Leadership
Leora Berman, Chief Operating Officer and Founder- "The Carver"
Leora Berman 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 in conducting hydrogeological, hydrological and wetland assessments; then she 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. Download Leora's biography: Leora. Bio
Peter Alley, Founding "Father"- "The Rock"
Peter Alley was a 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 also 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. It was during the Ontario Living Legacy years, and as Peter had a summer cottage in Gravenhurst, that Peter began to sense that there existed a unique area situated between the Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands. With remarkable persistence and perseverance Peter spent years in researching and gathering information but too, in his fortitude, Peter also 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." Submitted by Leora Berman
Curve Lake First Nation
I feel it most necessary to recognize this Nation and my friends therein also as co-founders in this initiative. Until 2019 I had referred to my role as CoFounder rather than founder, because while Peter Alley laid the groundwork, it was the invaluable contribution of First Nations that was so potent as to to imbue the charity with much more meaning and direction. It was only for 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, charity, 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. Submitted by Leora Berman
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 to ensure 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.
2020 Council Members:
- Tracey Taylor, Aanishinabe kwe
- Peter Carruthers
- Gary Williams, Aanishinabe
- Sandy Agnew
- Keith Hodgson, Treasurer
- Laurie Hockeday, Aanishinabe kwe, Delegate on behalf of Curve Lake First Nation
- Mary Jane Proulx, Aanishinaabe kwe, youth leader on the Council
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.
Staff, Affiliates and Helpers!
Hi there! My name is Victoria Gee and I worked with The Land Between in 2019-2021 to create turtley cool curriculum for Turtle Guardians. Ever wanted to know more information about Ontario’s turtles and where they live? How about going for a nature walk with your class and playing a game of BINGO? Can you help Tripod the Painted Turtle use math to determine how big his pool is for a pool party? Did you know that in North America there are 13 scutes on a turtle's shell, and that Indigenous Peoples link these scutes to the 13 moons each year? Do you want to create change by conducting research into the turtle species at risk in your community? Stay tuned for that and more! All Turtle Guardian curriculum will be centered around place-based and inquiry-based learning to allow students to think critically about what they’re learning and how to apply their newly gained knowledge to real life. The curriculum will also be paired with fun videos that support each lesson and a sharing platform to show off your work.
My background is in Environmental Biology and I currently work in a Science Museum delivering fun filled science activities, but my heart has always lied with nature. That is why I joined the Turtle Guardian team to bring fun lessons about turtles and wildlife into your classrooms and homes. You can often find me wandering through a wetland or forest looking for signs of wildlife and taking pictures. I’m particularly interested in ecosystem health and love coming across a mushroom. I can’t wait to share with everyone the new curriculum – and just like a turtle on their birthday, you’ll be shell-ebrating all your new knowledge!
Daniel Grenon, is the Senior GIS Specialist for the charity. Daniel graduated from Nova Scotia Community College with an advanced diploma in Geographic Information Systems alongside having a BSc in Environmental Science from Acadia University. He hails from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and made the jump to Ontario to follow his passion and interests so he can contribute to the environmental and conservation field! Daniel loves sports, winning at board games and delicious coffee! Daniel works on Human Footprint mapping, suitable habitat models, conservation blueprint and priority mapping including hotspot sites for mitigating threats to turtles and other species at risk, and overall data mining and management.
Siena Smith is The Land Between's Conservation Program Manager with The Land Between focusing on Conservation Strategic Planning, Habitat Restoration, and Species at Risk Recovery. Siena 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. She is excited to be a part of the diverse team at The Land Between and to lead innovative approaches to wildlife and habitat conservation.
Jaime Kearnan, is the Communications Specialist, Graphic Designer and Content Creator for The Land Between charity, combining scientific research with art and design. She has a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Zoology and a post-graduate certificate in environmental Visual Communication. Jaime has always loved animals and at 8 years old made the consequential decision to purchase a leopard gecko that she still has today, 17 years later. Jaime designs our posters, printed materials, logos and is also leads our Turtle Guardians Instagram.
Jaclyn Adams - Conservation Biologist
Catherine Judge- Outreach/Interpretive Coordinator
Fallon Hayes - Digital Communications Lead
Xavier Tuson - Bird Conservation Manager
Shahrzad Gharabaghi - Climate Change Research Coordinator
Michael Rose - Digital Map Story Developer
Kristyn Bennett - Conservation Biologist
Sabrina Hasselfelt - Turtle Road Ecology Lead
Mitchell Syer, Jared Mezzatesta, and Michael Straughan - Digital Technology Developers
Grace Wiley and Mary Ellen Abberger - Turtle Education Biologists and Volunteer Coordinators
Jake Knowles - Blue Lakes GIS Specialist
Eilish Neilly- Blue Lakes Program Coordinator
Sarah Jackson- Indigenous Land Trust Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Waasekom Niin- Indigenous Knowledge Coordinator
The Land Between also employs amazing summer and contract staff who are remarkable youth that are emerging leaders in the sector and whose work is outstanding. We hope to add them to our permanent list of staff experts in the near future!
We have also worked with skilled and knowledgeable students from Fleming College and Trent University through Ulinks and other applied credit programs. We are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions to our efforts.