Meet Our Team:
Squamish CAN Board of Directors
Squamish CAN Staff
Krystle tenBrink - Executive Director
Krystle began working on food initiatives with Squamish CAN in 2010. To date she has co-lead establishing the Squamish Food Charter; co-founding the Squamish Food Policy Council; the development of the CAN Grow Community Garden & Mamquam Edible School Yard & integrating food system policies into Squamish's Official Community Plan.
Andrea Kittler - Communications Coordinator
Andrea works as a graphic designer & communications specialist in the non-profit and public sector. When she is not exploring the world by bicycle, she spends her free time hiking, sailing, ski touring and painting. Andrea is passionate about finding creative solutions to reducing waste.
Marc-André Gagnon - Edible School Garden Coordinator
Marc comes with a wide range of experiences from his years of tree planting and landscaping and horticulturist background. His passion sustainable gardening has given him a strong interest to share his knowledge in order to raise environmental awareness. Being a father of two, he cares about kids’ future and hope he can sow the seed of change in everyone’s mind.
Marie-ève Trigg - Seed Library & Greenhouse Manager
Marie-ève started with arts & photography in Québec & continued on to the film industry in Vancouver, intertwined with service industry roles. After starting a family in Squamish, landscaping followed, then permaculture design & volunteering with Squamish CAN which lead to her role as Food Projects Coordinator.
Monica Barabonoff - Food Education Series Coordinator
When not arranging food education sessions, Monica might be hiking, gardening, or preparing something tasty. She is a Public Health Inspector (retired) and food preservation expert. Squamish has been her home since 1994.
Gabrielle Languedoc - Community Organization Worker
Gabrielle originally grew up in Squamish and is thrilled to be back this summer working with Squamish CAN! Her background is in Biology and she's passionate about reducing barriers in accessibility to nutritious local food! When she's not working, you can find her hiking, biking, and climbing all around Squamish's beautiful forests.
Gabriela Lech - Community Organization Worker
Gabriela's background is in environmental science and she is currently completing her masters degree in Climate Change. She is excited about community-building and helping to build an inclusive food system that meets social and environmental needs. In her free time she enjoys climbing, hiking, cooking, and painting.
Chris Hill - Don Ross Courtyard Garden Coordinator
Throughout the better part of the last two decades, Chris has passionately shared the art of food cultivation and sustainable practices. His journey has extended across the country, as far as southern Mexico, sharing heirloom seeds, cultivation and inspiring self reliance.
Chris has taught various demographics from youth to elders, including within various indigenous communities, while also learning ancient and
traditional practices. His approach to teaching is a culmination of modern and traditional ways which are very practical and complimentary. Recently, Chris has had the privilege of helping to inspire and coordinating gardens and classes at his sons school in Squamish. He is incredibly honoured and grateful to have aligned with Squamish CAN, to help him bring his passions to our community.
Chris has taught various demographics from youth to elders, including within various indigenous communities, while also learning ancient and
traditional practices. His approach to teaching is a culmination of modern and traditional ways which are very practical and complimentary. Recently, Chris has had the privilege of helping to inspire and coordinating gardens and classes at his sons school in Squamish. He is incredibly honoured and grateful to have aligned with Squamish CAN, to help him bring his passions to our community.
Kari Chambers - President
Kari first became involved with Squamish CAN 4 years ago through the community gardens. With a background in indigenous studies & years working in the seniors sector, Kari currently works full-time for 2 local non-profits in the health sector & spends her free time in the garden, streamkeeping, and exploring the outdoors with her dogs. Kari is passionate about growing food locally & reducing waste in our community.
Luisa Burhenne - Vice President
Luisa works in the field of renewable energy technologies & GHG emission reduction strategies. In her free time you will find her gardening in the Squamish CAN downtown community garden or exploring Squamish trails with her family.
Ilva Ravinska - Treasurer & Secretary
Ilva moved to Squamish to pursue adventures in the mountains after having travelled around the world for several years. She is passionate about preserving her favourite playground - the great outdoors-and contribute to the local community with her knowledge in finances and accounting.
Ania Posacka
Bio
Chalmers McAllister
Bio
Constance Wylie
When not in the garden or working on food policy, Constance enjoys playing in the forest with her dog Salal and exploring new places by bicycle.
Holden Bonwit
Holden loves connecting with the environment through kiteboarding, hiking, and trail running. He’s passionate about measuring & improving our individual & collective environmental impact. With a background in engineering, he now builds growth strategies for early stage organizations.
Jennifer Mooney
Jennifer is a passionate small business owner helping others reduce their consumption of single use plastics. Jenn is committed in supporting current zero waste action plans, locally, nationally and globally. With a back ground in marketing and events, Jennifer is excited to volunteer with Squamish CAN to help build more community awareness around zero waste principles and improving current waste management practices. Jennifer loves to garden, ski, SUP and take photos on family adventures.
Julia Litster - Community Garden Manager, Zero Waste and Go By Bike Week Coordinator
Originally from the island, Jules grew up with a strong appreciation for nature & the desire to take care of her home. She is passionate about all things zero-waste & creating positive conversations around living a more sustainable life. In her free time you’ll find her hiking, biking, climbing, & crafting.
Kelly-Jo Galvani
A lover of slow food and long journeys, Kelly’s background is in communications with a specialty in event management.
Before taking a few years off to grow her family, Kelly worked in food systems and sustainability with the non-profit sector.
She’s passionate about local food and community building and loves a good dinner party with friends.
Before taking a few years off to grow her family, Kelly worked in food systems and sustainability with the non-profit sector.
She’s passionate about local food and community building and loves a good dinner party with friends.