural history interpretation.
Conducted daily wildlife observations and recorded data to contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts within the Great Bear Rainforest.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Collaborate with fellow board members to promote initiatives of the Caribou Conservation Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery of caribou across North America.
Founded World Caribou Day, an annual event partnering with indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and zoos to produce various media highlighting the global importance of caribou conservation.
Directed an indigenous-led video project highlighting caribou conservation, overseeing all aspects of production from concept development to final editing, ensuring cultural accuracy and effective messaging.
Collaborate with educators, artists, and photographers to develop media content and educational materials that promote conservation projects, highlight the cultural and ecological significance of caribou, and foster engagement and awareness.
Secure funding and grants through networking and proposal writing to support caribou conservation projects and organizational initiatives.