Leadership
Leora Berman
Founder & COO, "The Carver"
Leora has a diverse and impressive background. She is a Strategic Project Manager, Soil and Water Technologist, has studied Economics, has diplomas in Fine Arts, and is a recognized leader in the social sector. She began in the "trenches", with years of conducting hydrogeological, hydrological and wetland assessments. She then designed and delivered environmental remediation and restoration projects and grew to developing and managing large-scale and multi-partnered projects across Ontario and for the International Joint Commission between Canada and the USA. Leora is the recipient of the 2019 Roland Michener Conservation Award from CWF for exceptional work in wildlife research and conservation. The Land Between, under Leora's leadership, was also the recipient of the Members of Parliament Award for work in the Haliburton, Brock, Kawartha Lakes Riding in 2014 and from MP Barry Devolin. Learn more about Leora
Peter Alley
Founding Father, "The Rock"
Peter was the forefather of The Land Between effort. A retired business professor at York University, Peter dedicated the last 10 years of his life to making sure The Land Between region would be recognized and valued. Peter's formidable dedication not only ensured that the region received attention from the conservation sector, but his resolve that the region's ecological function be fully understood created a spirit of determination that is still animate in our work and initiative today. During the Ontario Living Legacy years, Peter began to sense that there existed a unique area situated between the Canadian Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands where his summer cottage was located. With remarkable persistence and perseverance, Peter spent years researching and gathering information and inspired a swell of support. Peter's wife describes him during that time as a "dog at the bone". In addition to collecting many champions, Peter persuaded two land trust leaders, Ron Reid of The Couchiching Conservancy and Ian Attridge of the Kawartha Land Trust to take on a project that would characterize the ecological features of this landscape. It was shortly after this time, in early 2006, that Peter passed. Leora Berman was hired only three months prior to his passing, "Peter was the rock. Without this foundation I could not have carved and crafted the initiative that we have today." - Leora.
Curve Lake First Nation
"I feel it most necessary to recognize this Nation and my friends there as co-founders in this initiative. Until 2019 I had referred to my role as co-founder rather than founder because while Peter Alley laid the groundwork, it was the invaluable contribution of First Nations that imbued the charity with much more meaning and direction. It was only due to the assertions of the First Nation members of the charity that I have taken the title as charity founder. Because, if it were not for their openness, support, and willingness to trust me, The Land Between organization would not have the heart and strength that it does today. I feel humbled by this friendship and the kinship that has emerged. I feel humbled by it all. Miigwetch." - Leora
Council
The Land Between is fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals to representing the common good.
The Council are made up of individuals that reflect the "common person" from across the region. The Council provides a grassroots perspective and the invaluable benefit of the "lived-experience". The Council members are also cherished as autonomous and equal members, who are trustworthy and are respected for their integrity. The Council is responsible for the development of strategic directions and ensuring democratic and fair decisions are made by the organization.
The Land Between is a nationally registered charity where are bylaws ensure equality among all board members. There are no executive members and there are no committees of the Council. No Council members are paid for their roles. All are volunteer.
The Land Between honours the original Treaties of Canada and as such operates with 50% Indigenous peoples on our Council, and with one seat on Council that is delegated and not elected, to represent the Nation of the Traditional Territory in which we operate.
Mary Jane Proulx
Aanishinaabe kwe, Youth Leadership
MaryJane Proulx worked with The Land Between in communications and on the Indigenous portfolio from 2018-2020. Mary Jane is an Anishinaabeg/Scottish woman who's work with The Land Between focused on the incorporation of First Nations history and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in multiple projects across the landscape. Throughout her academic career at Trent University and Fleming College, Mary Jane has been working to promote and support Indigenous perspectives as a researcher, writer and historian. She holds a Bachelor with Honours in History and Environmental Resource Studies, as well as a diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology and a second diploma in Museum Curatorship. MaryJane has worked as an Artisan Interpreter and Tour Guide at the Canoe Museum for the past 3 years, carving paddles and teaching visitors about Indigenous-settler histories through the story of the canoe. She has also volunteered with Peterborough Green Up and the Rice Lake Plains Joint Initiative doing ecological work. MaryJane's ultimate goal in both her personal and academic career is to bridge cultures through ecological problem solving and story-telling. Currently MaryJane works with the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough and specializes in repatriation of Indigenous artefacts and assets.
Siena Smith
Siena is a former employee of The Land Between. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of British Columbia and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment from Niagara College. She has worked in environmental consulting as an environmental monitor with AECOM Canada, and in biodiversity monitoring as an aquatic field technician with the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. Siena is passionate about environmental conservation, cool plants, and all things outdoors.
Tracey Taylor, Aanishinabe kwe, Cultural Specialist
Peter Carruthers, Heritage and Economic Sustainability
Heather Charles, Aanishinabe kwe, Cultural and Ecological Knowledge
Sandy Agnew, recipient of the Ontario Nature award and founder of AWARE Simcoe
Keith Hodgson, Harvester, Forester, Community Needs (Council Treasurer)
Laurie Hockeday, Aanishinabe kwe, Delegate on behalf of Curve Lake First Nation
Staff
Grace Wiley
Education and Field Research Lead
Grace Wiley is a graduate of Trent University and has had a strong interest in herpetology for many years. Grace has worked in field research under mentorship and guidance of esteemed colleagues such as Scott Gillingwater. Grace has also worked with the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. A natural educator, Grace designs and runs all outreach programs for Turtle Guardians.
Kate Dickson
Outreach Lead
Kate focuses on digital strategy, communications, and partnerships at The Land Between. She holds a Bachelor of Science, an MBA in Finance, and is working on her Master's in Environmental Science in Conservation & Biodiversity. After leaving the sciences and spending most of her career in finance and tech, Kate found her way back to her earliest passion in life - our planet & the living things we share it with!
Ben Kemp, GIS Specialist
Xavier Tuson, Avian Research Lead
Mary Ellen Abberger, Education Biologist
Emma Russett, Policy Lead
Sarah Jackson, Indigenous Land Trust Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Special Thanks to:
Daniel Grenon, Former GIS Technician
Michael Rose, Former Digital Map Story Developer
Mitchell Syer, Jared Mezzatesta, and Michael Straughan - Former Digital Technology Developers
Jake Knowles and Rebecca Shearon, Former Blue Lakes GIS Specialist