Our Team.

Our people make all the difference. Our team is made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders, youth and not-quite-youth, urban and rural. Our hiring practices reflect the backgrounds of the participants who join our programs. Many of our past participants have returned as staff and Leaders-in-Training.

Leadership

  • Adam (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Lead Executive Officer of Howl and has helped lead the organization since its inception four years ago. Raised on farmland near Ilderton, Ontario, Adam now lives and works in Treaty 7 territory in Canmore, Alberta. He brings 20 years of experience in public education and is a nationally recognized experiential educator.

    Adam has led the development of experiential, community-based learning programs across Alberta that challenge traditional approaches to schooling while keeping students and relationships at the centre. His work has successfully served youth from many backgrounds and has been recognized through the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for Service to Albertans, and honours in environmental and experiential education.

    Adam believes young people need meaningful, hands-on experiences to understand who they are and how they can make a difference. He is motivated to model what respectful allyship with Indigenous communities can look like in education and organizational leadership and is committed to Reconciliation through education and relationships. Adam is deeply grateful for the learning shared by Elders and Knowledge Keepers and acknowledges that this learning is ongoing.

    Through Howl, Adam works to build these experiences and reimagine what education can be. Howl exists to curate tangible, community-rooted learning—connecting youth to land and community, showing what contribution can look like across all education and career pathways, and providing not just hope, but the tools to make hope happen.

  • Theresa Westhaver (she/they) is of proud Secwépemc, Cree, Métis and mixed settler ancestry with deep stek̓lép (roots) in the mountain of what is now known as Jasper National Park.

    Theresa is a co-founder and the National Program Manager for Howl. Her passion is in inspiring students about conservation, and connections to truth and reconciliation through a two-eyed seeing approach.

    Theresa received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography at UNBC in 2018, with specializations in environmental science and glacial geomorphology. She is an interpretive glacier guide for Indigenous-owned Zuc’min Guiding, collaborates closely with Warrior Women, in addition to experience working as the Indigenous liaison for Jasper National Park, as well as an outdoor/sustainability educator for Parks Canada.

    Theresa also runs a small business called Mountain Stek̓lép. Mountain Stek̓lép is rooted in reciprocal relationships with the land, and bridges Indigenous ways of knowing and being with Theresa’s scientific background. It combines Theresa’s passion for creating art in the forms of beadwork and other sustainable pieces using upcycled and found materials, with her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of plants, landscapes, ecosystems and experience as an Apprentice Interpreter and IGA Hiking Guide in the Rocky Mountains.

    In 2022, she was awarded the honor of being a Corporate Knights “Top 30 Under 30 for Sustainability Leader”. She is a single mother who meaningfully weaves her young child into her work and community. Theresa is creating more sustainable communities today while supporting the next generation of sustainable leaders.

  • Born on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Red River Métis, Haley has spent her life between the prairie plains and the traditional territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. Those places, along with her Red River Métis and mixed settler ancestry, have shaped how she moves through the world today. She now lives as a grateful guest on the unceded lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt Nations)

    Her deep connection to the natural world began in childhood, where summers were spent fishing with her dad and uncle. These experiences taught her patience, presence, and how to notice the subtle cues of the land and water. This foundation led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Royal Roads University and to build a career centred on positive social and environmental impact across non-profit, government, and philanthropic sectors.

    She first connected with Howl in 2021 and couldn’t quite shake the feeling — something about the people and the purpose kept calling her back. Now in an operations role, she’s happy working behind the scenes, helping guide the systems that keep Howl’s programs flowing and making sure the team has the tools and support they need to do their best work.

    When she’s not at her desk, you’ll find her biking around town, practising Spanish or swimming in chilly ocean water.

  • Lauren (she/her) grew up in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), located in the beautiful Treaty 7 territory. Her curiosity for the ocean and all living things within it drew her to Lekwungen territory to study at the University of Victoria where she gained her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies. Following this, she researched whales in the Pacific Northwest and elephants in South Africa, gaining her Master’s of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation. After the fun research times, Lauren started working as an Environmental Educator with high school students back in Treaty 7 Territory. She quickly saw that when youth have the opportunity to connect to the natural world and their community, amazing things happen. She wants to help create these opportunities, and facilitate more experiential and alternative learning that foster youth action and self-discovery. When she isn’t picking up the teenage slang at work, Lauren is usually in the mountains skiing, climbing or adventuring around with her best dog pal.

  • Taylor Kormann, (She/Her) grew up in rural Ontario in Treaty 1 Territory on the Traditional Lands of the Anishinaabe, but now resides in beautiful New Brunswick on Traditional Wolastoqey Land.

    Prior to joining Howl, she spent the last 15 years managing events, national competitions and various projects for the Canadian media industry and also worked on experiential marketing initiatives for the automotive industry. She has a BA in Sociology from York University, Glendon College, and is currently working towards a Certificate in Environmental Conservation through the University of Guelph.

    As our Operations Manager, Taylor has finally found a place that combines her love of details and logistics and shared appreciation for the natural environment. When she’s not working you’ll likely find her outside hiking, paddling or sharing a tasty culinary creation with friends and family.

  • Emily (she/they) grew up in Anishinaabe territory with the oaks, maples and cedar trees. She has called Treaty 7 territory home since 2020 and lives in Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi (Canmore). Emily aspires to help every person recognize their own personal agency in the world, and believes Howl's programs contribute greatly to this goal. As a non-Indigenous person living on Turtle Island, Emily recognizes the responsibility of using her privilege to uplift Indigenous voices and advance Indigenous rights and sovereignty. She often reflects on how her European ancestors would not have survived in these climates without the kindness and generosity of Indigenous folks on these lands. Social and environmental issues are interwoven, and supporting Indigenous rights & sovereignty is a tangible step non-Indigenous folks can take towards right relations with people and the planet. Emily is continuously learning how to embody her values in every interaction.

    She holds a bachelor of fine arts from OCAD University (photography specialization) and an associate certificate in fundraising management from BCIT. With roots in the student movement, Emily has worked in the non-profit world in the areas of administration, governance, communications and fundraising for over 10 years.

    Emily can often be found in the garden growing food, singing and strumming the ol' banjo, swimming or hanging by (and giving thanks to) the water, and in social justice/community spaces.

Staff

  • Mark joins Howl as the new high school program coordinator making the transition from teaching after over a decade of working in the public education system in Saskatchewan. He grew up in the National Capital Region (Ottawa) on un-ceded Anishinabe Algonquin territory. Mark holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Ottawa.  As a teacher, Mark saw the tremendous benefits that land-based learning practices and opportunities had on his students and himself. The opportunity to be on the land and learn from Indigenous knowledge holders influenced Mark to seek out more ways to incorporate land-based learning along with Indigenous Ways of Knowing and two-eyed seeing into his professional practice. Mark has long-held a passion for the outdoors and more specifically a strong pull toward the mountains. Mark sees HOWL's high school programs as an opportunity for youth to find connection through land-based learning experiences while navigating their own personal path. Mark enjoys spending time on outdoor adventures with his family, sipping a good cup of coffee, and baking a mean apple crisp. You might also find him running for hours on single-track trails with big climbs and exhilarating descents or in a camp chair by a good fire.

  • ‍Howler' by day, Singer' by night, George Woodhouse (he/they) is happiest when his worlds are colliding in the form of sing-alongs in the woods. Trained as an Educator through the Artist and Community Education B Ed program at Queen's University, George's approach to learning connects prioritizes creative expression, humour, community and music. He spent most of his twenties writing songs and working with Parks Canada where he helped form the Agency’s first youth engagement team, eventually moving on to becoming the Visitor Experience Manager for Nova Scotia's most magical mythical sand bar, Sable Island National Park Reserve. George left the government to join The Howl Experience in 2023 to co-design and co-deliver Learning Journeys for youth and young adults who are seeking connection to purpose and community. George's core belief is that when we allow ourselves to create and express our truth and our story, we inspire, we heal, and we connect. He wrote this bio in the third person, and he wants you to know that he'd love to hear from you. Drop him a line in the first person at george@experiencehowl.com

  • Gracie Jackson is the Manager of Indigenous Youth Pathways for The Howl Experience and a proud Indigenous woman with deep roots in the Iyarhe Nakoda Nation of Mini Thni, where she was raised on reserve and remains deeply connected to the land, mountains, culture, and community that shaped her. On her maternal side, Gracie is also connected to the Blackfoot Confederacy through her Kainai (Blood Tribe) family, grounding her identity in strong Indigenous traditions and kinship networks. Family is at the heart of everything Gracie does. As a wife and mother, she also has ties to the Northern Cree community of Whitefish Lake First Nation #128, strengthening her connections across Nations. Growing up on reserve, Gracie witnessed both the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the resilience, strength, and beauty of her people. These lived experiences have shaped her commitment to advocacy, education, and ensuring Indigenous voices are meaningfully included in decision-making processes not as an afterthought, but as leaders, knowledge holders, and partners. From the age of five, Gracie was immersed in the world of horses and competitive rodeo, developing discipline, determination, and a strong connection to the land. Today, she brings extensive experience in facilitation, program coordination, and program design, creating opportunities that empower Indigenous youth to thrive. Gracie is a passionate advocate for Indigenous peoples and is dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders through cultural awareness, cultural understanding, land stewardship, and community-based learning. She is committed to continuously learning the history of her people and inspiring Indigenous youth to reconnect with culture, identity, and the land. Her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have been recognized through her studies at the University of British Columbia, where she earned her Indigenous Business Management and received recognition for the Top Capstone Project. Gracie is known for her thoughtful leadership style one that prioritizes listening, observing, and understanding before taking action. Through her work, Gracie continues to be a strong voice for Indigenous youth, helping create pathways that honour culture, strengthen communities, and support future generations in achieving their full potential.

  • Warren (he/him) has lived his entire life in Calgary on Treaty 7 land and considers himself to be an educator always in transition: he is searching for ways to reconnect young adults and educators to the natural world. He started his career in 1995 with the Canadian Rockies School Division teaching at Canmore Collegiate High School for 18 years. His focus was to find ways to help students find a passion for the study of biological sciences. During his time in Canmore, Warren looked to pursue ocean studies by taking groups of interested students on Marine Biology trips to Bamfield Marine Science Station. This allowed the opportunity to introduce students to an ocean ecosystem not often discussed in the curricular setting in Alberta. Warren pursued an opportunity to move back into Calgary and helped open a new high school in Calgary, Robert Thirsk High School, and taught there until his retirement in June 2025. The enticement back to the city was to envision and create a Natural Science program that would reignite the awe, wonder and excitement of nature in high school students and show them the future these reconnections can create. As a part of this program, Warren Lake established a trip to Kluane Lake in the Yukon with the Arctic Institute of North America to highlight northern science, indigenous knowledge and adventure travel. It is in this aspect that Warren joined the Howl Experiences full time in July 2025 and continues to develop a burgeoning experiential land based journey in the North for High School students, young adults and educators. The journey to shine a light on unique and important ecosystems will continue to be a challenge that shifts and flows with the topics that abound in environmental education, reconciliation, outdoor adventure and in the need to build a greater sense of nature literacy with participants.

  • Sarah Prosper (she/her/nekmow) is a dancer, storyteller, activist, adventurer, and ko’jua dancer.

    As an artist in the community, Sarah links many individuals and groups to deeper connections within movement and healing. Her passion for the arts is multidisciplinary, from curating stories of movement, directing large productions and working on the land through organizations, community workshops, and independent programs.

    Sarah is from Eskasoni First Nation, a Mi'kmaq community on the beautiful island called Cape Breton Island (Unama'kik). Sarah is an award winner of the 2022 Nova Scotia Indigenous Artist Recognition Award and Canada's King Charles III medal recipient of 2025. Prosper's practice encompasses a lens that deepens the threads of respect and reciprocity to dance, movement, Indigenous wellness, social sciences, social justice, mental health & the land.

  • Racquel (She/Her) is of settler descent with Acadian roots and lives in Treaty 7 territory. As a natural storyteller and lover of the arts, she received her B.A. in Drama from the University of Alberta, where her passion for creative expression began to merge with her growing interest in environmental issues. After a summer working with Alberta Parks, Racquel discovered a deep love for using artistic approaches to teach ecological science—a passion that has guided her through more than five years as an environmental educator where she received a Bronze Medal Interpretation Canada Award and was a Calgary White Hat Award finalist for her work.

    Racquel is currently pursuing her M.A. in Environmental Education and Communication at Royal Roads University, where she is exploring how spending intentional time in nature can help us reconnect with the Earth, one another, and ourselves. The passion of her work focuses on creating learning experiences that help individuals cultivate authentic, emotional, and embodied relationships with the natural world.

    Racquel heard of Howl in 2023 and participated in the first-ever East Coast program that same year. Two years later, Racquel joined Howl as a staff member – a full-circle dream come true!

  • Morgan Paul (she/her) is a dedicated Métis educator based in Calgary, Alberta, with deep roots stretching back to her Red River Métis family in Manitoba. With an educator background that spans the K-12 spectrum, Morgan has intentionally spent time in the classroom fostering environments where every student feels a genuine sense of safety and belonging. She is particularly passionate about working alongside youth and creating environments where they feel heard, seen, and valued. Morgan finds immense joy in supporting others' dreams and sharing new perspectives and knowledge that help them navigate their own unique paths.

    Driven by a desire to explore alternative learning environments, Morgan recently transitioned from traditional classroom teaching to focus on the healing and growth that occurs when education is rooted in the land and community. She aims to create meaningful opportunities for participants to connect with the outdoors, encouraging them to foster a bond with both their local community and the broader environmental ecosystem. 

    Guided by foundational values of respect and service, Morgan is currently channeling her energy and enthusiasm into her role with The Howl Experience. Outside of her professional life, Morgan stays grounded through her own creative and physical pursuits. She loves spending her free time creating art pieces through beading and sewing, and showing up for the people in her community. Most days, she can be found getting outside within nature and exploring the world with her new dog, Winnie.

  • Adam Mertens (he/him) was raised as a guest in Mi’kma’ki (Eastern Canada) among rugged coastlines and sugar maples. Since 2017, Adam has called Treaty 7 Territory (Canmore) and the Bow Valley home, where he has worked as an environmental educator and communicator with various governmental and nongovernmental organizations. He has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of British Columbia and is an ACMG Hiking Guide. Through our programs, he aspires to help Howl participants cultivate enduring and reciprocal relationships with the places that we call home. When he isn't working, Adam is usually on the move on foot or skis.

  • Daryl Kootenay (he/him) is the Executive Indigenous Advisor of Howl. He is a Traditional singer, dancer, artist, speaker, youth leader, and film maker. He is from the Stoney Nakoda Nation of Treaty 7 Territory in southern Alberta and a member of the Dine (Navajo) Nation in New Mexico from his father’s Heritage.

    Daryl has travelled globally to volunteer in countries such as Peru, Nicaragua and throughout Africa working with Canada World Youth (CWY) first as a participant, then an intern and employee. In 2022 Daryl led a fourth delegation of youth from his nation and CWY at the United Nations World Conference of Indigenous Peoples and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Rights. He attended the Young Global Diplomat Forum in London England in 2019.

    He now dedicates much of this time to working locally with Stoney Nakoda youth and youth throughout the Bow Valley. He is a teacher of traditional art and dance, the co-founder of the Stoney Nakoda Youth Council, group leader for the Project Nakoda Outdoor Wilderness Experience (NOWE), and co-convener of the Mni Ki Wakan: World Indigenous Decade of Water Summit. Daryl’s particular area of focus and expertise is in relationship with Truth and Reconciliation in the Bow Valley.

  • Kaylyn (she/her) is a born and raised Nova Scotian, while also having family roots in Newfoundland, spreading her roots across Mi'kma'ki. First and foremost, Kaylyn is a mother to a busy young boy. She allows her love of her Mi'kmaq culture, exploration, and her empathetic nature to flow through her parenting style, and how she interacts with her peers. Kaylyn is also passionate about mental health, holistic care, youth advocacy, nature and animals. Kaylyn uses her diploma in Counselling skills and Social/Human services, paired with her intense love of the natural world to lead her way in the vast "helping field.” With a drive to pursue new experiences, Kaylyn dove into her first Howl Maritimes experience. She quickly knew it was a place for individuals to thrive, to harvest a connection to self and community. Through previous volunteer experience, Asitu'lisk has found a place in Kaylyn's heart; healing the hemlocks, and in turn healing her spirit. 

  • Kade Paul (he/him) grew up in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) in Treaty 7 Territory. He is of proud Métis ancestry, with roots drawing back to the Red River Settlement. Like many others, Kade’s first experiences with holistic learning came from Adam Robb’s Energy and Environmental Innovation class (EEI). The approach to teaching left a mark on him and influenced him to pursue a BSc/BEd combined degree at the University of Lethbridge. Once starting though, Kade found a new passion for kinesiology and physical activity, so he switched to solely a Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia.

    Previously, Kade attended Howl’s 10-Day Yukon Exploration trip. He could only describe his experience there as life-changing, and through our programs Kade hopes to help participants learn and grow as he did.

    When he isn’t working, Kade is most likely skateboarding or spending time with family.

In addition to the folks included here, we work closely with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in each of the local communities where we collaborate. In the Rockies, Elders Margaret and Terry Rider of the Îyârhe Nakoda Nation offer welcome, guidance and language lessons in Treaty 7 Territory. In the Yukon, our programs work with Elders in the traditional territory of the Champagne & Aishihik First Nations such as James and Barbara Allen of Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp, Ron Chambers, as well as Harold Johnson and Meta Williams of Dan k’e Ventures/Long Ago Peoples Place.

We expanded programming in 2023 to include the Maritimes. Through a growing relationship with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, we are working to build reciprocal relationships with local Elders at this moment.

  • Brooklynn is a Mount Royal University Psychology student, Indigenous educator with The Howl Experience, and emerging community leader. Having participated in nearly every type of Howl program—from youth explorations and leadership gatherings to serving as a Leader in Training—she now works with Howl to help facilitate land-based and community-centered learning experiences for young people across Canada. As a young Indigenous educator, she is particularly passionate about helping youth connect with culture, language, identity, art, and place. Brooklynn creates welcoming spaces where young people feel comfortable sharing their own stories, learning from one another, and discovering the strengths they carry within themselves and their communities.

  • Amélie (she/they/elle) grew up on the territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council (Whitehorse) and has had the privilege of living, playing and learning in Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi (Canmore) since 2021.

    Throughout her BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies and afterwards, Amélie has had the opportunity of working with a variety of community-centred organizations and charities, such as the Community-Based Research Center, the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, and Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Through these experiences, Amélie has found a passion for community building and meaningful connection as resistance. As a Huron-Wendat First Nation, Amélie connects with anything and everything that centers Land, being outside and the lessons we can learn from it all!

    In their free time, Amélie seeks out type 2 fun: skiing (all kinds!), running, hiking, biking (and of course, the snacks that come with it)! She also enjoys crafting, painting, and all sorts of other artsy things!

Board members

  • Cassandra Caiger (she/her) was raised on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee and Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton Nations and spent much time as a child in the Lake Huron waters of the Stoney Point Ojibway. She now resides in various Bow Valley areas of Treaty 7.

    Cassandra is the quintessential people person who thrives in bringing people together to solve wicked problems. As Principal at Intelligent Futures, Cassandra leads her team in the delivery of projects and provides leadership to clients on an incredibly diverse range of change processes. An empathic listener, she has the ability to put people at ease, encouraging them to hear and be heard. For her leadership in championing the community’s voice in the change process, Cassandra was recognized with the 2019 Canadian Institute of Planners President’s Award for Young Planners. She is excited to lend her community building expertise to youth participants in Howl Experience programs. Having witnessed successful youth-designed community projects, she knows the impact that these projects can have both on the community and the youth participants themselves.

  • Mackenzie Brown (she/her) is a First Nations Cree Woman from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and currently resides in Mohkinstsis, Calgary on treaty 7 territory and Metis Region 3. Brown has a background as a performer, drummer, tourism entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for at-risk youth in addition to her past roles in Indigenous Tourism Development with both the Government of Alberta and Edmonton Tourism. Mackenzie is currently the Director of Industry Development for Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

    Brown is well known across Alberta for performing with her mom as “Warrior Women.” Together they drum and teach around Alberta for the Northern Alberta Teachers Conference, the annual Jasper Dark Skies Festival, Youth Dream Catchers Conference, Canada Day, Aboriginal Day festivities and more.

    In addition to drumming, Brown is an avid acrylic artist, mural artist, and traditional First Nations crafts artisan. Her art has been featured in the Pump House Gallery, the Edson Gallery Museum, the Gray Gallery Grant MacEwan, recognized for the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Award of 2017, featured for the Alberta Business Competition 2017 and sold to people travelling worldwide at Jasper Park Lodge. You can find some of her public murals in Inglewood Calgary, the Foothills Hospital, Jasper National Park and at the Chamber of Commerce Stoney Plain!

    Brown has also been awarded the 2019 Esquao Award for Children’s Future, the 2019 Indigenous Woman of the year award from the Alberta Assembly of First Nations, the Top 30 under 30 from the Alberta Corporation for Global Cooperation 2020 and the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award from Grant MacEwan University.

    When Mackenzie isn't working on art, or performing, you can find her climbing, biking and hiking in her favourite place- the Asani Waciy- Rocky mountains.

  • Jos Herman, BComm, CPA, CA, CFP, CLU, TEP is the President of Resources & Solutions - focusing on tax, health, business, financial and estate planning.

    As a Tax, Financial & Estate Specialist with over 25 years of experience, Jos works closely with individuals, professionals, families, and business owners to design thoughtful financial and estate plans, implement insurance strategies, enhance tax efficiency, grow and protect assets, and support meaningful philanthropic and community goals – to leave a legacy.

    Her extensive tax, estate, wealth and trust background combined with her business acumen and personal experiences have made her a highly sought professional.

  • Kyle Empringham (Honours Biology, 2011) is the Co-Founder of The Starfish Canada with a masters degree from Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management and a MBA in Sustainable Innovation from the University of Victoria. Kyle bridges the worlds of social impact, climate justice, and community engagement together to support those looking to develop the skills necessary for climate-resilient leadership. It is this work that has awarded him the 2024 Global Impact Award from the McMaster Alumni Association and a 2025 fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Social Impact House. Kyle is also a professor at the University of Victoria, teaching in entrepreneurship, organizational behaviour, and fundraising for social purpose.

  • Ashley Sheppard (she/her) is a Mi’kmaw and Ukrainian educator, writer, and researcher who believes learning is most powerful when it’s rooted in land, culture, and community. Mi’kmaw through her father’s family from St. George’s Bay, Ktaqmkuk (Newfoundland), and Ukrainian through her mother’s family who settled in Treaty 6 territory, Ashley was raised in Red Deer, Alberta, and returned to Newfoundland as a teen to reconnect with her roots.

    After several years at home, she left to live and work abroad, spending over six years teaching in France, Japan, and China — from elementary classrooms to university lecture halls. She holds a master’s in international relations from McMaster University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education at Ontario Tech University. Her research explores how Indigenous students build belonging and sustain cultural connection in online academic spaces, guided by co-supervisors Elder Ningwakwe George and Dr. Robyn Ruttenberg-Rozen, with advisory support from Karri-Lynn Paul.

    Now based in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Ashley leads See Different, a national youth education initiative at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. She speaks French, Spanish, and Japanese, and is currently learning Mi’kmaw. Whether in classrooms, community spaces, or out on the trails with her partner and their two dogs, Millie and Watson, Ashley brings a quiet commitment to relationship, reciprocity, and the power of young people walking in both old and new worlds.

  • Amy has always worn many hats. She is an educator, nature journaler, author, and embroidery artist. Most of all she enjoys great times with good company, especially when combined with great food and a warm cup of tea. Holding a BSc in Anthropology, a BA in archaeology, and an MEd in Education, Amy is always down to talk about how we can learn anywhere, and from anyone. When not working, you can find Amy expanding her foraging skills, going for nature walks, or working on her latest embroidery project.

  • Dr. Nevicia Case recently concluded a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Law, University of Alberta. She mapped and analysed research activity and the perspectives of patients, researchers, and clinicians for the clinical translation and market authorisation of regenerative medicine products and therapies. Dr. Case is also a cognitive scientist. Her doctoral training is in Psychiatry research at McGill University and her Master's is in Medical Science with a focus on clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary. She co-leads the Mentorship Subcommittee of The Afrodescendent Leadership Alliance's Black Wealth Club. As a former One Young World Scholar with Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Case has led research on impact frameworks for clinical research. She is also an alumna of the Montreal Hub of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community, where she served as Vice-Curator in 2022. In recognition of her commitment to global health equity through her career and volunteerism, Dr. Case is a 2023 recipient of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation’s Top 30 Under 30 award and a 2024 recipient of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders in Healthcare.

Foundational advisors

These folks played a major role in the creation of Howl. To them we owe endless gratitude.

  • Youth Educator

  • Gina (she/her) grew up along the sandy shores of Mi’kma’ki, on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Since her first taste of experiential education as a teenager, Gina has had a love for learning from the land, sea, and stories around her. Following an uninspiring first year at university and a brief career in tall ship sailing, Gina changed her major no fewer than three times before discovering a passion for critical theory and its tools for building more equitable systems and institutions. After receiving a BA in Philosophy from Dalhousie and an MSc in Gender and Social Policy from the London School of Economics, Gina advocated for gender justice at grassroots and international organizations in France and Belgium before returning to Turtle Island in 2017.

    Today, Gina lives in Kjipuktuk / Halifax and is equally at home outdoors, on the dance floor, or curled up with a good book.

  • Lysandra Nothing (she/her) was born and raised in Sioux Lookout Ontario; however, her roots are established in Bearskin Lake First Nation, otherwise known as Michikan Lake First Nation. Michikan Lake First Nation is a fly-in community located in the remote wild landscape of Northern Ontario, 433 km flying distance from Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Lysandra graduated from the Print and Online Journalism program at SAIT in 2020. She is continuing her education at Athabasca University where she intends to complete her Professional Communications degree by 2022. Lysandra has a strong background in Indigenous relations. She has participated in the #IdleNoMore movement in Ottawa, helped organized Niigaan: In Conversation, a grassroots project designed to bring together non-Indigenous people and Indigenous peoples together through open discussion and workshops, Lysandra had her Orange Shirt Day letter read to the Parliament by MP Romeo Saganash, Lysandra has also organized Orange Shirt Day events at secondary high schools in Calgary. Lysandra has also worked in the past with Tsuu T’ina Board of Education to infuse green technology with the development of new schools. Lysandra has interviewed and written articles about significant Indigenous leaders such as Jesse Wente, Sheryl Lightfoot, and Phylis Webstad. Lysandra is a firm believer in the power of gap years and hopes that youth attending Howl leaves with clarity and a stronger vision for the next steps in their learning journey. When Lysandra is not working, she can be found enjoying a cup of coffee browsing the shelves at a bookstore.

  • Jander Talen (he/him) was raised on a dairy farm on a lush island in the unceded territory of the Abegweit Mi’kmaq First Nation (PEI). After studying and teaching internationally, he moved to Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary) and is grateful to call the grasslands and mountains home. Jander studied choral and instrumental music education and holds a Master’s degree in school leadership. He currently works in Cochrane as a high school educator with Rocky View Schools focusing on environmental and outdoor education as well as music. He believes that because we naturally protect the things we love, and we can’t love what we don’t know – we need to get out there and experience our local natural spaces! Jander’s life is joyfully filled with co-wrangling his two young sons along with his wife, Tiffany (and when he can sneak away he loves to run and bike to explore this beautiful world).

  • Director of Howl High School

    Leah Andries (she/her) was raised in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), where she developed her love of exploring the wild places of Alberta. She comes to Howl after years of teaching as a High School Outdoor Education and Environmental Science teacher. She has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. She enjoyed designing new programs in her career as a teacher and is now bringing that energy to developing Howl’s high school programming. She hopes to use this opportunity to create meaningful opportunities for participants to develop their respect for and understanding of Canada's natural places and peoples while growing to become the best versions of themselves. Leah gets her energy from time spent outdoors and can often be found gardening, biking, hiking, or skiing.

  • Youth Educator & Vancouver Island Program Developer

    Ahlena (she/her) can trace her earliest memories to her childhood growing up in the Himalayan foothills of northern Pakistan. Her youth unfolded in the maple groves in the Ottawa Valley, which she now calls home on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. Both landscapes instilled in her a deep resonance with the natural world.

    Her passion for connecting art with the natural world led her to OCAD University, where she earned a Bachelor's of Fine Art, specializing in Life Studies. Having witnessed the profound effects of climate change on the places she calls home, Ahlena later collaborated with youth and grassroots organizations in her community to raise the voices of young people on matters of reconciliation and climate-related issues. These experiences led her to earn a Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto (OISE), enabling her to continue this work as an educator.

    Ahlena was drawn to Howl's holistic and transformative approach to education, embracing learning as a community practice that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life. She aspires to create holistic learning opportunities for youth rooted in relationship and connection to Earth. When she’s not talking to trees, you can find her in a river, soaking in the sunshine, and taking in life’s myriad wonders.

  • Youth Educator

  • Storyteller

  • Vicki (she/her) grew up on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinabeg, Seneca and Chippewa peoples. Time spent amongst the majestic white pines and the flowing waters of this territory sparked a passion for nature and sharing stories from the land. Currently, she lives in Canmore, Alberta, Treaty 7 Territory, where Alberta Parks employ her as the Formal Education Coordinator for Kananaskis Country. For over 20 years, Vicki has worked nationally, internationally and provincially as an environmental educator fostering student curiosity and a reciprocal relationship with Mother Earth. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Outdoor Recreation, and Education degrees from Lakehead University. Howl kindles the personal growth of youth augmenting their authentic voice in a complex world. Vicki is proud to support this program and the youth who hear their calling to participate. In her free time, she enjoys wild places with friends and family or bending her brain learning the violin.

  • Megan Taylor (she/her) was raised among the vast prairies and the rugged summits of the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 nations of Southern Alberta and Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. Megan holds a master’s degree from Queens University in Occupational Therapy, a branch of health care that helps to solve the problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do the things that are important to them. She seeks out experiences that allow her to adapt environments to be accessible, build capacity in the community, and advocate for the advancement of health in all populations. Megan has a deep passion for primary care, community development, health equity, food security and equal access to nature. With Howl, she hopes to help shape a space that celebrates diversity, culture, the uncomfortable, and being human. When at play, Megan can be found chasing after her little ones, pouncing in the snow with her pup, stealing fresh powder lines from those who slept in too late, or in her kitchen persuading food to transform into feast.

  • Manager of CRYN & Rockies Community Engagement Coordinator

    Shauna Kelly (she/her) was raised in Wîchispa/Mohkinstsis (Calgary) in Treaty 7 Territory along the riverbanks and under chinook arches by two parents from Newfoundland. She first became involved in climate action in 2016 when she joined Adam Robb’s high school program and started collaborating with peers on a variety of sustainability initiatives. Inspired by the program, Shauna went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia. She now lives in Châ Ûpchîchîyen Kudebi (Canmore) and works with nonprofit organizations to advance community climate action and education. Through Howl, she hopes to support other youth in exploring their passions and discovering how they too can be part of creating more sustainable communities. When she isn’t working, Shauna can usually be found hiking, biking, or spending time with her cat Forest.

  • Educator

    Gen (she/her) has worked as an educator within Indigenous communities for over 20 years. A large component of her work has been focused on building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and focusing on the social and emotional components of youth well-being. Through her work, she strives to create space for voices, opportunities, language and stories that have not always been welcome in the Canadian education system.

    In 2020, Gen was awarded the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. Currently Gen works as a success teacher with kindergarten to grade 8 students at Exshaw School, where she has had the honour of working with students, families, Elders and Knowledge Keepers in order to make learning culturally relevant, engaging and meaningful for students.

  • Tyler is a creative, dynamic, and accomplished leader with a passion for social justice, community development, collaboration, and social innovation. He is a registered social worker (#8635 NSCSW), having completed his degree after 18 years of trying. He is now completing his Masters of Social Work through the University of Victoria. As a white, queer, cisgender male, settler in Mi'kma'ki, Tyler is curious about exploring the intersections between decolonization, climate adaptation, and social impact work. HIs queerness and lived experiences greatly inform his work in the for-impact sector.

    Tyler is an eager community volunteer and received the Caring Canadian Award in 2015 and the Sovereign Medal for Volunteers in 2016 in recognition of his many years of volunteering. For the last 18 years, he has worked in non-profit, tourism, communications & marketing, and the creative arts. Tyler lives with his partner Matt in Punamukwatijk/ Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

  • Youth Educator

    Destin (he/him) is a proud member of the Niitsitapi, also known as the Blackfoot Confederacy. Growing up in both Siksika and Mohkinstsis (Calgary) gave him a wide perspective on what it means to be Blackfoot today and how the ongoing colonization in his territories has affected both the land and the People. Destin’s spirit has always guided him back to the land and as a result, he has worked with many different communities on the defence and preservation of water and sacred areas, on medicine and food sovereignty projects and in activism, raising awareness and working on solutions for the many injustices his and other Nations are still facing today. 

    Through years of travelling through many different Nations, Destin has built Nation to Nation connections, becoming intimate with the knowledge of ceremonial and traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, foraging and farming in an effort to bring back some of these methods and relationships to his own community. This long held interest in food sovereignty eventually took him to the many seasons he spent in Secwepemc Nation alongside the Youth, Women and Elders of many Nations, learning from their deep knowledge about land based nutrition, cooking and sharing, traditional and organic farming methods, seed saving and food preserving while also participating in ceremony and cultural celebrations and education sessions with non-Indigenous allies and families to create networks of mutual support and cultural understanding.  

    Destin has participated in many ceremonies and celebrations over the years including sweat lodges, peyote ceremonies and canoe journeys, setting up tipis, harvesting traditional foods, clearing grounds and taking care of the medicine. His relationship with the land and water is ever deepening as he spends time swimming in the rivers, identifying plants for food and medicine, hunting and observing the land in different seasons. His hope is to continue building community at a grassroots level with a focus on loving and protecting the land and creating pathways to food and seed sovereignty for all People.

  • Youth Educator

    Wacey Little Light (he/him), was raised in Siksika Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy. He now resides in Mohkinstiss and pursues a plethora of passions. A love for music, art, movies, ceremony, martial arts and outdoor activities has made for a lifestyle of health and freedom of expression. Raised in a beautiful valley in a home off the grid encouraged plenty of playing outside and imagination. After moving the city, connection with the Hip Hop community helped with navigating a concrete jungle.

    Wacey has experience in multiple disciplines but mainly considers himself a mountain guide and his first career is leading backcountry expeditions for youth. From backpacking to canoeing and dogsledding Wacey has led expeditions for youth and adults from across the globe. Wacey finds community in ceremony, sports and the arts. His best weekends are spent at a good powwow or on some backcountry adventure. When he is not working Wacey can be found training in Muay Thai, DJing, playing outside or making music.

  • Youth Educator - Rockies