Staff & Board

Dr. Rebecca Pollock

Becky has been part of the senior management team since 2008. She is passionate about sustainable communities and wants to make a difference in her favourite place on the planet… Georgian Bay! Previously, Becky did a doctorate in environmental politics (Trent University) to learn how different groups can govern a landscape like eastern Georgian Bay. Her Master’s program (University College London) focused on communicating science to the public. She is adjunct faculty at the University of Waterloo. Most of her time is spent with her family out swimming, paddling or skiing on beautiful Georgian Bay.

Greg Mason

Greg has been part of the management team since 2008. With a B.Sc in Environmental Science (Carleton) and Masters of Environmental Studies (Waterloo), he feels fortunate to have been able to return to Parry Sound, the community where he was born and raised. Greg has worked as a kayak guide, outdoor store manager, and land use planner. He is happy when unique audiences come together to create projects that enhance our relationships with each other, our community, and Georgian Bay. When not at work, Greg can be found at the ski & bike trails or on a river or Georgian Bay in his kayak or canoe.

David Bywater

Delaina Arnold

Delaina joined the team in 2014 and has facilitated a variety of  education and outreach programs as well as fundraising activities and species at risk work. Delaina graduated with a Ecosystem Management Diploma (Fleming College)  and went on to receive a Bachelor of Environmental & Resource Studies and International Development Studies (Trent University). A fourth generation Parry Sounder, Delaina is an avid gardener, reader, cook, and spends every opportunity playing outside, camping, hiking, and traveling.

Laura Peddie

Laura joined the team in 2019. She provides organizational planning and development with the management team, oversees communications, manages fund development efforts, ensures internal efficiency of operating systems, and more! Laura holds a BA in Geography (University of Western Ontario). She loves to work for an organization that makes a positive difference by building communities that are more vibrant and sustainable. When she’s not at work you can find her swimming in Georgian Bay, gardening, or walking with her dog Leo.

Erika Kramer

Erika joined the team in 2022 to establish a new Social Enterprise focused on environment, community and eco-tourism consulting services in order to bring greater financial sustainability to Biosphere programs. Erika has had a 30-year career in educational, non-profit and for-profit television where she held senior leadership roles in Operations, Technology and Administration. She has a BA in Radio and Television Arts (Toronto Metropolitan) and has dabbled in Philosophy (York, UofT). Erika loves to play outdoors, garden, read and cook up a storm.

Sherrill Judge

Sherrill – Midwewekamigokwe is an Anishinaabekwe from Shawanaga First Nation and is of the Sturgeon clan. Sherrill has been an educator with a foundation in cultural knowledge and language sharing for 16+ years.  She brings a wealth of knowledge in building relationships and is excited to continue her work with the communities along Mnidoo Gamiing. In her free time, Sherrill and her family can be found connecting to the land and water – paddling, peddling, harvesting and exploring.  She enjoys cooking for her family of seven! 

Kyla Judge

Kyla joined the staff team in 2018 and is an Anishinaabekwe of the Marten clan, from Shawanaga First Nation. She holds a B.AH in Indigenous Studies with an emphasis on Indigenous Environmental Studies (Trent). Kyla guides the development and delivery of GBB’s Cultural Programs and supports the development and implementation of GBB’s Antiracism and Reconciliation Plan and Cultural Protocols. She leads the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth team and the caretaking of Oshkinigig.  Kyla is a jingle dress dancer, avid paddler, and community leader.

Tianna Burke

Tianna Burke has been part of the team since 2017. Tianna holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Waterloo) and a Master’s of Science (Trent). Her love of science, conservation, communication, and education has come full circle at GBB where she coordinates the species at risk research and outreach, assists with education programs, and leads content development for GBB’s social media. She is the President of the Parry Sound Nature Club and her time is spent birdwatching, hiking, and taking care of her pets (all 30 of them!).

Katrina Krievins

Katrina has been with the organization since 2016. In her time with GBB, she has played a key role with the State of the Bay program, gathering research about water, wetlands, fisheries, and habitats in this unique landscape, and sharing it with people who care about Georgian Bay. Katrina holds an MS and BA (Brock), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Ecosystem Restoration (Niagara College). She loves fishing, paddling, and swimming and strives to play a part in helping people better understand and appreciate these complex systems.

Benjamin John

Ben first joined the Biosphere in 2019 and after a period working in B.C. as a Corporate Energy & Emissions Specialist, he rejoined the team in 2022. Ben applies his passion for climate action through work with the Integrated Communities Energy & Climate Action Plans partnership. Ben holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Sustainable Business (Wilfrid Laurier) and Master’s of Resource & Environmental Management (Dalhousie). Outside of work you can find Ben fishing, golfing, playing hockey, or exploring Georgian Bay!

Aliena Hoskins

Aliena joined the Biosphere in the spring of 2021. She graduated in 2020 (University of Waterloo) and holds diplomas in Environmental Assessment and Ecological Restoration. Aliena helps facilitate the Kids in the Biosphere program, Lessons-in-a-Backpack, and other community educational events and activities. Aliena enjoys helping youth in the region learn and build connections with their environment. On her off time, she enjoys salsa dancing, swimming, and exploring the Bay!

Ruth Beattie

Ruth has been the bookkeeper since 2015.  Her main work focus is keeping the finances organized and appreciates being able to work in an organization that cares about the Georgian Bay.  She is thankful that she was able to raise her children here for the past 20 years.  Ruth has a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies (Western University).  She enjoys walking along the fitness trail, gardening and XC skiing.  Her favorite activity is spending time with her children.

Angela Vander Eyken

Angela joined the Biosphere team in 2021 and coordinates the Exploring Spaces for Biodiversity Conservation project, whilst applying her road mortality mitigation experience to the Maamwi Anjiakiziwin project. Angela holds a Bachelors in Bio-resource Management (Guelph). When not working, she can be found camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, and exploring nature. She is looking forward to exploring more of Georgian Bay, and connecting with community through conservation.

Emily Holdsworth

Emily joined the Biosphere team in 2021. Emily assists the Biosphere in all things GIS, bringing together a passion for the outdoors with mapmaking and geomatics. A recent grad from Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Geographic Sciences and a Geology grad (Carleton) in 2020. You can find Emily out on the water canoeing, or out playing hockey.

Melizza Claydentabobondung

Melizza recently graduated with a double Major in Environment, Society and Sustainability, and History (Dalhousie). She is super excited to move back to her home community, Wasauksing First Nation, and put her efforts into her new position at the GBB. Melizza’s role primarily focuses on engaging with the community, coordinating events and tours, implementing sustainable development initiatives, and representing Georgian Bay as its truest self. In Melizza’s spare time, you can find her jogging, swimming in the Bay, or soaking up the sunshine! In the winter, she prefers to be inside reading books or organizing bookshelves!

Dawson Bloor

Dawson is Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation and part of the Marten clan. His Ojibwe name is Bidwayodaam which means “One that can be heard coming from far away”. Dawson is passionate about re-connecting to the land, sharing stories, and learning Anishinaabemowin. His role with GBAY is to support the planning and delivery of leadership skill building with Indigenous youth, through Anishinaabek aadziwin, cultural land-based learning.

Stacey Evans

Stacey joined the Biosphere team in the fall of 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (Guelph) and a diploma in Ecosystem Management (Fleming College). Stacey applies her passion for conservation to communications and outreach activities related to biodiversity and species at risk habitat stewardship. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, baking, and spending time exploring nature!

Jenna Kentel

Jenna joined the Biosphere team in 2022, but has worked closely with GBB over the past two years while conducting her master’s research on road-effect mitigation for turtle communities in the region. Jenna holds a Bachelor of Environmental and Resource Science (Trent) and is currently finishing her Master’s in Biology (Laurentian). She is passionate about the protection of Species at Risk and looks forward to applying herself in their conservation through collaborative initiatives. In her spare time, you can find her outside hiking, climbing, paddling, or skiing!

Taylor Judge

Taylor first joined the staff team in 2020 and rejoined in 2022. She is an Anishinaabekwe of the Marten clan, from Shawanaga First Nation. She holds a B.AH in Legal Studies with a minor in Indigenous Studies (Carleton). Taylor is the cultural programs coordinator and assists in the development and delivery of GBB’s Cultural Programs and supports the development and implementation of GBB’s Antiracism and Reconciliation Plan and Cultural Protocols. She is a cofounding member of the Georgian Bay Anishinaabek Youth team and assists in the caretaking of Oshkinigig. Taylor is a sister, auntie, language learner, and helper of snakes and turtles crossing the road!

Heather Van Den Diepstraten

Heather joined the Biosphere team in 2021. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Biology (Guelph). Heather applies her passion for conservation, science, and education by assisting in lands and wildlife projects. She has a particular passion for reptiles, and will take any opportunity to chat about their weird and wonderful biology. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the outdoors or marathoning sci-fi/fantasy dramas.

Rachel Morrison

Rachel joined the team full time in the fall of 2023 after working for the biosphere the previous two summers. She just graduated from high school and will be pursuing a B.Sc in Environmental Science (Guelph) next year. Growing up in Parry Sound, she developed a deep appreciation for the biosphere and the wonders of nature. Outside of work, you’ll often find Rachel paddling, hiking, or camping, fueling her passion for the outdoors.