
meet
our team
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.

Danya Pastuszek
President and CEO
Contact
Linkedin
About Danya
Danya is the Tamarack Institute's President and CEO. She champions collective impact and data strategy. She's dedicated to fostering inclusive, thriving communities.

Bobby MacPherson
Chief Operating Officer
Contact
LinkedIn
About Bobby
Bobby is a collaborative leader with expertise in strategic operations, equity-driven practices, and fostering innovation to support community impact. Passionate about creating transformative change, they are committed to building sustainable and inclusive solutions through collective action.

Ajeeta Shanmugarajaih
Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning
Contact
LinkedIn
About Ajeeta
Ajeeta Shanmugarajaih holds a Bachelor of Science, with a specialization in business. She is passionate about building meaningful connections with diverse audiences through marketing and graphic design.

Alison Homer
Director, Learning, Evaluation, and Systems Change
Contact
LinkedIn
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.

Astrid Arumae
Manager of Communities, Building Belonging & Climate Transitions
Contact
LinkedIn
About Astrid
Astrid works across both Building Belonging and Community Climate Transitions networks, and is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with our existing member communities, supporting them on their local journey, nurturing partnerships and growing our network in Quebec and in Atlantic Canada.
Astrid is based in Herring Neck, NL.

Christiana Iheanacho
Senior Community Animator, People and Culture
Contact
LinkedIn
About Christiana
Christiana Iheanacho (she/her) brings a people-centred approach to Tamarack's operational strategies. She leads people and culture initiatives that support team members. Off duty she enjoys spending time with family and exploring creative projects.

Chúk Odenigbo
Consulting Director, Evaluating Impact
Contact
LinkedIn
About Chúk
Dr. Chúk Odenigbo (PhD) is the Consulting Director of Evaluating Impact with over a decade of experience in environmental activism, adult education, project management, community engagement and co-designing towards the future. Chúk’s work is not only informed by his academic background but also by his lived experiences as a Black Francophone in what is currently Canada.

Claire Lewis
Director, Resource Development
Contact
Linkedin
About Claire
Claire, a certified fundraising executive, leverages 15 yrs of experience to foster partnerships at Tamarack. She enjoys family time, cycling, and neighbourhood exploration.

Daren Okafo
Consulting Director, Collective Leadership
Contact
LinkedIn
About Daren
Daren Okafo is the Consulting Director of Collective Leadership at the Tamarack Institute. Originally hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Daren has spent his entire 30-year career working in community development and engagement, learning alongside communities throughout Canada, Europe and Africa.

Duncan Field
Associate Director, Skills for Change
Contact
LinkedIn
About Duncan
Duncan Field, Associate Director part of Tamarack's Skills for Change team, spearheads e-learning course development and consulting contracts, leveraging his background in Psychology, Philosophy, and Law.

Heather Keam
Consulting Director, Asset-Based Community Development
Contact
Linkedin
About Heather
Heather leads Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) strategies at Tamarack with 22 years of community development experience. She's a lifelong learner, volunteer, and advocate for community belonging.

Isaac Hewitt-Harris
Senior Community Animator, Skills for Change
Contact
LinkedIn
About Isaac
Isaac supports community development, enjoys wildlife photography, and hiking, and brings his passion for the outdoors to Tamarack's initiatives.

Jaime Stief
Senior Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning
Contact
LinkedIn
About Jaime
Jaime, a Senior 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.

Jana Harris
Director, Finance and Operations
Contact
LinkedIn
About Jana
Jana manages Finance & Operations at Tamarack, blending her international experience with her love for community building and adventure.

Jorge Garza
Associate Director, Communities Building Belonging
Contact
Linkedin
About Jorge
Jorge holds a Master's in Urban Planning and specializes in equitable futures, and is devoted to empowering communities at Tamarack.

Justin Williams
Associate Director, Public Policy & Government Relations
Contact
LinkedIn
About Justin
Justin leads Public Policy and Government Relations, leveraging his expertise in research and advocacy to drive positive change and community engagement.

Kate Berezina
Community Animator, Accounts Receivable
Contact
LinkedIn
About Kate
Kate, Community Animator in Accounts Payable, ensures smooth expense workflows and fosters vendor relationships with her accounting expertise.

Kathryn Colby
Manager of Communities, Communities Ending Poverty
Contact
LinkedIn
About Kathryn
Kathryn is honoured to support BC communities ending poverty at Tamarack. She holds a master’s degree in the community development discipline of Human Security and Peacebuilding, alongside 20+ years supporting marginalized communities and cross-sector partnership development and collective impact. She lives rurally on Tla’amin lands after 20 years in K'emk'emeláy (Vancouver) and understands how communities of all sizes hold power to solve complex social issues, together.

Kieran Maingot
Manager of Communities, Climate Transitions
Contact
Linkedin
About Kieran
Kieran, a sociology graduate, advocates for climate action, and is passionate about contributing to Tamarack's sustainable climate transitions.

Laura Schnurr
Director, Community Climate Transitions
Contact
Linkedin
About Laura
Laura holds a B.Comm & M.A. in Global Studies. She champions climate action and social innovation, balancing advocacy with family life across continents.

Lisa Attygalle
Consulting Director, Community Engagement
Contact
LinkedIn
About Lisa
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.

Mairead Stewart
Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning
Contact
LinkedIn
About Mairead
Mairead is a part of the Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning 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.
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Maureen Owens
Manager of Communities, Ending Poverty
Contact
LinkedIn
About Maureen
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.
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Mike Des Jardins
Senior Community Animator, Communities Building Youth Futures
Contact
Linkedin
About Mike
Mike, a certified Ontario teacher, provides leadership and support for Communities Building Youth Futures staff and member communities. He champions youth leadership and fosters community innovation. Outside work, he enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.
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Natasha Pei
Director, Communities Ending Poverty
Contact
LinkedIn
About Natasha
Natasha Pei serves as the 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.

Orpah Cundangan
Learning Lead, Ending Poverty
Contact
LinkedIn
About Orpah
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.

Owen Henderson
Senior Community Animator, Project, Grant Administration & Executive Support
Contact
LinkedIn
About Owen
Owen (he/him), Community Animator, works to empower his colleagues with project management, granting, and administrative support. He strives to approach all aspects of work conscientiously and with empathy. He enjoys long-distance running and playing guitar.

Robin Wisener
Director, Special Projects
Contact
LinkedIn
About Robin
Robin leads special projects connecting Tamarack communities, the power of place, social finance and social enterprise toward reducing poverty in all its forms. Robin is on loan from her position in policy development in social innovation at Employment and Social Development Canada.

Rochelle Ignacio
Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Contact
LinkedIn
About Rochelle
Rochelle, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, brings a background in community building, anti-racism, and creating inclusive spaces for equity-deserving communities.

Ruté Ojigbo
Associate Director, Digital Sales, Engagement and Learning
Contact
LinkedIn
About Ruté
Ruté holds a BA in Global Studies and an MA in Digital Experience Innovation. She is the Associate Director for Tamarack’s communications and marketing team. She enjoys writing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Savroop Shergill
Manager of Communities, Climate Transitions and Building Belonging
Contact
LinkedIn
About Sav
Sav (she/they) is a registered Social Worker and community organizer who is committed to decolonial praxis, abolitionism, and third world and Black feminist principles.

Shanese Steele
Senior Community Animator, Equity and Reconciliation
Contact
Linkedin
About Shanese
Shanese, Senior Community Animator, brings expertise in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Shanese enjoys writing, LGBTQAI2S+ advocacy, and inclusive space creation.
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Stephanie Murray
Associate Director, Digital Sales, Engagement and Learning
Contact
LinkedIn
About Stephanie
Stephanie, Associate Director, excels in marketing, event planning and communications. With a degree in Public Relations, she enjoys thinking creatively about how brands share their stories with the world. Outside of work she enjoys staying active and being outdoors.

Stephen Ngonain
Senior Manager of Communities, Community Climate Transitions
Contact
LinkedIn
About Stephen
Stephen holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies focused on climate action and community engagement. He is passionate about supporting Community Climate Transitions at Tamarack.
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Sonja Miokovic
Consulting Director, Community Innovation
Contact
Linkedin
About Sonja
Sonja leads Tamarack's Community Innovation Area, fostering dynamic initiatives worldwide. With vast global experience, she's an advocate for community-led change.
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Sylvia Cheuy
Consulting Director, Collaboration
Contact
LinkedIn
About Sylvia
Sylvia leads Tamarack’s Collaboration Area. She deeply appreciates the benefits and challenges of diverse groups learning and working together.

Yas Hassen
Associate Director, Skills for Change
Contact
LinkedIn
About Yas
Yas is an Associate Director and part of Tamarack's Skills for Change team. They are dedicated to community development and engagement, prioritizing ethical co-creation and collaboration.

Nation Cheong
Board Chair

Ana Gonzalez Guerrero
Vice-Chair

Bill Harper
Treasurer

Ben Henderson
Board Member

Colleen Christopherson-Côté
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.

Dina Al-khooly
Board Member

Dr. Jiwei Li
Board Member

Lori Hewson
Board Member

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.

Natasha Beedie
Board Member

Precious Ile
Board Member

Sunshine Chen
Board Member

Danya Pastuszek
President and CEO
Contact
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.

learning centre
Courses, consulting, webinars, and more. Create an account, register for events, and get coaching on demand.
get in touch
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.

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