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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. 

team members

Danya Pastuszek
Danya Pastuszek

President and CEO


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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.

Learn more about Danya

Bobby MacPherson
Bobby MacPherson

Chief Operating Officer


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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
Ajeeta Shanmugarajaih

Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning


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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
Alison Homer

Director, Learning, Evaluation, and Systems Change


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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.

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Astrid Arumae
Astrid Arumae

Manager of Communities, Building Belonging & Climate Transitions


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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.

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Christiana Iheanacho
Christiana Iheanacho

Senior Community Animator, People and Culture


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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
Chúk Odenigbo

Consulting Director, Evaluating Impact


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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.

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Claire Lewis
Claire Lewis

Director, Resource Development

 

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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
Daren Okafo

Consulting Director, Collective Leadership


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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.

Authored Content

duncan field
Duncan Field

Associate Director, Skills for Change


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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.

Authored Content

Heather Keam
Heather Keam

Consulting Director, Asset-Based Community Development


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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.

Authored Content

ISAAC HEWITT-HARRIS
Isaac Hewitt-Harris

Senior Community Animator, Skills for Change


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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
Jaime Stief

Senior Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning


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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
Jana Harris

Director, Finance and Operations


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LinkedIn

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

Authored Content

Jorge Garza
Jorge Garza

Associate Director, Communities Building Belonging


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Linkedin

About Jorge
Jorge holds a Master's in Urban Planning and specializes in equitable futures, and is devoted to empowering communities at Tamarack.

Authored Content

Justin Williams
Justin Williams

Associate Director, Public Policy & Government Relations


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LinkedIn

About Justin
Justin leads Public Policy and Government Relations, leveraging his expertise in research and advocacy to drive positive change and community engagement.

Authored Content

Kate Berezina
Kate Berezina

Community Animator, Accounts Receivable


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LinkedIn

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

Authored Content

Kathryn Colby
Kathryn Colby

Manager of Communities, Communities Ending Poverty


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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. 

Authored Content

Kieran Maingot
Kieran Maingot

Manager of Communities, Climate Transitions


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Linkedin

About Kieran

Kieran, a sociology graduate, advocates for climate action, and is passionate about contributing to Tamarack's sustainable climate transitions.

Authored Content

Laura Schnurr
Laura Schnurr

Director, Community Climate Transitions


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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.

Authored Content

Lisa Attygalle
Lisa Attygalle

Consulting Director, Community Engagement


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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.

Authored Content

Mairead Stewart
Mairead Stewart

Community Animator, Digital Sales, Engagement, and Learning


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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.

Maureen Owens
Maureen Owens

Manager of Communities, Ending Poverty


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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.

Authored Content

Mike Des Jardins
Mike Des Jardins

Senior Community Animator, Communities Building Youth Futures


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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.

Authored Content

Natasha Pei
Natasha Pei

Director, Communities Ending Poverty


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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.

Authored Content

ORPAH CUNDANGAN
Orpah Cundangan

Learning Lead, Ending Poverty


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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.

Authored Content

Owen Henderson
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
Robin Wisener

Director, Special Projects


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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
Rochelle Ignacio

Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion


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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.

Authored Content

Ruté Ojigbo
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
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
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.

Authored Content

Stephanie Murray
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.

Authored Content

Stephen Ngonain
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.

Sonja Miokovic
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.

Authored Content

Sylvia Cheuy
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.

Authored Content

Yas Hassen
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.

Authored Content

board members

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Nation Cheong

Board Chair

Nation, with 20 years in community development, leads United Way's initiatives for inclusive communities, youth development, and local economic strategies.
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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.
2022 photo - William Harper
Bill Harper

Treasurer

Bill Harper, VP at Imagine Canada, strengthens nonprofits with 30+ yrs experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning.
Ben-henderson
Ben Henderson

Board Member

Ben Henderson, former Edmonton City Councillor, co-chairs End Poverty Edmonton, leading initiatives in public engagement, governance, and environmental sustainability.
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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
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.
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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.
Lori Hewson
Lori Hewson

Board Member

Lori Hewson, with 30+ years across environmental, social, and corporate sectors, fosters meaningful change through relationship-building and innovative initiatives.
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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.

NBeedie
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. 
Precious Ile
Precious Ile

Board Member

Precious Ile is Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at Impact Plus Consulting in Vancouver, BC. Through her consulting firm, she  focuses on serving social and public sector organizations, and partners with impact-driven leaders to elevate their organizational impact and set them up for future success.
Sunshine
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.
danya
Danya Pastuszek

President and CEO


Contact

Linkedin


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.

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resource hub

The latest thinking, tools and interactive online practice to provide inspiration and achieve success in community change efforts.

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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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