Tamarack Institute is a remote organization, which is great for quality of life and for the environment. Our teams live and work within and around the communities we proudly serve. Please reach out directly to start a conversation.
About Liz Liz, Tamarack's Co-CEO, drives community change through collective impact and collaborative leadership. A recognized thought leader, Liz has authored numerous papers on complex community change issues.
About Danya Danya, Co-CEO, and Director of our Networks for Change, champions collective impact and data strategy. She's dedicated to fostering inclusive, thriving communities.
About Aaliyah, Community Animator Research and Outreach, applies her expertise in Microbiology and Sustainability to the Dev Lab project, fostering skills development for young adults across Canada.
About Alison Alison builds a culture of learning, reflection, and continuous improvement within Tamarack’s networks for change. She supports her teammates to surface and share success stories that amplify and accelerate community change. Alison enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding in Revelstoke, BC.
About Antoinette, Senior Translator and accomplished artist, holds a Bachelor's in Philosophy. With 35 years in bilingual communications, she's now fully focused on translation, with interests in literature and entrepreneurship.
About Astrid, Manager of Cities, fosters belonging and climate transitions. With a background in project management and operations, she holds a strong foundation in community-building and entrepreneurship.
About Claire, a certified fundraising executive, leverages 15 yrs of experience to foster partnerships at Tamarack. She enjoys family time, cycling, and neighbourhood exploration.
About Duncan Field, Associate Director at the Learning Centre, spearheads e-learning course development and consulting contracts, leveraging his background in Psychology, Philosophy, and Law.
About Heather leads ABCD strategies at Tamarack with 22 years of community dev exp. She's a lifelong learner, volunteer, and advocate for community belonging.
About Isaac supports community development, enjoys wildlife photography, and hiking, and brings his passion for the outdoors to Tamarack's initiatives.
About Jaime, a Community Animator in Digital Experience, holds a Bachelor's in Communications and Sociology and a Master's in Communication Studies. Passionate about social justice, she enjoys outdoor activities and travelling.
About Jessica holds degrees in French and Marketing, specializes in brand content, and is devoted to sharing Tamarack's impact in an accessible and inclusive way.
About Justin leads Public Policy and Government Relations, leveraging his expertise in research and advocacy to drive positive change and community engagement.
About Laura holds a B.Comm & M.A. in Global Studies. She champions climate action and social innovation, balancing advocacy with family life across continents.
About Lisa, Consulting Director, pioneers authentic community engagement strategies. She's an advocate for simplicity and creativity in community change. Off-duty, she co-owns a community café.
About Mairead is a part of the Youth Futures team. Their work covers themes of community building and collective practice. Mairead holds a BA in Multimedia Studies from McMaster University and an MDes (Master of Design) in Digital Futures from OCAD University.
About Maureen holds two Bachelor’s degrees, focusing on Health Promotion and Education. She advocates for equity and community involvement in poverty reduction. Outside work, Maureen enjoys skiing and hiking.
About Mike, a certified Ontario teacher, leads sustainability efforts for Communities Building Youth Futures. He champions youth leadership and fosters community innovation. Outside work, he enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.
About Myriam, Consulting Director, champions community innovation, leveraging 15+ years in social impact. She enjoys fostering collaboration and exploring new pathways for change.
About Natasha Pei serves as the Associate Director of Communities Ending Poverty, leveraging her 13 years of experience in community development to promote justice and equity through place-based, community-led systems change.
About Njoki is a storyteller currently a part of the Communities Building Belonging team where she is focused on forming trust-centred relationships with new potential or existing partners who are committed to cultivating a sense of belonging in their communities.
About Orpah, Learning Lead, champions equity in poverty reduction, drawing from 10+ years in non-profits. She enjoys cooking, singing, painting, and volleyball with loved ones.
About Owen empowers youth and nonprofits, enjoys playing guitar, learning French and brings creativity and dedication to Tamarack's youth-focused projects.
About Prachir fosters community resilience in climate transitions and merges social innovation with sustainability. He enjoys reading, puzzles, and walks.
About Rana leads Cities in Communities Building Youth Futures, advocating for inclusive systems and safer spaces for marginalized voices, driven by empathy and empowerment.
About Rochelle, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, brings a background in community building, anti-racism, and creating inclusive spaces for equity-deserving communities.
About Ruté holds a BA in Global Studies and an MA in Digital Experience Innovation. She is the Senior Community Animator for Tamarack’s communications and marketing team. She enjoys writing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.
Savroop Shergill
Manager of Communities, Building Youth Futures
Shanese Steele
Senior Community Animator, Equity and Reconciliation
About Shanese, Senior Community Animator, brings expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Shanese enjoys writing, LGBTQAI2S+ advocacy, and inclusive space creation.
About Stephanie, Event Experience Community Animator, excels in event planning and communications. With a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, she enjoys outdoor activities and cooking.
About Sonja leads Tamarack's Community Innovation Area, fostering dynamic initiatives worldwide. With vast global experience, she's an advocate for community-led change.
About Sylvia leads Tamarack’s Collaboration Area. She deeply appreciates of the benefits and challenges of diverse groups learning and working together.
Nation, with 20 years in community development, leads United Way's initiatives for inclusive communities, youth development, and local economic strategies.
Ana Gonzalez Guerrero
Vice-Chair
Ana, with 15 years in climate change advocacy, leads Youth Climate Lab, fostering innovative projects for ambitious climate action. Formerly, she spearheaded sustainable economic development and supported local governments in climate initiatives.
Shauna Sylvester
Past Chair
Shauna Sylvester, an award-winning social entrepreneur, leads Tamarack's commitment to public engagement and hosting difficult conversations for over 30 years.
Bill Harper
Treasurer
Bill Harper, VP at Imagine Canada, strengthens nonprofits with 30+ yrs experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning.
Dina Al-khooly
Board Member
Dina Al-khooly, Team Lead, Policy Development Unit, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services of Ontario, advocates for youth voice, science literacy, and racial justice, fostering equitable STEM access.
Natasha Beedie
Board Member
Natasha Beedie is of mixed settler, Pottawatomi, and Ojibwe descent and is a member of Beausoleil First Nation on Gchi’mnissing (Christian Island). Working with the Assembly of First Nations, she provides strategic policy advice to more than 636 First Nations across Canada.
Sunshine Chen
Board Member
Sunshine Chen, an architect turned storyteller, brings design and storytelling expertise to tackle various social issues, serving on boards and empowering communities.
Colleen Christopherson-Cote
Board Member
Colleen has been working in community economic development for over 20 years in both urban and rural communities across Saskatchewan. She has extensive knowledge of the complexity of human service systems and the intricacies of how public policy and practice indirectly and directly impact people.
Ben Henderson
Board Member
Ben Henderson, former Edmonton City Councillor, co-chairs End Poverty Edmonton, leading initiatives in public engagement, governance, and environmental sustainability.
Lori Hewson
Board Member
Lori Hewson, with 30+ years across environmental, social, and corporate sectors, fosters meaningful change through relationship-building and innovative initiatives.
Dr. Jiwei Li
Board Member
Jiwei Li, a family physician, prioritizes community, collaboration, and equity, focusing on health equity for marginalized populations, especially newcomers, through collective impact and quality improvement initiatives.
Mary Pickering
Board Member
Mary Pickering specializes in environmental non-profit leadership, focusing on climate programs, policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder collaborations to accelerate climate actions at scale.
Liz, Tamarack's Co-CEO, drives community change through collective impact and collaborative leadership. A recognized thought leader, Liz has authored numerous papers on complex community change issues.
Danya, Co-CEO, and Director of our Networks for Change, champions collective impact and data strategy. She's dedicated to fostering inclusive, thriving communities.
change in action
Browse our Resource Hub to read, listen to and watch how our changemakers are making an impact. Visit our Learning Center to attend events and enroll in courses, and participate in community discussions.
resource hub
The latest thinking, tools and interactive online practice to provide inspiration and achieve success in community change efforts.
We’re happy to answer questions, discuss community issues and direct you to trusted resources. Get in touch with a specific team member or submit a general inquiry.
.png?width=1000&name=liz%20(1).png)
-1.png?width=1000&name=HEADSDHOTS%20RESIZED%20(2)-1.png)
.png?width=1000&name=JESS3%20(1).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(2).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(3).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(4).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(5).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(7).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(8).png)
-1.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(2)-1.png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(10).png)
.png?width=1000&name=LISA3%20(9).png)
.png?width=1000&name=Liz2%20(1).png)
