Janet Sumner has more than 30 years’ experience working as an environmental leader. She has been the Executive Director of Wildlands League since 2003.
In 2017, Janet was appointed co-chair of the National Advisory Panel (NAP) with a mandate to provide recommendations on how to protect 17% of Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters by 2020; and, in 2019 Janet was appointed the Special Representative on Nature for Canada. Read More
The Wildlands League mission is to protect 50% of Canada, including the bird nursery for the western hemisphere, the world’s richest carbon reserve and bring nature back where we live. When our work is a success, you can see the changes on google maps.
“I love my work. I’ve slept with Polar Bears, walked in herds of caribou, and flown millions of hectares in helicopters over Boreal Forests. It is a privilege to lead this team and do this work. There is no more beautiful place than Canada”
She is an expert negotiator who creates a clear path to solutions through some of the most intractable environmental dilemmas today. Her success is built by nurturing understanding and building respectful relationships.
The Wildlands League team under her leadership has accomplished substantial legislative reforms in Ontario and federally, notably, for Ontario a new Provincial Protected Areas and Conservation Reserves Act (2007); Mining Act (2009) Reform; and; federally, amendments to the Rouge National Urban Park Act (2017)
Janet has recently presented at the Federal Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development, on ‘Protected Areas and Conservation Objectives’ and ‘Rouge National Urban Park: Becoming a Park’; the University of Toronto, Forestry Studies, on ‘Counting Carbon’; the Bora Laskin Law School in Thunder Bay, on the ‘The Ring of Fire’, and; The United Nations Forum on Forestry, Rome, Italy, ‘The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement Collaboration,’ among many others.
Janet leads a dynamic team at Wildlands League dedicated to wilderness protection and ecosystem certainty for a healthy planet.
Anna Baggio
Conservation Director
Anna Baggio is Conservation Director for Wildlands League. For two decades Anna has worked with Indigenous leaders, governments, industry and communities to protect Canada’s incredible ecosystems and to co-create solutions for people and the planet. Read More
Anna is a graduate of York University’s Master in Environmental Studies Program. She also holds a Hon. B.Sc. in Biology from McMaster University. Her passion for conservation was sparked at a national park in Georgian Bay where she studied spotted turtles and reptiles. Read Less
For her Master’s research, she worked with communities outside two small protected areas in Southern Costa Rica, examining land use and ecologically sustainable practices in agriculture. She is a conservation expert with specialities in strategic campaigning, Indigenous and government relations, policy and law reform, media relations/communications, negotiation, and creative solutions based on science and Indigenous knowledge.
“I work for Wildlands League because society needs independent voices like ours to hold governments to account, to dream big and to imagine what is possible. I also happily work for Wildlands because it is in our DNA to respond nimbly and thoughtfully to the two greatest challenges of our time: biodiversity loss and the climate emergency and to do it in a creative way that is also inclusive and equitable.”
“Governments don’t automatically do the right thing, even when they want to, they need inside and outside voices calling for it. That’s where we come in. We encourage them, sometimes challenge them to do the right thing. And I love it. In order to build a better society, we need many voices, the best of science, the best of indigenous knowledge and the best of people. My work allows me to bring all these things together in creative ways to build better, just conservation solutions for the planet.”
Anna is currently working on two Indigenous Protected Areas in northern Ontario (the North French Watershed with Moose Cree First Nation and in Fawn River Watershed with Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninwug). She’s helping to safeguard the Hudson Baw Lowland, one of the world’s most important terrestrial carbon stores. Anna continues to fight for caribou habitat conservation and to create innovative solutions with progressive industry where possible. She advises on protected areas establishment across the country and is also leading new exciting work in Hudson Bay to establish national marine conservation areas in the world’s largest inland sea
Dave Pearce
Senior Forest Conservation Manager
Dave is Wildlands League’s Senior Forest Conservation Manager where he works to improve forest management and bolster conservation efforts.
Born and raised at a family tourism operation in the Ottawa Valley, where his passion for nature began, Dave is a graduate of the Master of Forest Conservation program at the University of Toronto (2001) and an alumnus of the Biology program at Trent University. Read More
Dave has taken the Smartwood FSC auditing course, worked with Ontario’s Strategic Forest Management Model, and labored in a small sustainable woodlot effort in Gracefield, Quebec.
He currently works on effective implementation of the new Forest Stewardship Council Canada National Forest Stewardship Standard, particularly the new indicator for caribou. He represents Wildlands League with the Southern Ontario Nature Coalition, working on protecting near-urban nature in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Dave is the lead for Wildlands League’s Nature Connectivity Project which envisions a protected and connect network from Windsor to Algonquin Park and Georgian Bay to the Kawarthas and beyond.
Dave delights in finding the productive space where thoughtful resource use and creative conservation can yield great benefits for ecosystems and communities.
He enjoys many outdoor activities with Rachel and their daughters Clara and Isla.
Megan Chen
Ocean & Freshwater Conservation Manager
Megan joined Wildlands League in 2020, as Ocean & Freshwater Conservation Manager. She has a Masters in Coastal & Marine Management from the University of Akureyri in Iceland and has most recently worked for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Throughout her career, Megan has been fortunate to have the opportunity to get sea sick on an ocean exploration expedition through Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary with Ocean Exploration Trust, on the back of whale watching boats in Iceland while learning how to track whales and on Lake Ontario as part of a sailing crew. At Wildlands League, Megan is looking forward to learning more about preserving and protecting freshwater and marine areas.
Jennifer Berney (ON LEAVE)
Donor Specialist
Jennifer Berney worked tirelessly in the role of Executive Assistant for Wildlands League from 2007-2018, offering an array of administrative, communications and event management experience, including serving as the lead coordinator for Wildlands League’s for Paddle the Rouge (2014-2018).
In 2019, Jennifer moved to a new role in Fundraising, where she currently serves as Donor Specialist for Wildlands League. She is proud to support Wildlands’ dynamic team with skills and knowledge developed during her tenure as Executive Assistant, as well as during her training in George Brown’s Fundraising Certificate program. Read More
Jennifer holds a variety of fundraising experience, in numerous political, non-profit and community organization efforts.
Growing up in South Central Ontario, Jennifer developed a love of the natural world. Camping, kayaking and hiking, solo or with her daughter and step children are some of the ways Jennifer enjoys experiencing the outdoors.
When she isn’t at her post, you can find Jennifer singing with Toronto super group Choir! Choir! Choir!, playing ukulele, or squirreled away learning something new.
Paulette Collins
Database Manager and Financial Assistant
Paulette joined Wildlands League in May 2016 bringing organizational, administrative and financial skills from her banking days. She enjoys singing baritone in Barbershop quartet but her passion is travelling in the developing world. Her favourite two continents are Asia and Africa which allows her to camel trek and mix with the locals. In 2004 she took a short leave of absence from her employment and volunteered her time building houses in Sri Lanka after the devastating Tsunami destroyed part of Asia. She also helped at an orphanage for displaced young girls as a result of the Tsunami. Read More
She had raised $10,000 from family and friends and took this cash in her money belt and handed it directly to those people who really needed it. She bought several fishing boats to replace the one’s lost at sea thus helping the grieving families build a new life. 70% of the fishermen were lost that day and many families were shattered. She also gave $1500 directly to a man who had lost his wife and 13 out of 14 children, this would pay for a new home for his only surviving daughter and himself. She is looking forward to learning a great deal about the conservation of nature in Canada and hopes to continue to be involved with humanitarian efforts.
Katie Hayashi
Digital Engagement Specialist
Katie joined Wildlands League in November 2020 as a Digital Engagement Specialist.
She grew up in a small town an hour’s drive north of Toronto, and it was here that she developed her love for nature and her artistic creativity flourished. She attended McMaster University and obtained an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences with a minor in Environmental Studies. Read More
Before joining Wildlands League, Katie worked with multiple environmental non-profits in Hamilton, where she worked to build and maintain connected pollinator habitat throughout the city. When not out digging in the gardens, she was designing social media posts, infographics and promotional materials. It was in this role that Katie was able to see the opportunity to use her artistic background to create materials that bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage community action. It was this revelation that ultimately led Katie to Wildlands League.
In her current role, Katie hopes to make science accessible to everyone through visual mediums, and create graphics that inspire others to preserve natural spaces and protect biodiversity. When not working, Katie can be found reading, painting portraits of her pets, cheering for Toronto sports teams and trying very hard not to overwater her small collection of succulents.
Trevor Hesselink
Policy and Research
Trevor Hesselink has been immersed in the environmental policy field since 1992 both as an independent consultant to a wide range of organizations, and as a senior policy advisor to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Through his undergraduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Waterloo and his Masters’ studies in Urban Design at the University of Toronto, he has cultivated an enduring passion for sustainability dynamics and applied semiotics. Read More
His creative facilitation and communication skills have contributed to many policy and planning initiatives in Ontario from community based watershed management to safe drinking water.
Since joining the Wildlands League, Trevor has enjoyed tackling a brand new set of exciting challenges for his creativity and curiosity, fuelled by a personal passion for an enduring wilderness heritage that Canadians can be proud of.
Marian Ocampo
Finance and Administration Manager
Marian joined Wildlands League in 2023 as Finance and Administration Manager. Having the background of Tourism and Non-profit organization, Marian brings a wealth of experience building relationships and creating memorable experiences for everyone. She has extensive background in Budget, Property and Administrative management. Having been in the hospitality industry, Marian’s skills of attention to details, empathetic approach and curiosity to life brought her to Wildlands. Read More
When not crunching numbers and organizing details, she is restaurant hopping with her family trying out different cuisine specialties. Being raised in a big city, Marian is looking forward to experience the Wildlands League adventure!
Board
Tracy Fellows
Chair
Throughout her career, Tracy has been responsible for transforming & building brands for some of North America’s leading consumer goods and retail companies.
A multi-faceted executive with a deep and diverse understanding of retail with a unique view from both sides – As a in-house Senior Marketing Executive and as a Strategy Consultant| Advisor| 360°Customer Experience Activator to North American CEO’s and C-suite teams. Tracy was recognized as one of Canada’s ‘top marketers’ and ‘next marketing icon’. Read More
Tracy is passionate about the environment and loves to be outside in nature. She has volunteered in Africa, helping with research on wildlife conservation.
After Tracy’s experience in Africa, she wanted to help support a Canadian not for profit in their quest to preserve the environment. As luck would have it, Tracy met Janet Sumner at an event and was in awe of the work Wildlands League was doing in Ontario and beyond.
‘It opened my eyes to the issues we face in trying to preserve our land so wildlife can thrive. As a Canadian you believe that we have all this open space for nature. However, working with Janet and her team, I some discovered that this
is at risk and I wanted to help in any way possible.’
Tracy has been on the board of directors for Wildlands League, a chapter of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society since 2018. In 2020, Tracy became the Chair of the Board of Directors for Wildlands League.
Mark Neves
Treasurer
Mark Neves joined the Wildlands League Board of Directors in 2016. He is an accountant and project manager, and he brings almost a decade of experience working with other non-profits in areas like revenue diversification, market development and stakeholder management.
Mark has worked his entire career in the Marketing and Communications industry for one of the biggest agency holding companies in the world, Interpublic Group of Companies, and now at the industry’s charity, the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS). Read More
After his last portaging trip to Algonquin, and finding out how much more has to be done to both protect Algonquin Park as well as many other natural areas of Ontario, he wanted to get involved with the charitable organization on the leading edge of protecting public lands and resources in Ontario, Wildlands League.
Cassie Barker
Secretary
Cassie joined the Wildlands League Board of Directors in 2015. She is a strategist and campaigner, and she brings a decade of experience working in environmental advocacy, from grassroots organizing with the Wellington Water Watchers, to community management with Ecojustice and supporting international campaigns with Greenpeace. She holds a Masters of Science from the University of Guelph.
Phil Goodwin
Past Chair
Phil Goodwin joined the Wildlands League Board of Directors in 2012 after a dozen years on the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, both as a member and Chair. In 2016 he assumed the role of chair of the board of directors. He also founded the East Don Parkland Partners, a local stewardship group working on restoration projects on the Don. Phil graduated from Huron College, University of Western Ontario. He has worked in advertising and marketing for over 30 years, including great Canadian companies like MacLaren Advertising, KTel, Wardair and Transcontinental Media. He is currently Director of Media Sales at NABS, The National Advertising Benevolent Society. NABS is a charity that helps people in the communications industry.
James Abbott
Director
James grew up in Ottawa, but has worked and traveled in southern Africa. He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Studies in 2005 from Duke University, North Carolina. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at Nipissing University in North Bay.
Brad Fauteux
Director
Bradley (Brad) Fauteux is an accomplished senior leader with more than eighteen years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors with a focus on the environment and social justice.
A lifelong environmentalist, Brad was the Managing Director of Ontario Parks at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry where he was responsible for the designation of several new Provincial parks and a landmark amendment to the Algonquin Park Management Plan that reduced land available for logging. Read More
As Managing Director, Brad employed a partnership approach and worked with more than 300 distinct intergovernmental, community, Indigenous and private sector partners to serve over 10 million clients every year.
Over the course of his career, Brad has won several awards, primarily in the areas of environmental policy/practice and tourism. He is a four-time winner of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Award (2013-14-15-16), as well as the Tourism Innovator of the Year (2013) and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Award (2014) from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in 2014, among numerous other honors.
Brad Fauteux earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1995 at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario.
Darielle Teitelbaum
Director
Darielle Teitelbaum is a business lawyer, fitness instructor and entrepreneur based in Toronto, Canada. Her path led her to work in advertising, teach English in South Korea, travel and eventually to law. She worked in criminal defence, helping to advocate for those without a voice, and then founded her own niche practice of business law, AWE Legal, working with athletes, artists, wellness professionals and entrepreneurs. She is passionate about education and providing access to justice and legal support to her community. She has always been involved in social justice and environmental pursuits and loves being in nature and seeks to help protect our great outdoors.
