Cecilia Jaques
Cecilia Jaques works at the intersection between strategy, engagement and sustainability and is driven by her mission to build an equitable and resilient future. Cecilia is a certified change management practitioner, holds a Master of Sustainability Science, and has published in the Journal of Sustainability MDPI.
Gerald Cordeiro
Gerald Cordeiro has over 25 years of experience in the forest industry. His varied background includes field work, planning, harvesting, road and bridge construction, and manufacturing. He gained recent experience in interagency collaboration on a large wildfire risk reduction project.
Lesley Garlow
Lesley Garlow is the vice chair of the West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative. She is of mixed ancestry—Haudenosaunee from Six Nations of the Grand River, Osweken, Brantford Reserve, Cayuga, Turtle Clan, as well as Italian and Irish heritage. She is a long-term resident of the Cascadia bioregion. She is a mother of three, ages 23, 19, and 4. She is an auntie, daughter, sister, partner and a biophilic (lover of all life).
Lesley graduated from Selkirk College with an Associate Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction. She is pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work with specialization in Indigenous perspectives at the University of Victoria.
Melissa Dorey
Melissa Dorey is an Indigenous educator and researcher from Mi’kima’ki, who has combined Mi’kmaw ancestry (received from her maternal and paternal grandmothers) and French ancestry (southern France). With a background in environmental research-protection, Melissa has worked with Indigenous, federal and provincial governments within western Kanata and Washington State, including special interest projects that supported non-profit organizations and communities.
Melissa’s research has mainly focused on species at risk, Indigenous food sovereignty, eco-cultural revitalization and water protection. Her humble journey at Selkirk College began over a decade ago as a student in Recreation, Fish & Wildlife Technology.
Currently, Melissa works at Selkirk College as the Indigenous Project Lead with Indigenous Services and is an instructor for the School of Environment & Geomatics. Her journey has come full circle, as Melissa is now a colleague of her former instructors and works within a department that did not exist when she was a student.
In support of the Indigenization Plan (2019-2024), Melissa facilitates on-the-land learning opportunities alongside Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and actively participates in diverse cultural practices and ceremonies.
Nicole Charlwood
Nicole Charlwood is a local politician, former councilor at the City of Nelson, former executive director of the West Kootenay EcoSociety and former executive director of the West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative. She is also a mom, singer, dancer, hiker and forager.
Patricia Dehnel
Patricia Dehnel is a registered professional planner passionate about healthy and connected community. She currently serves as the West Kootenay Cycling Coalition's project coordinator for the Castlegar-Nelson Active Transportation Corridor Vision and has a strong interest in walking and cycling in the Kootenays.
Rhonda Belczyk
Rhonda Belczyk has been a social worker 27 years. She holds Master of Social Work with a specialty in Leadership. For most of her career, Rhonda worked for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She is currently an instructor in Human Services.
Rhonda received a Premier’s Award in recognition of her work in community development, service coordination and collaborative practice. She received a Standing Committee on Professional Excellence (SCOPE) Award in recognition of her achievements as an educator.
Todd Kettner
Todd Kettner is a sailor. Mountain biker. Skier. Psychologist with an increasing awareness of the research demonstrating high levels of eco-anxiety worldwide, especially in youth.