CPAWS Manitoba Staff

Ron is the inspiring Executive Director of CPAWS Manitoba, joining the team in 2006. He has been instrumental in establishing 23 parks and protected areas in Manitoba with CPAWS, which is nearly three million hectares of healthy lands and waters conserved for future generations.

David is a behavioural ecologist who joined CPAWS Manitoba because he is passionate about science-based conservation. He has a great love for animals and is dedicated to habitat preservation and animal welfare. 

Before joining CPAWS, David managed a non-profit veterans club and was instrumental in bringing the organization to the best financial situation it has ever been in. He also spent time teaching introductory biology at the University of Manitoba.

Neil joined the CPAWS Manitoba team as the Conservation Campaign Manager for our Conservation Areas Initiative. Neil's lifelong passion for nature and stewardship began collecting sticks and rocks on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. 

He received his science degree from the University of Manitoba, with a major in psychology, and studied community and regional planning at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Claire brings to the Conservation Team a passion for environmental protection and her experience in project management within a decolonial framework, joining the CPWS team in 2024.

Educated at the University of Manitoba, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Anthropology. Her degree focus was in the evolution and biodiversity of our world, from the small scale to the ecosystem level. Her anthropology background helps her connect the human world to the natural one.

Nadia is thrilled to be part of the conservation team at CPAWS Manitoba as the Conservation Campaign Officer, joining in 2024. Her deep passion for the environment has significantly shaped her educational journey. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on Northern Studies and a minor in Indigenous Studies. In her free time she enjoys fishing, camping, walking with her family's dogs, and a good bonfire.

Carly is the inspiring leader of our Outdoor Education Program, bringing her vibrant passion for nature and education to every adventure. A certified teacher from the University of Winnipeg After-Degree Bachelor of Education program (April 2023), Carly joined CPAWS part-time in June 2022, quickly transitioning to a full-time educator in 2023. Now, as the manager of our Outdoor Education Program, she has shared the wonders of the natural world with thousands of children and adults across Manitoba.

Kate is an education student studying at the University of Winnipeg to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an educator. Her experience in a farming family has also informed her understanding of land as a space of excitement and learning. Kate joined CPAWS in May of 2023 through a University of Winnipeg work/study program and has since continued her work delivering Outdoor Education Programming alongside Carly.

By joining CPAWS Manitoba in 2024, Chelsea brings together her passion for the outdoors and her extensive background in marketing and public relations. A nature lover at heart, Chelsea enjoys exploring Manitoba's parks and spending time with her family at their cabin in the Turtle Mountains. She’s all about embracing the outdoors year-round, with winter running being a personal favourite—nothing beats the crisp, refreshing Manitoba winters for her!

Katie is a communications and social media professional with a passion for sustainability and intersectional feminism. Katie is a graduate from the University of Winnipeg Rhetoric and Communications program.

Joining the CPAWS team in 2023 as the Digital Marketing Coordinator, Katie manages the CPAWS Manitoba social media pages, updating the website, crafting content and leading Nature Club activities. 

Brendan is currently a Creative Communications student at Red River College Polytech
and is excited to finish his diploma by interning at CPAWS Manitoba! As a
communications intern, Brendan creates marketing strategies and social media content
advocating for Manitoban nature.

Deborah started in 2024 as our first Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator. Born in the charming town of Kenora and raised in the city of Winnipeg, she is a proud graduate of the University of Winnipeg, where she majored in Theatrical Production and Stage Management.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, she is currently working to complete her Rhetoric and Communications Degree at the University of Winnipeg.

Elyce joined the CPAWS team in 2024 on the outreach team. She has since taken on roles helping out the communication, and education team.

Born and raised in BC,  Shay moved to Winnipeg to pursue a masters degree in music and started working with CPAWS's outreach program in the summer of 2024.

They've always had a passion for the outdoors and all things nature! Catch Shay at a farmers market this summer ready to talk to you and your family about conservation!

As a Conservation Ambassador with CPAWS Manitoba since 2022, Austin brings a dynamic blend of storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement to his role. His ability to connect with diverse audiences supports the organization’s mission to protect Canada's wilderness and promote sustainable practices.

His background includes roles in customer service and promotional work, which have strengthened his communication and outreach abilities.  He aspires to one day author a novel or create a tabletop role-playing game that merges creativity, narrative depth, and interactive experience.

Born in Nabha, India, Shiv moved to Canada at the age of 3. He currently is working towards completing his Honours Criminal Justice degree at the University of Winnipeg.

Since childhood, Shiv has always had a love for nature and hiking! He spent the summer of 2024 working as the Inner City work study intern with the CPAWS Education Team. Now Shiv works behind the scenes with CPAWS finances.