Staff Member

Alyssa Loucks

Biography: Born and mostly raised in Ontario, Alyssa moved out to beautiful British Columbia in 2008. Not only is she very passionate for art and music, but also for working alongside her coworkers at CGC. Aside from her dedicated work at CGC, she is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University. She believes that connecting children and youth to nature and our environment is extremely important, because they are the future caretakers of the Earth.

Position: Food Security Coordinator

e-mail: alyssa@cowichangreencommunity.org

Amanda Reimer

Biography: Although she comes from a long line of farmers in Saskatchewan, Amanda moved to the Cowichan Valley because of her life-long affinity with the West Coast and it's wild beauty. Amanda believes that we are the keepers of this Earth and that it is our duty to protect what is sacred. When she isn’t gardening, beach combing or exploring the paths that call her forward, you will find Amanda amidst her crafts, or nestled in the works of authors that inspire the heart and the mind.

Position: Communications & Administration

e-mail: amanda@cowichangreencommunity.org

Clark Ablard

Biography: Clark moved from Burlington, Ontario to the island in 2006 to attend university. At VIU he fell in love with a Cowichan-girl and graduated from VIU with a B.A. in Anthropology a few years later. After a brief volun-tourism adventure at an urban farm in Antigua, Guatemala, he was hooked on growing. Prompting him to spend the 2012 growing season as a farm intern at Providence Farm growing vegetables all while supporting their therapeutic programs.

Position: Kin Park Youth Urban Farm Intern

e-mail: clark@cowichangreencommunity.org

Heather Kaye

Biography: A long-time locavore, Heather is keen to be putting her skills in agricultural communications back to work with CGC. When she’s not talking to farmers, she can be found hiking with her family, puttering in the garden and drawing up plans for a wood-fired pizza oven on her property.

Position: Kin Park Youth Urban Farm Supervisor

e-mail: heather@cowichangreencommunity.org

Judy Stafford

Biography: Born in Vancouver, Judy took a long detour through life and other countries before she was enticed back to this gorgeous Valley. Blessed to be living on a float house and working in a fabulous organization that fuels her creative and environmental fire, she's reminded how much more inspiring life is when working in a place that is aligned with her passions.

Position: Executive Director, and overall fabulous person

e-mail: judy@cowichangreencommunity.org

Kendall Lawson

Biography: Kendall was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, she has spent her youth exploring the valleys urban and wild areas and grew up watching, helping, and learning to garden through her family. Kendall's passion has always been art and creative living, and wants to incorporate what she's learning through the Skills Link project into her everyday life. Kendall enjoys spending time with the ones she loves including her seven cats and three dogs, she also fancies collecting buttons and bones.

Position: Skills Link Intern - Kin Park Youth Urban Farm

e-mail: kendall@cowichangreencommunity.org

Michelle Staples

Biography: Michelle has been involved in film production for the past 7 years and is currently focused on diversity and environmental Outreach Education in schools and community organizations. She uses film as a tool to engage, encourage and empower youth to share their stories, look at social issues and learn about each other. She operates a small business focused on film production, workshop facilitation, social justice, project development, working with non profits and has a diverse background including organic farming, eco-tourism, transpersonal counselling, business and communications.

Position: CVRD Environmental Education Outreach Facilitator

e-mail: michelle@cowichangreencommunity.org

Nora Arajs

Biography: Nora moved to the Cowichan Valley from Victoria three years ago to pursue her interest in organic agriculture and permaculture. Deeply interested in food resiliency, permaculture, and seed production, she has a Permaculture Design Certificate and is an Organic Master Gardener. Her professional background includes expertise in film production, communications, marketing, online education, and project management. She is excited about developing a deeper connection to the community through the creation of edible landscapes - small and large.

Position: Manager, Ceres Edible Landscaping

e-mail: nora@cowichangreencommunity.org

Raelynn Gibson

Biography: It was while working abroad in Thailand when Raelynn was first introduced to the kind of 'radical' farmers that have inspired in her a deep passion for food, farming, and environmental stewardship. Raelynn holds a degree in International Development, has recently completed her Organic Master Gardener Certification, and has just enrolled in a Holistic Nutrition program. She loves to bake, garden, knit, and she attempts to sew. When she isn't playing arts and crafts she is often hiking in the Island's forests or exploring the beaches.

Position: Buy Local Buy Fresh Mapping Coordinator

e-mail: raelynn@cowichangreencommunity.org

Vanessa Goodall

Biography: From Lantzville, BC, Vanessa is enthused to now call the Cowichan Valley home. Vanessa has a background in globalization and food security, and is passionate about the relationship between building peaceful communities and food. When she is not talking about food or enjoying a good meal, you can find Vanessa hiking about Vancouver Island or paddling about her veggie garden.