Our Staff

Coastal Waters Monitoring Manager

Jenn completed her Bachelor of Science at Simon Fraser University in 2010 and majored in biology with ecology and evolution. She has worked on many projects, including research on bivalves as water quality indicators in the Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound, population studies of the Western sandpiper and dunlin at Boundary Bay, monitoring and management of mosquito populations in Metro Vancouver and on the Sunshine Coast, and mark-recapture studies of crab populations in Belcarra Regional Park. At SFU, she worked with graduate students on salmon conservation by tracing nitrogen isotopes through plants and animals to investigate marine effects on inland ecosystems.

Development Director

Michelle is passionate about conservation of the Sunshine Coast’s precious species, habitats, and ecosystems. She is delighted to use her grant writing skills to help the Loon Foundation to gain funding support for the organization’s valuable facilities, programs, and projects. When not working on grant proposals, Michelle can be found out in the field studying wildlife and collaborating with community partners to conserve, restore, and enhance habitat to help ensure the survival of species at risk. For the past 20 years, together with husband Dave Stiles, Michelle has led the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Project. Michelle holds a BSc from UBC and MSc and PhD from Stanford University. She is a Registered Professional Biologist and a member of the Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team, BC Bat Action Team, and Western Screech-Owl Working Group. Her work has always focused on balancing the needs of humans and wildlife.

Coastal Waters Monitoring Assistant

Danielle grew up in rural Alberta, where a love of wildlife and prairie landscapes sparked her passion for conservation. Her interest deepened through the Canadian Conservation Corps, where she saw how conservation and community work together. She later worked in youth environmental education and, in 2025, earned a Diploma in Conservation Biology from NAIT.

After moving to the Sunshine Coast, Danielle joined a Wildfire Risk Reduction crew, volunteered with the Pacific Ocean Discovery Station, and eventually became part of the Loon Foundation team. She enjoys fieldwork, ecological monitoring, and community engagement, and is always eager to learn more about local ecosystems.

One of her favourite west coast memories is watching humpback whales from Daniel Point. She’s also fascinated by shoreline invertebrates and the diversity of life found in tidepools.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys beachcombing for sea glass, birding, and creative projects at home.

Assistant Field Biologist

Sidney grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Roberts Creek and has been interested in nature, particularly biodiversity, since she was a child. She pursued this interest in her undergraduate education, receiving her BSc in Zoology from UBCO.

Sidney is excited to be able to use her passion and education with the Loon Foundation monitoring local biodiversity and marine trends. She hopes to continue to make an impact in her local community and beyond.

In her spare time, Sidney enjoys skiing, hiking, and biking, especially when her dog Aspen is able to join!

Research Coordinator

Meghan is a heritage specialist, scientific illustrator, and nature nerd with interests ranging from art and writing to science and ecology to museums and culture. These many facets have a common goal: to share her sense of wonder with others by facilitating deep connections with science, culture, and the natural world.

Meghan has a BA (Hons) in Anthropology from McGill University and an MA in Archaeology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as more than six years experience working in archaeology and heritage on BC’s Northwest Coast. She has contributed biological illustrations to local field guides and technical reports, taught nature journalling workshops that combine creativity with observational science, and co-organized food events that showcase local ecosystems through seasonal foraged ingredients.

Operations Officer

Hanna grew up in Rossland, British Columbia, and recently earned her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria, specializing in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She has worked in Canada and internationally, supporting projects in Austria and France, and brings organizational and communication skills to the Loon Foundation. Outside of work, Hanna enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling, and is excited to contribute to projects that make a positive impact on the community and environment.

Summer Camp Assistant

Inspired by the lands and waters of Pender Harbour, Poppy Mackenzie Arnet is deeply passionate about the power of local ecosystems. She will be beginning her degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria this September and is very excited to explore environmental solutions and community engagement.

Poppy has been volunteering with the Loon Foundation throughout her senior year of high school, which has only furthered her passion and wonder for environmental protection. Her favorite ocean critters include (but are absolutely not limited to) harbour seals, kelp, and nudibranchs. Poppy is looking forward to supporting youth in their environmental stewardship (and fun!) and fostering their curiosity in local ecosystems!

During her free time you can find Poppy playing ultimate frisbee, crafting, hanging out with her dog Robin, swimming, watching the WNBA, and reading.

Environmental Education & Stewardship Assistant

Caroline is completing her degree in Environmental Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University, with studies focusing on the intersections of ecological, economical and societal factors in building sustainable communities and effective conservation strategies. Growing up in Calgary then overseas, Caroline experienced a diverse range of ecosystems and witnessed the impact humans have on them. With a passion for wildlife and learning, inspiring her to pursue environmental education. Understanding the importance of communities in effective sustainability initiatives, Caroline is excited to play an active role in youth education, harnessing natural curiosity to encourage stewardship.

In her free time Caroline enjoys hiking, reading, crocheting, and hanging out with her cats!

Director of Strategic Partnerships (CEDAR)

Growing up on the Salish Sea, I developed a deep passion for the area and its inhabitants. The more I learned, the more I became committed to conserving this amazing part of the world. This passion led me to become involved in The Loon Foundation and PODS. I truly believe that protecting the natural world begins with sharing knowledge and inspiring action.

With a background in marine biology and a focus on both sustainable food systems and ocean conservation, I dedicated much of my career on understanding the challenges of and finding practical solutions for sustainable seafood production. Over the past 25 years, I have worked in fisheries and aquaculture-related research, education and advocacy, as well as in commercial fisheries. I was part of the founding team behind the Ocean Wise seafood program in 2005. In 2013, I co-founded The Fish Counter, an award-winning sustainable seafood market and restaurant in Vancouver. In recognition for this work, I was named one of the most influential people in the Canadian food industry by the Globe and Mail.

Outside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family, especially when it involves activities on or near the water – whether its paddling, diving, beachcombing, or traveling to new places for fresh adventures.

Summer Student

I am a third year student at Emily Carr university, specializing in visual art and ecological practices. I aspire to share my love for the arts and outdoor education with the next generation of young artists and creators.

Advancement Specialist

Jess Scott is a nonprofit and conservation professional with a decade of experience leading complex initiatives, building cross-sector partnerships, and securing and stewarding funding from government, industry, and philanthropic partners. She brings expertise in fundraising, strategic communications, program management, and community engagement, with a passion for connecting people with the natural world and building communities of supporters who make conservation possible.

Throughout her career, Jess has developed and managed multi-year conservation and citizen science programs, and co-created a system which reduces vessel impacts on whales throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong organizational skills, and ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with partners, funders, volunteers, and communities.

Jess holds a Master of Science in Marine and Fisheries Ecology from the University of Aberdeen and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria. She lives on the Sunshine Coast, where she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, exploring the coast, and spending time outdoors with her family.