Annika Chiasson, Executive DirectorBorn and raised in Moncton, Annika first worked for the NBEN as a summer student in 2013 and then again in 2014. Little did she know she would come back in 2016, bringing with her, her passion for nature, art, and technology!
Tzomi Burkhart Jazwicki, Program ManagerRaised in the Rocky Mountains, Tzomi moved progressively east in stages before making a home in the Maritimes in 2011. With a diverse background in organic farming, interactive classroom activation, and a love of ecology, coordinating the Sustainability Education Alliance is a dream come true. Tzomi graduated from Acadia with a BA (Hon.) in Sustainability Studies and a double major in History in 2016, and when not in the office, can most likely be found in the garden or the woods - in any weather or season.
Zaheera Denath joined the NBEN in 2017. Having resided in various locales during her formative years,
(including South Africa & Kuwait) she has settled in with her husband and animal family in Albert County on a large acreage coined “the funny farm” because of her unconventional animal husbandry. Her methods utilise as much natural and holistic knowledge gained from her various cultural experiences. She brings this same dedication to her work at the NBEN, advocating for natural solutions to today's issues.
Jordan Kilgour, Sustainability Education Project CoordinatorOriginally from Ottawa, ON, Jordan completed her BSc(Envt Sci) in Environment and Resource Management in 2022 at the University of Guelph. She is broadly interested in education and engagement to support others in the climate movement and contributing to climate justice at the local level. Jordan is excited to bring her unique set of skills and experiences to the role of Sustainability Education Projects Coordinator at the NBEN, where she will be primarily helping to coordinate Sustainability Education Alliance conferences and social media. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and baking.
Saadia Hara, Environmental Health Programs CoordinatorOriginally from Chad, Saadia is a second-year student in the Environmental Studies master's program at the Université de Moncton. Her love for nature and her passion for interdisciplinarity led her to join the NBEN as the new Environmental Health Programs Coordinator. In her spare time, Saadia enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and playing her guitar.
Dorice Pinet, Environmental Networker for the Acadian Peninsula and the Chaleur RegionDorice holds the position of Environmental Networker for the Acadian Peninsula and the Chaleur Region. This position allows her to act as a link between organizations in the Northeast and those in the rest of the province. She is also on the lookout for programs, projects, and challenges in her region. Being concerned about climate change, she is actively involved in many community organizations and events that aim at sustainable and healthy solutions. In the winter you can find her on the cross-country ski trails, and in the summer she is by the water, on her bike, or in the community garden she shares with friends.
Shannon Richard, Projects and Communications Assistant
Lilian Barraclough, Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) Project Coordinator
Born and raised in Toronto, Lily moved out to the East Coast in 2016 and completed her undergraduate in Environmental Science at the University of King’s College and her Master of Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Lily is passionate about supporting local governments and communities to mitigate and adapt to climate change, whether that is through active transportation and physical wellbeing, climate grief support, or developing nature-based infrastructure and this led her to join NBEN as the RKI Project Coordinator supporting municipalities with climate risk mitigation. Lily enjoys spending time with her horses and dog, playing viola and piano, reading, and spending time outdoors!
Natalie (Nat) Goguen, Biodiversity and Watershed Programs Coordinator
Nat is known for their kindness, leadership and knowledge of plant species. Committed to the community, she has dedicated her career and many volunteer hours to the non-profit sector with a focus on food security and environmental sustainability. Natalie is a part of many committees, boards and social events as well as the LGBTQ+ Community . Outside of work, Nat can often be seen at the beach or at live music events with her 2 kids. Other hobbies include: hiking, camping, visual arts, competitive axe throwing.
Originally from Vancouver, BC, Beckett is going into his 4th year at Mount Allison University. He is currently doing a BA in Psychology with a minor in International Politics. Beckett is widely interested in many different aspects of environmentalism including environmental education and sustainability. He was raised with a deep passion and awareness for the environment and has spent time working and volunteering in parks around Vancouver. Throughout the year you can find him walking or running around Sackville’s waterfowl park. Some of Beckett’s interests include sports, music, movies, and baking.