Engage over 8 million students in hands-on environmental learning and action

Support almost 20,000 EcoTeams from coast to coast to coast

Transition to a national, digital certification program that remains free for public and Indigenous schools

Build and strengthen partnerships with school boards, community partners, donors, and supporters across Canada

It’s hard to choose just one standout memory, but the first thing that comes to mind is my first year conducting assessments (and first month on the job) back when we were Ontario EcoSchools. After a week of training, a team of 25 of us set out across the province to review hundreds of applications and conduct in-person school visits. That year, as I traveled to schools across southern Ontario, I witnessed firsthand the EcoSchools program’s strength—locally rooted, yet collectively impactful. This experience nurtured the roots from which many favourite memories would grow. 

Ride the wave! There will be moments when the waters will feel rough and difficult to navigate (Hello! COVID lockdowns, the uncertainties of leading a non-profit, the enormity of climate change, political divisiveness, and international unrest). But, resilience is where growth happens. The strength to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward in the face of adversity will create allyship, deep friendships, opportunities for learning, and growth.  And… surprise! You’re going to have two amazing children, and everything you’re doing right now deeply matters for the world they’ll grow up in.

I love my work and feel immense gratitude, and responsibility, for the opportunity to support environmental learning and action across the country. One of my favourite parts of the job is bringing people together to learn, share, and create. Whether it’s developing a new program with the AMAZING EcoSchools team (they really are the best), leading a professional development workshop, meeting with student leaders, or teaming up with partners on a new initiative, my work often leaves me feeling energized and inspired. 

Over the past ten years, I’ve seen so many incredible and inspiring projects, too many to choose just one. So, I’ll highlight a few that are top of mind from this current school year:

• A beautiful school-wide initiative where students from Anson Park mapped, identified, and tapped maple trees on their school grounds, made and bottled their own syrup, and celebrated with a pancake party, which was all documented through student-written articles and photography.
• A creative project where students from Lougheed Middle School repurposed worn-out clothing into handmade dog toys for donation to a local animal shelter.
• An initiative that gave students from Drewry Secondary, including those with limited speech or mobility, the opportunity to actively participate in planning, designing, and installing signage across their school grounds to identify local plants, trees, and wildlife, using accessible technologies.

Ah, I love them all, it’s tough to choose just one! But I think I’ll go with Sit Spot. Instead of focusing on action, it encourages people to slow down, get outside (at all times of year), and to connect with their local places and spaces. Plus, it doesn’t need any extra materials and can be a great spark for a whole cascade of other meaningful actions. 

Thank you for your tremendous passion, creativity, and commitment. Every project you lead, every conversation you have, and every habit you change, matters, not just in your schools and your communities, but for your futures. Keep dreaming big, leading boldly, and lifting each other up because together, you are shaping a more sustainable, hopeful tomorrow. And all of us at EcoSchools are so excited to cheer you on.

I have to say the expertise, passion, and dedication of the people behind this program. This program would not be what it is without the immense talent of our small but mighty team. This also extends to our amazing board of directors, program advisory committee members, and the teachers, school board staff, partners, and students that contribute their time and expertise to the program. I feel incredibly honoured to have spent the past ten years working alongside such inspiring individuals—people I’ve grown with and learned from. Thank you, team. You’re simply the best. 

• What you’re doing matters and don’t underestimate the ripple effect of your work.
• Make time for the things that fill your cup.
• Remember to unplug and get outside.
• Let the small stuff go; it’s rarely worth the energy.
• Challenges, failures, and tough moments are the soil where growth and opportunity take root.
• Keep questioning, exploring, and embracing lifelong learning.
• Seek out mentors who inspire you, and when you’re ready, help guide someone else on their journey.

I’m excited to continue growing EcoSchools by expanding our program offerings, strengthening our networks, and creating more opportunities to ignite meaningful, lasting change in school communities in all 13 provinces and territories.

A community where unique interests, talents, and passions collectively build a more sustainable world.