kiʔsuʔk kyukyit, Hello!

I am a passionate and results-driven leader based in the stunning East Kootenay region of British Columbia. From my first encounter with the mountains, I knew they were calling me home. Originally from Ontario, I made my way to British Columbia in 2009 for what was supposed to be "just one summer" in Invermere. But the Kootenays stole my heart, and since 2016, I've proudly called Kimberley home. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this beautiful land, hu sukiǂq̓ukni ɁamakɁis Ktunaxa, Kukamaʔnam.

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Today, as Senior Manager for Columbia Outdoor School, a nonprofit outdoor education society, I provide strategic leadership for the largest outdoor education center and overnight summer camp in the Columbia Basin. My work is rooted in empowering teams, fostering innovation, and creating transformative programs that connect people to nature and inspire personal and professional growth.

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At Columbia Outdoor School, I also collaborate with the City of Cranbrook to lead the restoration of Joseph Creek, engaging thousands of community members in hands-on riparian restoration projects that combine education and action. Another key focus of my work is teaching about sustainability and the impacts of human activity on the natural world. By inspiring participants to appreciate and prioritize sustainability in their outdoor pursuits, I aim to cultivate a lifelong connection to the environment and a commitment to stewardship.

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Beyond my role with Columbia Outdoor School, I have had the privilege of working closely with the ʔaq̓am community, facilitating discussions and training programs that advance their governance and leadership, ensuring they are leading in their own community and building on the strengths of their people. I also serve as a passionate advocate for collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, ensuring meaningful partnerships that support shared goals.

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My leadership journey began in the early 2000s at the YMCA/YWCA of Guelph, where I discovered my passion for community building, leadership development, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Through my involvement in the Leader Corps program, I began to explore the complexities of team dynamics and leadership, which set the foundation for my 24-year career.

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In my role with Junior Chamber International (JCI), I have led some of the largest community events in Canada, introduced a mentorship program, and hosted a national convention. I also spearheaded a nationally recognized leadership conference designed to challenge participants to step outside of their comfort zones and grow as leaders. This program was celebrated for its innovative approach and lasting impact on emerging leaders. Additionally, my Board of Directors training for the BC/Yukon chapters earned national recognition, strengthening governance and leadership capacity across the region.

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My approach to teams is inspired by the natural world and outdoor adventure programming. By incorporating inherent levels of risk and opportunities for growth, I create spaces where individuals are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. This approach fosters trust, resilience, and collaboration, mirroring the dynamics of a thriving ecosystem where every role—no matter how big or small—is essential to the collective success.

 

These experiences, combined with my passion for helping others grow, led me to pursue certification in leadership coaching. In 2023, I officially launched my own leadership consulting business, Lodgepole Leadership, to extend my work to more people and organizations. I’m also thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into Royal Roads University to pursue a Master’s in Executive Leadership. I am excited to continue exploring how land-based leadership and my background in adventure programming can be applied at the executive level to inspire growth, resilience, and transformation.

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To learn more about my leadership approach, projects, and the impact I’ve made throughout my career, please visit my Project Portfolio & Insights page.