Staff

Brianna Salmon

Brianna is Executive Director of GreenUP. They joined GreenUP in 2008, and over the past ten years they have worked across departments in a variety of exciting roles. Brianna has a Masters in Sustainability Studies from Trent University, and a second graduate degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University’s School of Public Administration. In 2016, Brianna was recognized as one of Peterborough’s “Top 4 Under 40,” and in 2017, they received Trent University’s Young Leader Award for their work supporting a more healthy, sustainable, and active community. Brianna is honoured to be leading GreenUP, and to be furthering the work of this vital organization.

Ext. 203 | brianna.salmon@greenup.on.ca

Jaime Akiyama

Jaime Akiyama 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

Vern Bastable

Vern Bastable is the Director of GreenUP Ecology Park and Landscape Programs. Vern has been an integral part of GreenUP’s urban forest program and the operations of the tree nursery in GreenUP Ecology Park. He earned an Ecosystem Management Diploma from Fleming College and is an Ontario certified tree seed collector. Vern’s expertise is with urban forest management and municipal heritage tree designation.

Ext. 217 | vern.bastable@greenup.on.ca

Bev Bonner

Bev Bonner 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

Leif Einarson

Leif Einarson is the Communications Manager at GreenUP. Leif has 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 10 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 at GreenUP, Leif can be seen enjoying life outside the ordinary, biking on our trails, paddling on our water bacon, and playing with his kids.

Ext. 202 | leif.einarson@greenup.on.ca

Hayley Goodchild is the Sustainability and Landscaping Project Coordinator, formerly a coordinator with the Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods (SUN) Program at GreenUP. She has a decade of experience coordinating non-profit, community, and academic projects throughout southern Ontario. Hayley holds an Honours BA in International Development Studies from Trent University, and an MA and PhD in Environmental History from McMaster University. In addition to her work at GreenUP, Hayley is completing a post-graduate certificate in Landscape Design from Ryerson University, and she spends most of her spare time in the garden.

Ext. 213 | hayley.goodchild@greenup.on.ca

Laura Keresztesi

Laura is the NeighbourPLAN 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 is Program Coordinator, 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 is the GreenUP Water 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 Univeristy. 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. Currently, Karen weaves Water Education with her 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 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 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 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 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

Matthew Walmsley

Matthew is the GreenUP Water Education Programs Coordinator. He holds a Diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College, and an Honours BSc. in Environmental and Resource Science from Trent University. His honours thesis explored the use of technology in environmental education. Matthew has worked as an educator at Camp Kawartha as well as at GreenUP Ecology Park. After work hours he can be found swimming in the Otonabee River in spring, summer, and winter!

Ext. 219 | matthew.walmsley@greenup.on.ca

Jill Bishop

Jillian Bishop 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