Staff

Bob Montgomery was born in Lethbridge and grew up in the mountains and prairies of Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) territory now known as Southern Alberta. He spent his winters skiing with his family at Westcastle and in the summer picking huckleberries on those same slopes and mountain creeks. The Castle wilderness extending to Waterton Lakes National Park is very dear to him, in part, because his paternal Métis Grandma and her relations ranched between Yarrow and Drywood Creeks in that valley. Despite his settler upbringing, Bob is proud of his Métis ancestry; he feels a deep responsibility to live the teachings he’s learning through connecting with Métis and Indigenous Elders, community members and friends while also taking responsibility for his settler ancestors. Bob feels most connected when out on the land. He is a hunter, and harvester but just genuinely loves being out in the woods. During his time in the city Bob builds community through sports and volunteer work. His career path is a trail through the woods: beginning as a ski patroller and canoe guide, to working with youth in a wilderness addictions centre. From there he pursued the education field working in schools and post-secondary institutions. Now he uses his breadth of skills and knowledge to support environmental conservation work, especially centering Indigenous knowledges that are poised to provide the clearest examples of how to live harmoniously with the land. Bob is thrilled to step into the role of Executive Director (ED) for the Land Stewardship Centre and Beaver Hills Biosphere. He hopes to continue the hard work done by former ED Brian Ilnicki, staff, partners, funders and volunteers to care for the land and live harmoniously with it moving forward. He is especially grateful for the support and mentorship of his colleagues as he enters this new challenge.

Brian has spent the past 35 years bringing people together to work on common priorities for achieving sustainability on the landscape. Working throughout the diverse landscapes of Alberta, Brian has partnered with individuals, organizations and all levels of government to design and implement conservation and stewardship programs that benefit landowners, land managers and biodiversity.

Pamela grew up in rural northern Alberta. Much of her passion for the environment stemmed from growing up with her Métis and Ukrainian ancestry in experiencing both traditional and modern land use practices. She has a Degree in Environmental Management from University of Alberta Augustana Campus and a Diploma in Land Reclamation and Remediation from Olds College. With an academic background in conservation and stewardship, environmental education and ecology, and professional background in various sectors such as oil and gas, parks and recreation, laboratory/research, and non-for-profit organizations, this broad foundation of experience supports her passions to engage and collaborate with those seeking positive relationships with the environment through continued education, outreach and conservation/stewardship practices. Pamela is thrilled to be sharing experiences, stories of living on the land and connecting with youth, Elders, partners, communities and establishing lifelong relationships.

Kristina thrives on working with organizations and companies to bring order and efficiency to their communications and marketing programs, services and activities. With strong roots in and years of experience working with companies and associations in Alberta’s food, agriculture, environment and conservation communities, Kristina brings a unique perspective and understanding of the needs and expectations of organizations in these sectors.

Niabi has extensive local and international experience in content creation, editorial publications, and digital media and communications. She finds peace in writing, and rejuvenation and inspiration from the natural world. As an advocate for social and environmental justice, Niabi values contributing her writing experience to advocate for grass-roots community stewardship efforts and collaborative action.

Milena grew up in rural northern Alberta and has a Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and a degree in Biology from the University of Alberta. With a professional background in stewardship outreach, environmental education and project management, Milena is thrilled to be working with rural municipalities and landowners to promote and facilitate stewardship initiatives on privately-held acreages and recreational properties across the province through the Green Acreages Program.

From working in the corporate world as an executive secretary to lending her bookkeeping skills to small businesses, Jennifer Nestoruk has worked in a variety of industries and businesses. While she is new to the world of conservation and stewardship, Jennifer is eager to jump in with both feet. She’s passionate about conserving our landscapes and protecting the environment.

Bio coming soon.