Meet the Trainers!

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We are a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals from all around the province who specialize in outdoor education, nature education, and environmental education.

	Roland Chiasson Aster Group: Environmental Services Cooperative Roland Chiasson is a working member of the Aster Group, a N.B. cooperative that works on environmental solutions. He has worked with Parks Canada, as a nature interpreter, and has also taught English and Science classes to high school students. He also worked with Nature NB, as a Conservation Biologist and was also the former education manager for Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. "Resources for Rethinking", a web-based source for environmental curriculum materials, has used his skills to review and add to their many educational activities. Roland is always enthralled with the natural sights and sounds during his woodland wanderings.

	Melissa Fulton Melissa Fulton has over 15 years of experience in outdoor nature education and interpretation in New Brunswick. She previously studied pollination ecology and has a special fondness for insects. Melissa loves to go outside for the fresh air, exercise, and a sense of calm that only nature can provide.

	Danielle Smith Conservation Council of New Brunswick Danielle Smith is the Citizen’s Engagement Manager at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. She brings a wide range of knowledge on Monarchs, Bird Identification, Wildlife Ecology, Forest Ecology, Sustainability, NB Wildlife, Wildlife Adaptations, Wildlife Friendly Gardening, Pollinators and Composting. Nature allows her to always be learning. It is so vast and changing that she is always discovering new and wonderful things.

	Nadine Ives Conservation Council of New Brunswick Nadine has lived in New Brunswick for over 23 years. She works for Conservation Council of New Brunswick as coordinator of the Learning Outside project. Nadine has a PhD in hardwood tree ecology and has been involved in nature education in various forms for over 20 years (from school visits and nature walks to university teaching). Her areas of expertise include outdoor nature education, general ecology, plant ecology, native plants, invasive species, climate change, wildlife friendly gardening, and phenology. Nadine heads outside to feel grounded, refreshed and re-energized, and to see what her non-human neighbours are up to.

	Ian Smith Parks Canada Ian Smith is a Parks NB Program Manager, Grandfather, Outdoor Educator, Outward Bound Canada Instructor. He loves sharing nature with “soft-shelled turtles”.

	Theresa Johnston Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend & Spouse Theresa has several years of cocreating outdoor adventures with her family, friends & community. She enjoys playing outside with Great Mother Earth and appreciating all of the beauty & gifts she has to offer.

	Sam Brewster Ducks Unlimited Canada Sam is an Outreach Specialist for the Atlantic region for Ducks Unlimited Canada. She has specialized in outdoor nature education for over 20 years and has worked for DUC since 2016. Sam is based out of the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre in Fredericton NB where she oversees the education programs for NB and PEI. The DUCC offers programming for everyone of all ages as well as schools. DUC has curriculum linked programming from preschool through university levels in both of NB’s official languages.

	Annie Furman Conservation Council of New Brunswick Annie is the Education Coordinator at CCNB. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Performance and Sustainability. Originally from Upstate New York, Annie has worked in Environmental and Outdoor Education throughout Canada and the United States. She is passionate about building community resilience through creative, place-based engagements. Annie is also a professional climate artist. Her work has been performed internationally through Climate Change Theatre Action, and she is a published author whose poems and short stories tackle climate anxiety, multispecies narratives, and just energy transitions. She enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.

	Caitlyn Robert Nature NB Caitlyn Robert is a Program Coordinator at Nature NB. Caitlyn's career has led her from Butterfly Gardens in Ontario and Costa Rica, to banding birds in New Brunswick, to wild bird rehab and raptor handling in Vermont, and back to New Brunswick delivering nature programs all across the province. Caitlyn is always eager to get people outside and discovering nature!

	Nadeesha Niroshani Conservation Council of New Brunswick Nadeesha is the Assistant Education Coordinator at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, where she helps develop and deliver environmental education programs across the province. She holds a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences and Management and a Master of Environmental Management from the University of New Brunswick. Her experience spans sustainable agriculture, conservation, and public outreach in both Sri Lanka and Canada. Previously, she worked with the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, leading tree planting under the 2 Billion Trees program and conducting river habitat assessments and restoration. Nadeesha is passionate about making science accessible and empowering youth and communities to take environmental.

	Heather Fraser Founder of Explore Nature's Bounty Heather has a life-long career in Forestry and Environmental Management and retired in 2022 from the City of Moncton's Engineering and Environmental Services Department after 30+ years of service. She is a true nature lover and outdoor science based educator for over 4 decades. She is a professional bee keeper, past maple producer of 25 years (ran the only Municipal sugar bush in Canada), is an edible and medicinal plant and tree specialist, an avid hiker, biker and backpacker. She was the National Award recipient through the Canadian Wildlife Federation last year - "Outdoors Person of the Year". She owns and operates a forestry company, of over 34 years and started a new business upon retirement called Explore Nature's Bounty. Heather is truly connected to the outdoors and plans to leave a legacy of like minded individuals who become the next generation of nature ambassadors.

	Jolène Dubé Aster Group: Environmental Services Cooperative Jolène is a long time nature and outdoors enthusiast. President of the Club des naturalistes du Restigouche Naturalists Club for 5 year, part of Great Minds Think Outside for 3 years and working for the Aster Group for 2 years, she's building experience and new knowledge about nature every day, which she loves to share with others.
	Lisa Mayer Lisa studied Environmental Education and Outdoor Learning and spent 25 years inspiring young learners as a Kindergarten teacher. Throughout her teaching career, Lisa fostered a deep appreciation for nature, encouraging her students to explore, observe, and connect with the world around them. Lisa believes that some of the most meaningful learning happens outdoors, where curiosity comes alive and children can develop a lasting sense of wonder and respect for the natural environment. Her passion for environmental education continues to inspire her work and her commitment to helping others discover the joy of learning in nature.