Team

Meet our Team!

Our team at SkeenaWild Conservation Trust comprises dedicated and passionate individuals who are committed to achieving our mission. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to our work, and we are united in our goal to promote sustainable practices and protect the natural resources of the Skeena Watershed. Our team includes experts in environmental science, advocacy, education, forestry, and Indigenous engagement, among others, and we are proud to work together towards a common goal.

Greg Knox

Julia Hill

Dan Mesc

Executive Director

Operation Manager

Communications Director

Greg Knox is an accomplished Executive Director with over 15 years of experience in overall management of organizations. With a deep passion for the Skeena, its communities and the health of salmon and their habitats, Greg has been instrumental in increasing the sustainability of fisheries, increasing habitat protections, and helping the community and indigenous groups.


Throughout his career, Greg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. He has worked tirelessly to develop innovative programs and initiatives that promote sustainable practices and protect the natural resources that are vital to our communities.


As Executive Director, Greg has been responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including financial management, program development, and staff leadership. He has a proven track record of success in building strong partnerships with stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and community organizations.


With his deep knowledge of the Skeena ecosystem and his unwavering dedication to its sustainability, Greg is a trusted leader and advocate for the protection of our natural resources. He has played a critical role in advancing our understanding of the challenges facing our fisheries and developing effective solutions to address them.


Greg holds a degree in environmental science and is a recognized expert in the field of environmental management. He is highly respected by his colleagues and peers, and his leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of the organization under his tenure.

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Michael Price

Sarah Railton

Adrienne Berchtold

Science Director

Registered Professional Forester

Ecologist & Mining Impacts Researcher

Michael Price is a skilled Director of Science with over 12 years of experience in coordinating and executing conservation science. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring that salmon ecosystems remain healthy and functioning, making him a key contributor to the conservation efforts in his field.

 

Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a passion for environmental stewardship and a deep understanding of the complex interactions between salmon and their ecosystems. He has worked tirelessly to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our fisheries, and has been a key player in advancing our understanding of the science behind salmon conservation.

 

As Director of Science, Michael is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s scientific programs, including research, monitoring, and analysis. He works closely with a team of scientists and experts to develop and implement cutting-edge research projects, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific discovery in the field of salmon conservation.

 

Michael’s expertise in the field of conservation science is widely recognized, and he is a sought-after speaker and expert on the topic. He holds a PhD in environmental science and has published numerous scientific articles and reports on salmon conservation and ecosystem management.

 

With his extensive knowledge of the science behind salmon conservation and his unwavering dedication to the health of our ecosystems, Michael is a trusted leader and advocate for the protection of our natural resources. He has played a critical role in advancing our understanding of the complex interactions between salmon and their habitats, and has been instrumental in developing effective solutions to address the challenges facing our fisheries.

 

Michael’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of the organization under his tenure, and he is widely respected by his colleagues and peers for his dedication to environmental stewardship and scientific excellence.

Sarah Railton is an expert Registered Professional Forester with 6 years of experience in facilitating and assisting with various Indigenous-led Land Use Planning initiatives in the Skeena and Nass watersheds. She is deeply passionate about planning and implementing watershed restoration work and advocating for natural resource management legislation and policy reform.

 

Sarah is honored to work with SkeenaWild in carrying out watershed stewardship work throughout the Skeena and Nass watersheds. She loves the wild rivers and all the beings that depend on healthy wild watersheds. It is her mission to play a meaningful role in the stewardship of the waters and lands of our planet.

 

In addition to her work with Indigenous-led Land Use Planning initiatives, Sarah has also contributed to the development and implementation of the Upper Nass Land Use Plan and riparian restoration work in Willow Creek north of Terrace. Her advocacy and education/outreach work promoting best management practices for forestry operations have been instrumental in advancing the mission of SkeenaWild.

 

Sarah holds a degree in forestry and is recognized as an expert in her field. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of the organization under her tenure, and she is widely respected by her colleagues and peers for her dedication to environmental stewardship and conservation.

Adrienne Berchtold is a talented Ecologist and Mining Impacts Researcher with 5 years of experience in researching the effects of mining on freshwater and salmon resources in northwestern BC. Her work includes advocating for improved mining practices and regulations, assessing mine environmental monitoring data, providing technical review of mining proposals, and working with Indigenous Nations to plan for responsible mining on their territories.

 

Adrienne collaborates with academics, lawyers, First Nations, and communities to push for mining law reform in BC, and she takes pride in her work with SkeenaWild in providing support to communities and First Nations negatively affected by mining. Her dedication to protecting the environment and promoting responsible mining practices has made her a trusted leader and advocate for environmental stewardship.

 

Adrienne holds a degree in ecology and is recognized for her expertise in the field. Her passion for protecting the land and water and her commitment to community engagement have been instrumental in driving the success of the organization under her tenure. She is highly respected by her colleagues and peers for her dedication to promoting responsible mining practices and environmental conservation.

Christine Slanz

Hup Wil Lax A (Kirby Muldoe)

Nita Back

Education Coordinator

Indigenous Engagement Lead

Office Administration

Christine Slanz is a seasoned Education Coordinator with over 5 years of experience in engaging youth, teachers and the public through interactive, curriculum-based workshops and hands-on activities. Her expertise and passion for teaching about wild salmon, watersheds, climate change, and conservation have made her a key contributor to the education efforts in her field.

 

As an environmental educator with SkeenaWild, Christine has had the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of local students and to foster the next generation of watershed stewards. Despite growing up in an urban environment, she has developed a deep passion for inspiring and encouraging others, especially youth and children, to make meaningful connections to the watershed. She is excited to be a member of the SkeenaWild team, contributing her skills, experience, and enthusiasm to support SkeenaWild’s mission and transformational work.

 

Christine is proud to have developed and delivered the SkeenaWild Education Program for the past 5 years. Since 2018, over 3,000 students and educators have participated in this program, learning first-hand about salmon, watersheds, ecosystems, and climate change, and becoming future watershed stewards. Her commitment to providing engaging and informative education programs has been a key factor in the success of the program, and she continues to be a driving force behind its ongoing development and growth.

 

With her extensive knowledge of environmental education and her passion for inspiring the next generation of watershed stewards, Christine is a trusted leader and advocate for the protection of our natural resources. She holds a degree in environmental science and has extensive experience in both classroom and outdoor education settings.

 

Christine’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the success of the SkeenaWild Education Program under her tenure, and she is widely respected by her colleagues and peers for her dedication to environmental education and conservation.

Hup Wil Lax A, also known as Kirby Muldoe, is a knowledgeable Indigenous Engagement Lead with 7 years of experience in building and maintaining relationships with individuals, organizations, communities, and nations within and outside of the Skeena Watershed. 

 

His work is centered on sharing information and empowering people to protect and defend salmon and healthy ecosystems, with a focus on human rights, food sovereignty, and self-determination.

 

Kirby is deeply committed to protecting and defending the Skeena River for future generations, ensuring that they can eat and drink from the river as he and his ancestors have done for millennia. He is dedicated to building relationships with people from salt-waters to headwaters, in order to better understand the impacts of industrial development on our environment, food sovereignty, and human rights through the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles.

 

As an Indigenous Engagement Lead, Kirby is a trusted leader and advocate for environmental stewardship and the protection of Indigenous rights. He holds a deep understanding of the Skeena Watershed and its significance to Indigenous communities, and is highly respected for his dedication to building relationships and promoting self-determination.

 

Kirby’s work has been instrumental in advancing the mission of SkeenaWild, and he continues to be a driving force behind the organization’s success.

Nita Back is an expert  Office Administrator with 10 years of experience in ensuring the smooth running of the SkeenaWild office. Her work includes welcoming visitors, bookkeeping, merchandise sales, and providing support for events.

 

Nita is deeply passionate about the Skeena Watershed, including the salmon, rivers, and people. Her love for the watershed is reflected in her dedication to her work at SkeenaWild and her commitment to the organization’s mission of protecting and conserving the natural resources of the Skeena Watershed.

 

As an Office Administrator, Nita is a critical member of the SkeenaWild team, providing essential support and ensuring that the office operates efficiently. Her hard work and dedication have been instrumental in driving the success of the organization over the years.

 

Nita’s commitment to environmental stewardship and her passion for the Skeena Watershed have made her a trusted member of the SkeenaWild community. Her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication to her work are highly valued by her colleagues and peers.

Daphnee Tuzlak

Joëlle St-Gelais

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Geologist - Mining Impacts Researcher

Communications Coordinator

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Joelle St-Gelais is a  versatile Communication Coordinator with 3 years of experience in producing graphic and visual design to help communicate the work of SkeenaWild Conservation Trust. Her work includes designing communication materials that effectively convey the organization’s mission and values.

 

Joelle is passionate about salmon conservation and is proud to work at SkeenaWild, where she feels her work can make a meaningful impact. Her commitment to the organization’s mission is reflected in her dedication to producing high-quality communication materials that effectively communicate SkeenaWild’s work and values.

 

As a Communication Coordinator, Joelle is a critical member of the SkeenaWild team, helping to ensure that the organization’s message is effectively communicated to a broad audience. She is particularly proud of her work in organizing the Film Festival and helping to concretize SkeenaWild’s organizational image.

 

Joelle’s expertise in graphic and visual design, coupled with her passion for salmon conservation, has made her a trusted member of the SkeenaWild community. Her hard work, dedication, and creative talent are highly valued by her colleagues and peers, and she continues to be a driving force behind the organization’s success.

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