Back to About

Our Team

Our FortWhyte Alive team works hard to bring people together to build sustainable relationships with nature and each other.

FortWhyte Alive staff in orange shirts stand lakeside

Liz Wilson

President & CEO

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 202

Liz Wilson

President & CEO

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 202

Liz brings many years of management experience in both the private and the not-for-profit sectors, including leadership roles in programming, fundraising and volunteer support. She demonstrates the ethos of FortWhyte in her own lifestyle and has a deep background in Conservation. Liz holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Asper School of Business.

Ian Barnett

Vice President

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 208

Ian Barnett

Vice President

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 208

Ian developed and implemented the programming and partnerships required to launch and grow the FortWhyte Farms program. He has 25+ years experience of management and governance in the non-profit sector, and brings an extensive background working with at-risk youth. He holds a Bachelor degree in Recreation Studies, and holds a Master of Business Administration in Social Enterprise Leadership.

Jackie Avent

Director of Philanthropy

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 212

Leah Smith

Director of Education & Youth Programs

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 227

Leah Smith

Director of Education & Youth Programs

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 227

After completing her Forest School Practitioner course at FortWhyte in 2016, Leah has brought her passion for nature-based learning everywhere she goes.

With nearly 20 years of experience and an honours diploma in Early Childhood Education, Leah has found inspiration in many settings of early learning. From large centres, to Montessori schools, to private multi-family care, to her own entrepreneurial Forest School sessions along the riverbanks of Winnipeg, her commitment to outdoor child-led curriculum runs deep. Leading workshops on risky play and the forest school ethos for independent childcare centres and professional development conferences has also been a big part of her career in recent years.

Leah is a mother of two young teens who love exploring new and familiar places in nature, in their neighbourhood, along with a few annual road trips.

Chelsea Fraser

Human Resources Manager

Email

(204) 989-8355 x 214

Accounting

  • Sharon McKay, Accountant

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 217

  • Marina Oberton, Office Administrator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 206

Communications

  • Mark Saunders, Communications & Brand Manager

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 221

  • Waverley Dovey, Communications Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 220

  • Travis Kohanek, Graphic Designer

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 234

Development

  • Jackie Avent, Director of Philanthropy

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 212

  • Sandy Fox, Major Gifts Officer

    Email

    204-989-8355 x 205

  • Andrea Scarth, Donor Services Administrator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 211

  • Nicole Carpentier, Events & Sponsorship Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 219

Education

  • Renee Olafson-Dyck, Education Manager

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 209

  • Katrina Froese, Education Program Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 203

  • Minna Goulet, Bilingual Interpreter & Sustainability Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 207

  • Emma White, Climate Science Interpreter (Bilingual)

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 233

  • Sabrina Janke, Cultural and Heritage Interpreter

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 232

Forest School

  • Leah Smith, Director of Education & Youth Programs

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 227

  • Breanne Reinfort, Forest School Facilitator

  • David Seburn, Forest School Practitioner

  • Nadine Lidgett, Forest School Practitioner

  • Sam Ehlers, Forest School Facilitator

  • Meghan Duffield, Forest School Practitioner

  • Jo Poortenaar, Forest School Facilitator

FortWhyte Farms

  • Kayla Penelton, Farm Social Impact Manager

    Email

    (204) 895-2373

  • Heather Skrypnyk, Farm Operations Manager

    Email

    (204) 895-2373

  • Connor Milligan, Program & Employment Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 895-2373

  • Robert Ewanchuk, Woodshop Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 895-2373

  • Eric Olson, Programs Assistant & Special Projects

    Email

    (204) 895-2373

  • Jude Yallowega, Kitchen Program Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 222

Groups, Venue, and Bookings

  • Signy Brownell, Public Programs Coordinator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 231

  • Anna Thoroski, Wedding, Event & Venue Supervisor

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 228

  • Holly Pluchinski, Bookings Administrator

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 204

Human & Volunteer Resources

  • Chelsea Fraser, Human Resources Manager

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 214

  • Amber Reid, Volunteer Resources Manager

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 213

Site and Facilities

  • Ian Carter, Site Manager

    Email

    204-799-0721

  • Carter Fache, Site and Bison Herd Supervisor

    Email
  • Alex Moore, Landscape Technician

    Email

Visitor Experience and Retail Services

  • Erin Warsaba, Visitor Experience Manager

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 216

  • Bonnie Dack Boulet, Retail Supervisor & Buyer

    Email

    (204) 989-8355 x 218