THE ELK RIVER ALLIANCE TEAM
CHAD HUGHES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BSc Environmental Science
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, COMMUNITY LIAISON
MSc Bioresource engineering
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 DIRECTOR
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, EDUCATION & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
MSc Science Communication & Public Engagement, BScH Environmental Science
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, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & ELK RIVER COLLABORATIVE MONITORING MANAGER
MSc Applied Conservation, Grad DipSci, BCs Public Relations
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, GRANTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Bachelors of Global and International Studies
I grew up in Ontario and have been in Fernie for over two years. I first came to town for a three month internship with the Elk River Alliance and never left. Since then I’ve been able to work with ERA in various roles. I am passionate about finding ways to connect people to their local environment and helping to preserve those spaces
FYNLEY KUIJT, COMMUNITY BASED WATER MONITORING MANAGER
BSc Forest Science, Ecology and Management
Biologist in Training (BIT)
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
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!
ALEX MCCLYMONT, CAMPS DIRECTOR & DATA ANALYST
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