Our Team

Kathryn's Bio

We have our own secret energy source, and it’s called Kathryn. She energizes and inspires the entire education team, with her incredible vision and positivity. Kathryn is an enthusiastic, experienced science educator, who loves to play a role in creating aha moments for others. When light bulbs start going on, you know Kathryn is in her element, engaging others in learning which makes the future bright and full of promise.

• Director - Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication
• Alberta Emerald Foundation Judging Panel

Jill's Bio

Jill has been with Inside Education since 2008. In those days you could find her leading students through Alberta’s forests, co-chairing youth summits, and learning alongside amazing teachers.

After a brief hiatus, Jill hung up her hiking boots and began working behind the scenes as our Operations Manager.  

• Acadia School Parent Advisory Society
• Director on the Acadia Community Garden and Art Society

Jayme's Bio

As a youth at 4-H summer camp, Jayme’s world opened up to environment, sustainability, and community issues. She learned the importance of education and shared perspectives. Jayme loves watching people’s faces light up when they make important connections, and see the world in a new way. It starts with the opportunity to explore and discover. That’s the promise behind every sunrise and the reason Jayme wakes up every morning.

Laura's Bio

We have our roots in forest education, which brought Laura to our door. Laura is an impressive and competent educator, completing her double Masters in both environmental management at UNB, and science in forestry and agriculture at the University of Eastern Finland. She is a leader, mentor and teacher in both team sports and the classroom. Laura brings a unique perspective and depth of experience to our part of the woods.

Chloe's Bio

Chloe brings a range of communication experience to the Inside Education team, including non-profit, corporate, and government. She has provided leadership, great ideas, and new direction to the team. When Chloe isn’t working, you can find her with her husband chasing their kids around, hopefully outside somewhere!

Natalie's Bio

Natalie is a Program Manager out of the Edmonton office and her professional passion is sharing her excitement about nature with students!  She has a background in Conservation Biology and Secondary Education and has found her dream job in a place where she can be the fun class guest and teach the topics she loves the most.  Born and raised in Alberta, Natalie loves the summer in Edmonton, cats, camping, and knitting, and her favourite field trip activity is pond dipping!

Adean's Bio

Adean comes from Edmonton and spent her childhood exploring the great outdoors that Alberta has to offer. Adean took her love of nature and applied it to her studies. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alberta, and then moved abroad to study for her Master of Science in Forest and Nature Conservation from Wageningen University. Adean is super excited to use her passion and knowledge of the environment to inspire the next generation. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, skiing, or nerding out about Star Wars. 

Mitali's Bio

Mitali Robb currently does not have a biography.

Kat's Bio

Kat (she/her) hails from Calgary and spends most weekends hiking, camping, riding horses, or cross country skiing! Inspired by the enjoyment of the outdoors and her passion for the environment, she attended Lakehead University and received an Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation where she studied accessible recreation, expedition management, and rural tourism. Kat loves teaching about wetlands and watersheds especially so be ready to nerd out about aquatic invertebrates if you give her the chance.

• Member of the Youth and Young Professionals Committee - Bow River Basin Council

Braeden's Bio

Braeden graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences and Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science from the University of Calgary. With Braeden’s science classroom teaching experience, he strives to bring relevant hands-on learning opportunities to students and teachers alike.  He loves “light-bulb moments” from students and encourages everyone to make authentic connections with the real world. Recently, Braeden has joined the Energy and Climate Team with Inside Education, and has been instrumental in leading the C.A.R.S. Air Quality Monitoring Program for numerous schools across the province.

Director - Calgary Region Airshed Zone

Dan's Bio

Dan (he/him) is a born-and-raised Calgarian who has spent the majority of his professional career eating his way through the Canadian food and beverage scene. Although he was initially in search of great-tasting food, what he found instead was a passion for both the environment and his local community. When Dan isn’t working, you can likely find him shooting hoops on a neighbourhood basketball court, riding his bike through Calgary’s vast pathway network, or exploring the wonder of the Canadian Rockies. 

Ilana's Bio

Armed with a degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences from the University of Alberta, Ilana (she/her) is passionate about all things nature and sustainability. From the vast grasslands, to the mucky bogs, Ilana has navigated all of Alberta’s ecosystems. She loves talking energy, and is eager to share her knowledge and experience in the fields of Land Reclamation and Oil and Gas with students and teachers. In her free time, Ilana can be found reading, hiking, or practicing her photography skills.

Julie's Bio

Growing up in Calgary and on Vancouver Island, and now living in Edmonton, Julie spends as much time as she can outside, whether that’s hiking, camping, surfing, cross country skiing, or birdwatching. Her love for the outdoors led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. While in university, she discovered her passion for Environmental Education, and she loves creating meaningful and memorable experiences for both students and teachers.

Terri's Bio

Terri grew up close to the Rocky Mountains and has done extensive hiking and biking through the many trails it has to offer. She loved being out in nature so much that she went to school for Outdoor Education and Adventure Tourism so she could get paid to play outside everyday. She even studied in Norway for a period of time, learning about Friluftslive which translates “open air living” or the love of outdoor living. When she is not outside seeking out adventures you can find her in her garden, trying out new hydroponic techniques, or practicing American Sign Language.

• Diploma - Adventure Tourism Outdoor Recreation
• Certificate - Level 3 ASL

Katie's Bio

Katie (she/her) grew up in Calgary and enjoys spending her free time going out to the mountains to go hiking, camping and skiing. Graduating from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in General Science and Science Education, she gained valuable teaching experience and is passionate about providing exciting, hands-on learning opportunities for both students and teachers. While in university, Katie discovered a passion for environmental and outdoor education and loves to see students getting outside and learning from the environment.

Mackenzie's Bio

Mackenzie graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, specializing in chemistry and earth and atmospheric sciences. Driven by a passion for teaching and a love for the natural world, her goal is to inspire all to explore science through outdoor and hands-on experiences. Whether it’s hiking up a trail, paddleboarding across a lake or camping in the mountains, Mackenzie faces the outdoors with infectious enthusiasm. Mackenzie believes that learning should also be an adventure, and that science can be a blast in and out of the classroom!

Trent's Bio

Trent was first introduced to Inside Education 20 years ago and it took him that long to collect enough wisdom and courage to join our illustrious board! (Ed Note: His words, we’re delighted to have him!) Trent has a diverse experience in the resource industry, having worked in forestry and oil and gas….. forever. Trent’s day job is Manager of Community and Indigenous Affairs for Cenovus Energy. Trent’s main job is being the “fun” parent to Aiden, Abby, and Madison.

Helen's Bio

Originally from Newfoundland. Helen has always had a love of science and desire to work with complex learners. She is a proud mom of two boys and has worked hard to instill the love of learning into her children and all of her students. Helen has been involved with Inside Education for many years and has participated in a variety of Inside Education programs with her students and colleagues – Gener8, Navig8, Water in a World for 7 Billion, and A+ for Energy. She is a strong supporter of A+ for Energy and Inside Education Programming and is honoured to be a part of the Inside Education board. Helen is Principal at Valley Creek School in the Calgary Board of Education.

Amanda's Bio

Amanda’s spark for science ignited at an early age exploring nature with her family and grew into a flame for space as she followed Canada’s journey skyward. She teaches Junior High Science, Math, Coding, and STEAM classes in both English and French in Beaumont, Alberta.

She believes in creating authentic cross-curricular learning opportunities for her students to apply to real-world problems, fostering a generation of young people armed to build a better future.

Amanda has received numerous A+ for Energy grants, has been recognized provincially by the Alberta Teacher’s Association Science Council and nationally with a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM.

Rob's Bio

We have known Rob for many years through his role as Director of Engagement and Education at Alberta Environment and Parks - in fact he manages the area within the Alberta Government that Inside Education grew out of way back in the 1980s. In his daily life Rob and his family live on property that his family has farmed for four generations! As he says, this has helped sew the seeds from which his passion for the land, the environment and for education have grown.

Chloe's Bio

Chloe is the Senior Advisor of Community Relations and Education at Nutrien. Chloe grew up in a rural community near Calgary where she was surrounded by agriculture, and eager to find her place in the industry. She now leads the program development and implementation of a suite of youth agriculture education programs, working with partners across North America and beyond to bring these programs to their regions. Chloe is passionate about educating the next generation of consumers, workforce, and decision-makers about where their food comes from and sustainability.

When she isn’t working, you can find Chloe outdoors – hiking, running, or exploring with her dog, George.

Neil's Bio

Neil is a high school teacher at St. Albert High School. Neil is a veteran of many of Inside Education’s adventures, including oil sands and agriculture professional development programs, he’s come with us on A+ for Energy adventures, and as one of Alberta’s leaders in ag-education, really helped us launch our own agriculture education programs in 2016. In addition to numerous agriculture education projects in his school, Neil also led a group of students from Morinville High to the international Envirothon in North Carolina. Neil’s vast experience and background includes two terms as the youngest-ever Councillor for the City of St. Albert.

Billy-Jo's Bio

Billy-Jo has over 20 years of IT experience in the energy, municipal government, and retail industries. Currently, as Manager of Digital Technologies, Billy-Jo is accountable for all Digital and IT services for ConocoPhillips Canada. With her passion for technology, she is also passionate about education and STEM. The opportunity to work with Inside Education to bring tangible experiences to the students aligns with her goals. She leads a volunteer-based organization called Girls Talk Tech, which aims to educate and empower young women to embrace technology for the future.

When she isn’t behind a computer, you can find her climbing mountains and cycling open roads.

Vicki's Bio

Vicki is the Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates. In addition to being recognized as one of Canada’s Young Women in Energy award winners, Vicki has been a speaker at multiple Inside Education events over the past few years and always appreciates the enthusiasm the students and teachers have for learning. She plans to continue to connect and share leading edge research with the Inside Education programs in her role on the board. . When she isn’t working, Vicki can be found exploring with her two young boys.

Catherine's Bio

Cat is Legal Counsel at Enbridge on the Safety & Reliability Law team where she supports work related to lands, the environment, and safety. Cat first joined Inside Education as a Forest Educator in 2017 during which time she delivered forest education programs in southern Alberta, and coordinated two of the forest field sites. Cat now returns to Inside Education as a member of the board with the hope of utilizing her previous experience as a staff member, passion for energy and environmental education, and legal acuity to support the organization.

Outside of work, you’ll find Cat coaching girls rugby, skiing, or running with her dog, Hazel.

Allison's Bio

Allison Mostowich is an experienced engagement and outreach professional in the areas of internal and external communications, energy efficiency, innovation commercialization, conventional resources, regulatory environments and small business startups. She has led teams and managed programs at the Energy Resources Conservation Board, the Alberta Energy Regulator, Energy Efficiency Alberta (where we first met Allison) and now Emissions Reduction Alberta. Her experience working with multiple levels of government, multiple leadership levels in organizations and businesses throughout the province has built Allison’s strong focus on an inclusive and practical approach to decision-making and implementation.

Jason's Bio

Jason has a long history with Inside Education. Drawing from his science and education background, Jason worked as an Educator with Inside Education for many years in the 2000s. Later, he grew to fill the role of Inside Education’s Program Director from 2008 – late 2011. Today, Jason’s day job has him busy as Director of Regulatory Systems with Alberta Energy and Minerals. He is thrilled to again be a part of the Inside Education family, now as a Board member. Away from work, Jason enjoys all kinds of water and snow sports with his family, playing a variety of musical instruments, and spending time under his vintage Volkswagen buses.

Bryan's Bio

Bryan Helfenbaum is the Vice President of Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates, where he oversees programs in Clean Technology and Advanced Hydrocarbons with key initiatives in hydrogen, CCUS, digital energy, bitumen beyond combustion, and others. Before joining Alberta Innovates, he spent 20 years in technical, business, and innovation roles in the private sector.  Bryan has taught courses at the University of Calgary and worked on innovative community residential development projects.  

Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Waterloo and an MBA from Calgary.

Alberta Innovates

Lisa's Bio

Lisa has worked for nearly 20 years in the energy sector, gaining valuable field experience in health and safety and collaborating with various teams at Energy Safety Canada. Since joining the Careers in Energy team in 2018, Lisa has enthusiastically shared her knowledge of opportunities in both traditional and emerging energy technologies. She brings a comprehensive expertise that covers many facets of the industry. Lisa’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science and the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.

Energy Safety Canada

Anthony's Bio

Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis are renowned as the trailblazing Two-Spirit team on the Amazing Race Canada. Their compelling victory in Season 7 brought pivotal gender, sexuality, and Indigenous issues to the forefront of national consciousness, reshaping societal perceptions. Distinguished in their individual capacities, they bring rich, diverse experiences and a profound depth of expertise to their advocacy efforts, championing the rights of First Nation and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Residing in Treaty 6 Territory, Edmonton, Anthony Johnson is dedicated to the resurgence of Traditional Cree Medicine practices in Kehewin Cree Nation. Together, they are a formidable force, advocating for systemic change and promoting equity and inclusivity. Their journey transcends the Amazing Race; it’s a continual stride towards societal transformation, galvanizing communities, and allies alike to dismantle prejudices and foster a more inclusive, empathetic world. Their narrative is not just one of triumph but a compelling call to action for unity, understanding, and relentless pursuit of justice.