MEET THE TEAM.
The staff at EKISC are an enthusiastic team who strive to address the threats of invasive species with diligence, passion, and creativity. We are located through-out the East Kootenays in home-based offices; when necessary, joining forces at our office location in Cranbrook, BC. Together, we bring diverse expertise and experience in natural science, policy, economics, administration, communications, and education.
EKISC also benefits from the talents of summer students who join the team during our busy summer months, and from contractors who join the EKISC operations team in managing established infestations.
KATIE REID
Program Director
Katie brings to EKISC a love of the outdoors, extensive knowledge of Invasive Species, and a degree in Natural Resource Management. She joined EKISC in 2013 as the Field Operations Coordinator. Originally from Kamloops, the East Kootenays is a perfect fit for Katie's career and home life.
MEGAN MACPHEE
Program Assistant +
Communication Manager
Megan is a passionate environmentalist, with extensive knowledge of our natural world, and great admiration for our recreational one. She is creatively inspired by our landscapes which stems from over a decade of hands-on experience, ranging from work in parks, fisheries, birds of prey, forestry, geology and recreational tourism. She thrives on community engagement, relishing every opportunity to contribute positively to the places she holds dear.
EMMA STRIVIG DE GROOT
Field Operations Manager
Emma has channeled her love of nature into a career in conservation. She has worked on numerous projects across the world, from the pacific islands of Hawaii to the grasslands of southern Saskatchewan. She moved back to the mountains in 2020 and has focused her energy on learning about, and exploring, the ecosystems of the East Kootenays.
NICOLA HERMAN
Field Operations Coordinator
Nicola is passionate about conservation and has a special interest in plant ecology. Having called the East Kootenay home for most of her life, she has found endless opportunities to learn and care for the land. She has a background in different aspects of invasive plant management in the region including research, monitoring, and treatment. Her foundational skills come from a technical diploma in Integrated Environmental Planning and an honours degree in Natural Resource Science.