THE ELK RIVER ALLIANCE TEAM
CHAD HUGHES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BSc Environmental Science
chad@elkriveralliance.ca
Exploring and learning about this amazing river has been a passion ever since I swapped the Outback deserts for the mountains of the Kootenays. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to use my skills and experience to protect the place we fish, float, and live. I feel the community has a huge role to play in environmental conservation and through the ERA I want to help citizens and visitors of the Elk Valley safeguard the river on which we work and play.
ANNE-CAROLINE KROEGER, DONOR LIAISON
MSc Bioresource engineering
anne@elkriveralliance.ca
As a general science student studying side-by-side with engineering students, I was struck at the ability of engineering students ”to get projects done” through project management skills, and I wanted to learn the ways of effective project managers. I applied these skills with increasing confidence over the five years I worked in an environmental consulting firm in Québec City. My interest in running exciting projects in high-performing teams has grown every year since my early student years.
BEN INGLE, OPERATIONS ADVISORS
ben@elkriveralliance.ca
Since I arrived in Fernie 7 years ago I’ve fallen further and further in love with the community, the landscape and the lifestyle that comes with having mountains and rivers on my doorstep. I have a deep passion for the environment and the outdoors and a wealth of experience helping organizations deliver on their mission through empowering people to surprise themselves with what they achieve and distilling out what’s really making a difference. Having worked hard to build a sustainable life here I’m excited to now be doing what I can to build a sustainable future for this beautiful watershed.
OLIVIA HEINTZMAN, COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT ADVISOR
MSc Science Communication & Public Engagement
olivia@elkriveralliance.ca
I’m an environmental scientist and science communicator passionate about connecting people with the natural world around them. With a background in environmental science and science communication, I love translating complex environmental issues into stories and experiences that inspire real action. Fernie’s incredible sense of place and community spirit make it the perfect setting for this kind of work. My goal is to help foster a stronger connection between the Fernie community and the watershed we all depend on.
CAITLIN HENNEKER, ELK RIVER WATERSHED COLLABORATIVE MONITORING PROGRAM MANAGER
MSc Applied Conservation, Grad DipSci, BCs Public Relations
caitlin@elkriveralliance.ca
I’ve always had a passion for water conservation thanks to growing up on Tīkapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf) in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa New Zealand. After cutting my teeth in corporate communications while longing to do more for our planet, I went back to university to gain a Masters in Applied Conservation. Marrying this together, I love using my varied skill set spanning creative copywriting to strategic planning, to play our part in conserving the Elk River watershed.
ALESHIA CONLEY, Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Bachelors of Global and International Studies
aleshia@elkriveralliance.ca
I was born and raised in Stouffville, Ontario and have spent the last couple years living in Ottawa after attending Carleton University. During January through March 2024 I did a three month volunteer placement at the Elk River alliance through the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Canadian Conservation Corps program. During that time I fell in love with Fernie and I am super excited to be getting out in the field and to help run camp this summer.
FYNLEY KUIJT, COMMUNITY BASED WATER MONITORING COORDINATOR
BSc Forest Science, Ecology and Management
Biologist in Training (BIT)
fynley@elkriveralliance.ca
After working in ecology in Alberta over the last few years, it’s wonderful to be involved in environmental work close to home, in Fernie. Growing up in the Elk Valley has given me a huge appreciation for this landscape and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to restoration and the watershed monitoring efforts in this area.
SARAI RAMIREZ SALDAÑA, RESTORATION COORDINATOR (On Maternity Leave)
BSc Biology
sarai@elkriveralliance.ca
I was born in Mexico City, Mexico and raised in the town of Villahermosa in the state of Tabasco. My love and passion for the environment and nature took me to study Biology at the University of Lethbridge, in Canada. Ultimately I fell in love with this country and I want to use my skills and abilities to help my community and help save the planet!
TADHG DIGNAN, ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN
Tadhg@elkriveralliance.ca
Tadhg, it’s like “tiger” without the “er”. I moved to Canada from rural Ireland in 2021 after completing a degree in outdoor education to pursue a career in adventure sports. The following summers were spent guiding high-level whitewater rafting trips in the Bow Valley and the winters were spent working in a ski and board service shop. I moved to the Canadian Rockies and quickly fell in love with snowboarding and mountain biking. After visiting Fernie on a Snowboarding trip I became hell-bent on spending his time in the Elk Valley finally moving here in 2023. In my spare time, you can find me whitewater kayaking, sliding down a hill on my snowboard or exploring the mountains on a bike.
ALEX MCCLYMONT, CAMPS DIRECTOR & DATA ANALYST
Alex@elkriveralliance.ca
HI, I’M ALEX! Originally from Edmonton, I completed a Master’s degree in aquatic ecology at Queen’s University before moving to Fernie in 2020. My passion for ecology, driven by the desire to connect with and understand my environment, has evolved to include a love of education and community outreach. I am grateful to unite my two passions, for science and education, by running ERA’s summer camp program. I believe that a personal connection to nature is essential for wanting to protect our most precious resources. I’m also happy to continue my career in science supporting ERA’s diverse programs in any way I can.
JENNIFER O’DONNELL, BOOKKEEPER
info@elkriveralliance.ca
CYNTHIA FRASER, ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
cynthia@elkriveralliance.ca