CPAWS Manitoba Staff

Ron Thiessen is the inspiring Executive Director of CPAWS Manitoba. 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 Swan 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 Bailey grew up in Gimli, Manitoba. His lifelong passion for nature and stewardship began collecting sticks and rocks on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. He has a keen eye for “lucky stones” and will always take you up on a stone-skipping challenge.

Neil 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 joins the Conservation Team with a passion for environmental protection and experience in project management within a decolonial framework.

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 Schimnowski is thrilled to be part of the conservation team at CPAWS Manitoba as the Conservation Campaign Officer. Her deep passion for the environment has significantly shaped her educational journey. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Manitoba, with a focus on Northern Studies and a minor in Indigenous Studies.

Carly Gray 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 Heide 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 Gray.

By joining CPAWS Manitoba, 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 on Bower Lake 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 Borgfjord 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. As the Digital Marketing Coordinator, Katie manages the CPAWS Manitoba social media pages, updating the website, crafting content and leading Nature Club activities. 

Deborah is absolutely thrilled to join the CPAWS team as the new 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.