Staff

Jaime Akiyama

Jaime Akiyama (she/her) is GreenUP’s Transportation and Urban Design Program Coordinator. Jaime holds an honours B.A. in Environmental and Resource Studies from Trent University and a B.Ed. from Lakehead University.  For over 15 years Jaime has worked with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and has taught and volunteered with various groups within the Peterborough community.  She is passionate about the natural world, children, and her community so she is very excited to be part of GreenUP and combine these passions. Beyond GreenUP, Jaime can be seen pedalling around the community, enjoying baked goods, and playing outside with her family. 

Ext. 210 | jaime.akiyama@greenup.on.ca

Clara Blakelock

Clara Blakelock (she/her) is a Registered Energy Advisor with GreenUP, performing home energy audits. Before starting with Green UP, Clara spent six years with Green Communities Canada as a project manager working on initiatives to advance transformative green infrastructure in Canadian communities. Clara has a Master’s in Engineering and Public Policy from McMaster University, and is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Energy Management. She volunteers on the Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee. She also spends time mending, sewing, cycling, and wrangling her young children.

Bev Bonner

Bev Bonner (she/her) is the Director of Finance and Operations at GreenUP.  Bev studied Business Administration and brings over 25 years of experience to GreenUP after working in the private sector. Bev is happy to be part of a community-based organization that allows her to work with a team of passionate workers who are so dedicated to what they do. Outside the office, you can find Bev walking the trails around Peterborough, preparing for her next long distance race or teeing up at a local golf course.

Ext. 215 | bev.bonner@greenup.on.ca

Sara Crouthers

Sara Crouthers (she/her) is a program coordinator working with Active School Travel Peterborough and School Travel Planning. Sara holds a BA (Hons) in Equity Studies, Indigenous Studies and English from the University of Toronto, a B.Ed in Intermediate/Senior Indigenous Studies and English Education from Trent University, and an MA in Sustainability Studies from Trent University. Sara is passionate about sustainable, community-focused urban planning, critical anti-racism environmental education and critical food systems pedagogy. Sara’s past work experience includes Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS), the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities, and Take Me Outside. She enjoys giving back to her community, and is a member of the Peterborough BIPOC Growing Collective and a board member of the Seasoned Spoon and Peterborough Child and Family Centres. When Sara isn’t thinking about all things School Travel Planning at GreenUP, she is gardening, cycling and frolicking with her toddler, Jack, here in Nogojiwanong on Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg territory.

sara.crouthers@greenup.on.ca

Jackie Donaldson

Jackie Donaldson (she/her) is a Program Coordinator at GreenUP working on Green Economy Peterborough and specializing in communications, public outreach, and program development. A big fan of the Kawarthas and community-based environmental action, Jackie has thirty years of experience in the non-profit, public health, municipal, small business, and media sectors. Jackie has a B.A.H (Anthropology) and B. Ed from Trent University where she is currently working on a Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies. Jackie has volunteered on numerous local boards and has a certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Fleming College. She loves canoe tripping with her family, cycling, writing, and seeking out (and sampling) butter tarts listed on the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour.

jackie.donaldson@greenup.on.ca

Leif Einarson

Leif Einarson (he/him) is the Communications Manager at GreenUP. Leif has a B.A. with Honours from Fraser Valley University in B.C., and a Masters and Ph.D. in English and Writing Studies from Western University in Ontario. For over 15 years, Leif has worked and volunteered with wildlife conservation projects. Leif is passionate about communications that get people thinking and acting. He has worked in education, marketing, wildlife conservation, and tourism. Leif is thrilled to empower environmentally sustainable action with the amazing team at GreenUP and our incredible partners. When he’s not working at GreenUP, Leif is probably enjoying life outside the ordinary, dreaming up de-lawning projects, biking on trails, paddling on water bacon, and playing with his kids.

leif.einarson@greenup.on.ca

Laura Keresztesi

Laura Keresztesi (she/her) is a Program Coordinator at GreenUP. Laura holds a bachelor of Community Design from Dalhousie University and a post-graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Fleming College. Since graduating, Laura has enjoyed working in the field of community development in a variety of different capacities. From helping to plant kitchen gardens in Tegucigalpa to working in a Toronto City Councillor’s office, Laura has been honoured to have the opportunity to work directly with neighbours, forming meaningful relationships and partnerships while working towards shared goals.  Laura is grateful for any opportunity to be outside.  She enjoys gardening, camping, cycling, pottery and is always eager to explore and imagine the world with her young children – as long as she’s had her morning quota of Yorkshire Gold.

Ext. 206 | laura.keresztesi@greenup.on.ca

Kristen LaRocque

Kristen LaRocque (she/her) is Program Coordinator at the GreenUP Store & Resource Centre. She holds a bachelors degree in Philosophy from Trent University. Her work and volunteer experience in the community of Peterborough covers a broad range of interests including sustainable and local food production, conservation of natural resources, and promotion of healthy active lifestyles. Kristen is an all-weather cyclist who looks forward to a future that includes separated bike lanes and an abundance of pedestrian crossings near all city parks. She is passionate about cycling safety and sustainable modes of transport. Outside of the office, Kristen enjoys running along the Rotary Trail and spending time with her adventuresome son, encouraging his love of cycling and the great outdoors.

Ext. 222 | kristen.larocque@greenup.on.ca

Karen O’Krafka

Karen O’Krafka (she/her) is the GreenUP Education Programs Coordinator. Karen holds a BAH in International Development Studies with a focus on Sustainable Community Development from Guelph, and a B.Ed in Outdoor and Experiential Education from Queen’s University. With Karen’s passion for environmental sustainability and education, she has spent almost two decades working and volunteering on both the west and east coast, as well as many local and international environmental non-profits, camps, outdoor education centres, schools, and conservation authorities. Karen creates and coordinates meaningful, action-oriented youth education on water and climate by weaving together her recent work for the community collaborative Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship, as a co-founder and instructor of Hardwood Nature School, and as a long-time board member with the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.

Ext. 207 | karen.okrafka@greenup.on.ca

Heather Ray

Heather Ray (she/her) is Director of Programs at GreenUP. Heather holds an honours BES in Environmental Resource Management from University of Waterloo, Diploma in Environmental Assessment and Master’s of International Public Policy, focus on Environmental Policy and Global Governance, from Wilfrid Laurier University. Heather’s academic research focused heavily on the study of water and she brings years of experience working within the non profit sector supporting international, national and local initiatives. Heather is committed to joining a diverse range of people and perspectives, all with water and our environment as a common connection. Outside of GreenUP you can find Heather writing, farming, and playing outside.

Ext. 204 | heather.ray@greenup.on.ca

Natalie Stephenson

Natalie Stephenson (she/her) is the Hub Coordinator for Green Economy Peterborough at GreenUP. With an Honours BA in Environmental Resource Studies and Sociology from Trent University, she is passionate about the intersections between social and environmental problems. Natalie has a whole host of experience in grassroots community organizing. When she’s not working on Green Economy Peterborough, you will find Natalie riding on our local trails with her two kiddos, and volunteering on community projects, including King Edward Community Garden and Peterborough VegFest.      

natalie.stephenson@greenup.on.ca | ext. 223

Lindsay Stroud

Lindsay Stroud (she/her) is Director of Development and Programs at GreenUP. Though always intent on caring for the environment and community, it wasn’t until Lindsay arrived in Peterborough and began volunteering at B!KE, that she realized the power that active and sustainable transportation had to truly change the world. Lindsay joined GreenUP as transportation program coordinator in 2012 and has worked with a passionate, inspiring teams to create Pedal Power, one if the province’s first in-school cycling education programs, and Peterborough Pulse, the city’s first Open Streets event. Lindsay holds an honours BSc in Zoology from the University of Guelph and a BEd from Trent University, and has enjoyed over fifteen years of organizing environmental education and community engagement programs for not-for-profit and government agencies. Outside of the office, Lindsay has worked with other inspiring teams to create Repair Café Peterborough and the Peterborough Tool Library, selfishly feeding her love of making and fixing.

Ext. 209 | lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca

Jessica Todd

Jessica Todd (she/her) is a GreenUP Store & Resource Centre Associate. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Science from Trent University. She previously volunteered in the GreenUP Store as well as at community events including Peterborough Pulse. Jessica is passionate about spreading environmental awareness and sustainability. She is excited to see Peterborough continue to evolve into a more sustainable community. Jessica hopes to see separated bicycle lanes and a green bin program in the future. Outside the office, Jessica enjoys cycling along the trails, spending time with family, baking, and crafting.

Ext. 222| jessica.todd@greenup.on.ca

Jill Bishop

Jillian Bishop (she/her) has been passionately involved in working with many aspects of our local food system for over 10 years. For the past five years, she has coordinated the Peterborough Community Garden Network. Her role is currently evolving and she now works with Nourish, where she continues to support and encourage the production, consumption, and enjoyment of locally grown food. GreenUP continues to collaborate with Jillian as she continues her amazing work at the Nourish office at the YWCA, 216 Simcoe St.

705-743-3526 Ext. 115 | growing@nourishproject.ca