Our People

Taylor Wale is Lax Gibuu from Wilps xGwoimtxw and worked as a fisheries biologist with the Gitksan Watershed Authorities, where she played a key role in watershed stewardship and fisheries management in Gitksan territory. Wale has a BSc in natural resources conservation and an MSc in forestry from UBC, where she was recognized with the Peter H. Pearse Forestry Award and Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth. She honours the Elders and role models who have guided her and serves as a mentor to youth in her community. Wale volunteers as a girls’ basketball coach and plays for the Gitxsan Mystics.

Johnny Mack is from the Toquaht Nation (Nuu-chah-nulth) and is Assistant Professor at UBC Allard School of Law. An impassioned advocate for Indigenous peoples on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Mack’s involvement has been both formal, as a policy analyst for Aboriginal organizations, and informal, as a community activist working to create constructive critical dialogue on the subject of contemporary Treaty negotiations.

Ryan Day is from St’uxwtéws (Bonaparte Indian Band, Secwepémc Nation), where he formerly served as elected Kukpi7 (Chief). Day is a husband, father, brother, long-distance runner, hunter, fisher, berry-picker, root-digger, thinker, and builder.

Marilyn Baptiste is former chief of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, where she led her community in defeating one of the largest proposed copper and gold mines in BC. She spent her childhood in Xeni Gwet’in Caretaker Territory, where she grew up with her parents and sisters. She often joined her father, then chief of the Nemiah Valley Indian Band, on his trips to survey the territory.

Norman Allard is known for his expertise in wetland science and conservation. He has contributed significantly to research and management efforts aimed at protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems. His work often focuses on the ecological importance of wetlands, the biodiversity they bring, and their role in mitigating environmental issues such as flooding, adding fire resistance to areas, carbon capture, and climate change adaptiveness. Allard aims to work on initiatives related to land conservation, restoration, and sustainable resource management, drawing on many sources including Indigenous wisdom to promote ecological balance and resilience.

Working closely with the grants team, Kim Kadas assists with funding requests processing, database administration, and data quality.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts in cultural and historical studies from Marylhurst University, she has over 15 years of experience in administration and data management, and a wealth of expertise in, and passion for, data hygiene and process documentation.

She enjoys researching genealogy, travelling, and staring at the ocean.

Adarshana Thapa supports the management of grants for the Watershed Security Fund. As a Program Specialist, Adarshana plays a key role in overseeing the administration and delivery of funding programs that support watershed protection, ecosystem restoration, and community resilience. She works closely with applicants and project partners throughout the grant lifecycle.

Adarshana is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement in her professional, academic, and volunteer endeavours. She holds a Master of Land and Water Systems degree from the University of British Columbia, where she developed a strong foundation in integrated water resource management, soil health, and sustainable land-use practices. Her passion for connecting science with action continues to drive her work, as she strives to create tangible impacts that promote ecological balance, resilience, and equity for future generations.

She enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places through travel, and hiking scenic trails for adventure and relaxation.

Eve Hurd brings a diverse professional and academic background in water stewardship and community and Indigenous-led conservation. Eve is inspired by tangible solutions that address community and environmental needs, and she is dedicated to upholding the principles of decolonization and reconciliation in her work.  

Eve’s professional experience reflects her passion and commitment for community outreach and environmental advocacy. At Sea Smart, she developed land-based, culturally responsive educational programming, and designed marine education initiatives in collaboration with communities and First Nations in the Lower Mainland. Her background in community-based conservation is also informed by impactful research experiences, including studying human-wildlife conflict in Southwestern BC, and supporting sustainable waste management initiatives. 

Eve holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of British Columbia. In her free time, Eve is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and enjoys hiking, skiing, and cycling. She can also be found browsing used bookstores and testing new baking recipes. 

Praise Osifo supports the management of grants for the Watershed Security Fund. Praise brings a rich background in finance and sustainable development. With deep expertise in public engagement, relationship building, and project management, Praise’s work is grounded in principles of justice, equity, and decolonization.

Their journey has long been intertwined with water stewardship. Most recently at Water Rangers, Praise led and expanded grant programs to better support grantees, collaborated with First Nations and Métis communities to co-develop water stewardship initiatives, and contributed to the creation of a business case toolkit.

Praise’s experience spans the non-profit, corporate, and government sectors, always with a focus on uplifting communities and advancing social and environmental justice.

Outside of work, Praise is a creative spirit. You might find them paddleboarding scenic waters, painting, gardening on their balcony, strumming the ukulele, refurbishing second-hand furniture, or making joyful memories with friends.

Kimiko Johanson is an experienced office manager who ensures that the planning and day-to-day matters of board relations and operations run smoothly. As an integral part of the Foundation, she works collaboratively with the Board of Governors and staff to deliver REFBC’s programs through operational planning and project coordination. In her work, Kimiko seeks ways to authentically prioritize equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the Foundation’s operations planning, outreach, and administration.

Kimiko and her husband enjoy exploring parks and playgrounds in the territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Stó:lō (Sto:lo), and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) Nations with their kids and dog.

Cheyenne Bergenhenegouwen supports the communications and engagement strategy for the Watershed Security Fund. In her role as a communicator, Cheyenne enjoys bringing the voices and work of those out in the field to light, through videography and storytelling.

Cheyenne is passionate about the environment and conservation. These passions were able to grow through her different communications roles at the BC Wildlife Federation. In her most recent position, she led communications and content creation for the BCWF’s Wetlands Workforce project, one of the over 60 projects supported through the HWI.

Cheyenne has a diploma in broadcast and online journalism from BCIT and a BA from Simon Fraser University with a double major in world literature and Middle Eastern and Islamic history. Outside of work, Cheyenne can be found hiking, biking, or curled up reading a good book.

Alieska Robles supports the Watershed Security Fund’s communications efforts. She is a hands-on project manager with 15 years of experience in media production and communications. Committed to cultural engagement, environmental responsibility, and knowledge transfer, Alie has worked with clients ranging from small businesses and corporate brands to tourism operators and non-profits.

Raised in South America by a multicultural family and influenced by her experiences living abroad, Alie’s worldview is grounded in a deep curiosity and admiration for other people’s journeys. This perspective has helped her foster successful cross-cultural collaborations and drive meaningful initiatives. Some career highlights include leading a national awareness campaign for Regeneration Canada, organizing experiential events with Tourism London, and guiding the creative process of five print publications. Her work reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to inspire generations — whether through digital media campaigns, in-person events, or cherished print materials.

When not managing creative projects, you can find Alie at the pottery studio, running or cycling around the province, munching on vegetables from her garden, or having meaningful conversations with “those who live slowly and care deeply” for her indie publication, Hamaka.

Meghan Ray is our Grants System Manager. Meghan oversees the operations of the REFBC’s database systems, ensuring they are running smoothly by providing technical support to the grants and special programs teams. This role takes a dedicated focus on building, managing, and improving the grantmaking and programmatic systems of the Foundation.

Meghan has a Bachelor of Environment in Global Environmental Systems and a certificate in Geographic Information Science from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, Meghan enjoys scuba diving, travelling, and hiking.

As the Grants Operations Manager, Josie Iaci supports the grants team with project coordination, task and process planning, management, and delivery.

Before joining the Foundation, Josie worked as a Lands Officer for Kwantlen First Nation under the Kwantlen Lands, Resources and Stewardship Department. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC Sauder School of Business.

Outside of work, Josie enjoys running, hiking, good coffee, and live music.

Terra Kaethler enjoys supporting community-based initiatives that encourage shared learning and collaboration. She is passionate about strengthening communities and building strong connections and partnerships.

Terra brings extensive experience in project management, grantmaking, evaluation, and land use planning to the role of Grants Program Manager. She has worked for the last 15 years supporting non-profit, government, and philanthropic agencies to address complex issues such as food security, homelessness, sustainable land use, and poverty reduction.

Terra holds a BA in International Development/Spanish from American University (Washington, DC) and an MA in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver).

She is grateful to live in the beautiful territory of the Snaw Naw As nation on Vancouver Island with her family and enjoys spending time in her garden and in the mountains and waters surrounding her. She also loves travel, good food, and good books.

Deanna Wing brings her experience supporting community-led solutions and collaboration as the Program and Grants Manager at Central City Foundation.

Her past work also includes supporting sustainable practices and member services in the cooperative sector. She is passionate about learning alongside community partners and building strong connections through listening, listening, and listening some more!

Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master in Adult Education from the University of BC. She is just completing a 200-hour Yoga teacher training and is currently in training with Martha Beck to be a Wayfinder Coach.

In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her family and two dogs and getting out on the water on her paddleboard.

Megan Lau is a communications strategist committed to justice, well-being and dignity for all. Megan brings over 15 years of experience working with people and organizations in community, arts and culture, sustainability, and social justice.

Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented progressive communications strategies that amplify underrepresented voices. She expertly connects equity-seeking communities with opportunities that strengthen their autonomy and capacity.

At TELUS, she played a Senior Communications role with for the STORYHIVE and TELUS Originals programs, establishing protocols for respectful collaboration with urban and rural Indigenous storytellers, and developing media production capacity in communities across BC and Alberta.

Megan relishes opportunities to support advocates, artists, and activists to share their messages through media.

Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English and a Masters of Publishing from Simon Fraser University, and is a graduate of SFU’s Community Capacity Building certificate program.

She is also a proud auntie and dog owner, mercurial reader, and enthusiastic fan of film, music, television, and criticism.

Natalie Ord works collaboratively with REFBC and the First Nations Fisheries Council to support the Watershed Security Fund interim grants program and related areas of work.

In her work and life, Natalie aims to create space for relationship building and learning around complex issues and loves connecting people and projects with resources and support. She brings over a decade of experience in grantmaking, most recently at MakeWay with the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative. As a faculty member with The Circle on Philanthropy’s Partners in Reciprocity program, she is committed to shifting settler philanthropy towards better relationships and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. She has volunteered on several boards throughout her career, including PeerNetBC and the Strathcona Community Centre Association.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of British Columbia as well as a Master of Urban Studies and a Certificate in Social Innovation, both from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, Natalie is happiest when she is reading a book; spending time in, on, or next to a body of water; drinking tea; eating good food in good company; communing with cats; or some combination thereof.

• Anthony Bastiaanssen, Chair
• Anna Warwick Sears
• Mandy Hansen
• Eugene Lee
• Sahar Sharafzadeh
• Scott Ullrich

• Stacey Tyers, Chair
• Anna Warwick Sears
• Mandy Hansen
• Moira French
• Scott Ullrich

• Andre Gravelle, Chair
• Stacey Tyers
• Toni Boot

Stacey Tyers lives in Terrace, BC, where she works with Doctors of BC. In her career, Stacey has worked with social services and non-profit organizations that serve vulnerable and marginalized people.

A “chronic volunteer”, Stacey has served two terms on Terrace’s city council, as Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and as a member of many boards and committees. Through public service, she has been a strong advocate for remote and rural communities, social issues, and quality of life in Northern BC. She is the proud mother of one daughter.

Ahmed Omran has been involved in the affordable housing sector in BC for over 10 years. He has worked with BC Housing and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association on the government side, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. on the non-profit side.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, and a Master of Science in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire. In addition, he holds a Professional Project Management (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute.

Keith MacLean-Talbot is a Partner at Grover, Elliott & Co., a commercial real estate appraisal and property tax consulting company. He leads the firm’s Property Tax Division, applying his expertise in valuation and assessment appeals to support fair and equitable outcomes across British Columbia.

An active volunteer in the real estate community, Keith served on the Board of the Real Estate Institute of BC from 2016 to 2023, including as President in 2021–2022. He now contributes as an Executive Member of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Property Tax Association, regularly emcees industry events, and gives back locally as a coach with Mount Seymour Little League.

Keith holds professional designations as an RI and P. App, AACI, and completed his studies at UBC and Bishop’s University (Sherbrooke, QC). He lives in North Vancouver with his wife and two children, where he enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors with his family, golfing, mountain biking, trail running, and skiing.

Shauna Johnson is Coast Salish from the Tsawout First Nation on her mother’s side and Tsimshian from Lax Kwʼalaams on her father’s side. She has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a Master of Science degree in Indigenous Community Planning (ICP).

Shauna is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP, MCIP). She has specialized expertise in providing planning support for Indigenous communities to revitalize and promote Indigenous community planning research, methods, and practices grounded firmly within Indigenous laws, legal traditions, and ways of knowing and being. Her experience working with Indigenous communities has been in developing housing strategies, comprehensive community plans (CPP), strategic, land use (reserve-based, and watershed level-based), environmental management, marine spatial/use plans (MSP/MUP), and Indigenous food systems projects.

In her current role as Marine Use Planner with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, she has been working on developing a territory-wide marine and land use plan for two W̱SÁNEC Nations (Tsartlip and Tseycum First Nations). She is also an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in the School of Community of Regional Planning (SCARP) Indigenous Community Planning (ICP) program, mentoring, supervising, and co-teaching ICP practicum students.

Shauna currently sits on the board of Native Land, a website developed to help settlers and others determine whose land they live and work on across the globe.

Leslie Dickie is a Councillor with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. A member of the Kwakiutl First Nation in Port Hardy, Leslie resided in Fort Nelson from 1980 to 2016. She recently moved back to Fort Nelson and is the Director of Corporate Services at the Fort Nelson First Nation.

Her five sons and 19 grandchildren provide her with inspiration to work towards a bright future for future generations. The Dickie family is here to stay, with a deep connection to the land, environment, and opportunity for those who choose to reside here.

Leslie has several years of experience in business, management, administration, finance, and as a business owner in Fort Nelson. She has been the elected Chief of her nation, sat on the Board of Governors for the North Island College, and is a board member for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Volunteering for events, participating in community activities, being an avid golfer, and the love of outdoors help keep life in balance.

Toni Boot is a former mayor and councillor of the District of Summerland. She is an active member of a number of local government boards and non-profits. She taught at Okanagan College for several years, co-owned Kettle Valley Dried Fruit Company, and founded and owned Grasslands Nursery.

Toni has long been an advocate for the stewardship and management of water, soil, and the ecosystems they support. She is passionate about learning from — and collaborating with — First Nations on how to best honour and respect the very things all species need to survive.

Stephen Hui joined the Real Estate Foundation of BC in 2021 as a Communications Manager, overseeing marketing, storytelling, sponsorships, and the Land Awards. He became a Grants Program Manager in 2025.

Stephen is the author of three bestselling hiking guidebooks — 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia (now in its 2^nd edition), Destination Hikes, and Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids — published by Greystone Books.

In 2022, Stephen was named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He serves as a Canadian commissioner on the transboundary Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission.

Previously, Stephen worked at the Pembina Institute, a climate policy think-tank. He spent several years as an editor at the Georgia Straight newspaper, winning a Canadian Ethnic Media Association Award in 2009.

Tara Marsden, of the Gitanyow (Gitksan) people, is working in partnership with REFBC to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as BC.

A respected Indigenous sustainability, reconciliation, and governance consultant, Tara previously worked with the Healthy Watersheds Initiative as Senior Indigenous Advisor. She is the sole proprietor of Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions, an Indigenous-owned consulting business aimed at operationalizing free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous peoples, one of the pillars of the UN Declaration.

Tara has over 20 years’ experience working with and for First Nations on sustainable development, land use planning, policy and governance related to lands and resources, and community-driven research. She holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Northern BC.

Jennifer Archer brings value-aligned passion and directly relevant experience to our watershed-focused work. Over the last 11 years, she has specialized in strategic and policy advice related to freshwater protection in British Columbia.

In 2016, she helped launch and then codirected the BC Freshwater Legacy Initiative over a period of six years. During this time, she served as a liaison and partner to Indigenous governments, the Crown, and non-profit organizations to advance watershed governance. She facilitated and managed the BC Water Funders Collaborative over a period of seven years and was an active partner and advisor on the Koksilah Water Sustainability Scoping Initiative, and the province-wide Collaborative Monitoring Initiative.

Prior to that, she practiced law in the corporate and non-profit sectors for 10 years. In 2012, she completed a Master of Laws from UBC directed at Indigenous interests in international water law and identifying opportunities for shared watershed governance to advance reconciliation and protect fresh water. In 2023, she completed a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching.

Jennifer is very grateful to live and work in the Nanaimo River watershed on Vancouver Island with her partner and two teenage boys in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Tracey McAfee brings more than 25 years of accounting experience to her long-time role at REFBC.

She has a diverse background in supporting small businesses and larger organizations. She has enjoyed the opportunities at the Foundation to learn beyond accounting and embrace new perspectives and be involved with an organization that is always striving to do better.

Tracey is mom to a now grown-up son, who will always be her pride and joy. She is also a lifelong yoga practitioner with a passion for felines. That affection is supported by the office staff who love it when both cats visit during summer heat waves to relax in the air-conditioned office.

Jen McCaffrey provides feedback on grant applications, suggests partnerships, and makes funding recommendations to REFBC’s Board of Governors. With a passion for sustainability and lifelong learning, Jen is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with grantees and partners.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in Sustainable Development, both from Simon Fraser University. During her career, she has worked as a sustainability analyst at NEI Investments, a grants manager at Vancity Community Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and, most recently, as a fund development manager at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her family and dog.

Christian Hansen is responsible for overseeing the revenue and investment strategies at the Real Estate Foundation of BC, serving as a key liaison with financial institutions and real estate brokers. Under Christian’s leadership, the Foundation transitioned its investments to an ESG-screened portfolio, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. He also spearheaded an innovative impact investment program aligned with the Foundation’s core priorities, driving positive social and environmental outcomes.

In addition to his sustainable investing initiatives, Christian provides guidance to real estate brokers on establishing pooled trust accounts in accordance with the Real Estate Services Act of BC, promoting compliance and financial integrity in the industry. Christian holds a CPA designation, CIM designation, and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Systems Science from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, he is an avid traveler across the province and stays active as a runner, cyclist, and triathlete.

Leanne Sexsmith leads on strategic programs and partnerships, including REFBC’s learning and impact assessment strategies. She was co-director of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, a program delivered in partnership with Watersheds BC, providing oversight and direction on grant funding, management, reporting, and shared learning.

Leanne is inspired by the dedicated people and organizations working in territories across BC and beyond to support resilient, healthy communities and natural environments. She is committed to learning from and building on shared insights and experiences, with open-mindedness, adaptability, and reciprocity.

Leanne has over 20 years of experience in community development, land use planning, and community grants, and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to grantmaking and community partnerships. She is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (RPP) and has an MA in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia (SCARP). She is grateful for her two beautiful daughters, deep connections to family, and the land and waters where she lives.

Mark Gifford is the CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. In this role, he leads the staff team and oversees the Foundation’s operations, programs, and grantmaking. He is interested in the relationships between land use, real estate practices, and community sustainability, and excited about opportunities to work with people to create thriving, resilient, and livable communities across BC.

Mark’s professional, academic, and volunteer life has focused on creating more socially just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Mark brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the philanthropic, public, private, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. Previously, he served in senior grantmaking and community engagement roles at Vancouver Foundation and the Philadelphia Foundation. Mark is also a former Chair of the New Westminster Board of Education, is a former Chair of Environment Funders Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network), and has served on numerous boards and committees throughout his career.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Latin American Studies from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Mark lives in New Westminster with his better half and their amazing son, and enjoys riding his bike, a good hike, or finding an excuse for a cup of coffee.

Anthony Bastiaanssen works as a Realtor and managing broker based in West Kelowna. He grew up in Kelowna and spent time in Winnipeg and the Lower Mainland before returning to the Okanagan. He has raised his family in West Kelowna for the past 25 years.

Anthony has volunteered in the organized real estate space since 2014, serving as President of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board in 2016, Chair of the BC Real Estate Association in 2020, and a current member of the Governance and Bylaws Committee for the Canadian Real Estate Association. He is active in his local community as Chair of the City of West Kelowna’s Advisory Planning Commission and Treasurer of the West Kelowna Yacht Club.

Since becoming aware of his family’s Métis heritage, Anthony has been proudly learning about his family’s history and is working to gain a better understanding of Métis and Indigenous peoples in Canada.