Staff & Board Members

2019 Watersheds Canada Staff

Barbara has worked with Watersheds Canada and its predecessor organization since 1999. As Executive Director, her role includes the development, management and delivery of Shoreline Stewardship Programs across Canada. Barbara has been integral in working with lake groups and associations on action-oriented stewardship programs into large multi-stakeholder programs that can be launched on a national level. Collaboration and partnerships are at the centre of her work and sharing and capacity building for groups that work with landowners to protect Canada’s Lakes and Rivers. Barbara has recently completed a Master’s in Non-Profit Management and Philanthropy at Carleton University.

Barbara lives in Eastern Ontario on a small lake with her husband and two children.

Melissa joined the Watersheds Canada team in 2015, after taking time to raise her two sons. During that time, Melissa has been a very active member of the Mississippi Lakes Association, where she has been the Water Quality & Lake Steward on the the board of directors for twelve years. She was an enthusiastic member of the Mississippi Lake Plan Committee, where she has lent her expertise to the completion of the Mississippi Lake Plan, and was an active co-chair and member of the Environmental Committee.

Melissa studied Natural Resource Management at Guelph University and Ecosystem Management at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay. Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority employed her for 6 years directly after graduation, as a Water Quality Technician and Watershed Monitoring Supervisor. Liaising with other agencies, partners and lake stewards to promote and educate them on environmental practices is her passion. It is a beautiful thing when a career and passion come together.

Melissa lives and plays on Mississippi Lake with her husband and two boys, year-round. When not at home crafting, you will find her camping or paddling around in her kayak and always with a smile on her face.

Heather is an aquatic specialist who began her studies in Environmental Conservation in 2003. She studied Forest Conservation at Lakehead University and later completed a Diploma in Renewable Resource Management from Yukon College. She focused on the management of fisheries and aquatic habitats through proper conservation and sampling techniques.

As a member of Watersheds Canada, she brings with her over seven years of experience in the environmental field. Her experience ranges from mining reclamation projects in northern Yukon to fish habitat compensation and long-term fish health studies throughout the North West Territories and the Alberta oil sands region.

When Heather isn’t catching fish, she prefers to trade in her waders for a wetsuit. She is an avid diver and loves exploring tropical reefs and swimming with whale sharks!

Chloe is an outdoor enthusiast who has been studying and practicing Environmental Stewardship since 2009. She attended Nipissing University and graduated with an Honours Degree in Environmental Biology and Technology. As part of her program, she also attended Canadore College and completed the Environmental Technician – Protection and Compliance Program. While completing her studies, Chloe was able to take part in the Undergraduate Research Conference in 2013, presenting her thesis on the effects of Forest Tent Caterpillar outbreaks on Trembling Aspen. In the past, she has worked at Ferguson Forest Centre and Lake Superior Provincial Park.

Chloe joined the team at Watersheds Canada in 2015 as a Stewardship Program Assistant and is now managing our Natural Edge Program, working with landowners to restore their shorelines.

In her spare time, Chloe can be found having fun with family and friends, camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and trying out tasty new recipes!

Brendan finished his studies in 2018, graduating from Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College with a degree and diploma in Ecological Restoration. In his fourth year, he completed his undergraduate thesis study on evaluating success of shoreline naturalization in Ontario.

Brendan started at Watersheds Canada in the spring of 2018. He is now working in the Natural Edge program, helping landowners naturalize and restore their shorelines using native plant species.

Brendan loves the outdoors and can often be found on hikes in the woods or working on his gardens. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Karen Ballentine

Administrative Assistant