Meet Our Team
The Burns Bog Conservation Society staff go above and beyond their job description every day
On top of their regular duties, the Society has an open-door policy where volunteers and members can drop by anytime; whether that be for a chat about what the Society is up to, or helping out around the office. Each Society staff member has their own unique background, but their commonality is working for the community to ensure Burns Bog is safe for years to come.
Core Staff
Position: Research & Stewardship Coordinator
Contact: nikolai@burnsbog.org
Hometown: Delta, BC
Education: Simon Fraser University BSc. Environmental Science – Professional Specialization Certificate, University of Victoria, Ecological Restoration – Graduate Certificate, Restoration Ecology, Auburn University (Ongoing)
Professional Background: Nikolai has worked for the Society since the summer of 2018. He was first hired as the Education and Communications coordinator. In March of 2019, he was promoted to his current role where he oversees projects such as riparian restoration, and species-at-risk monitoring. In addition to this, Nikolai also is responsible for the hiring and supervision of the Society’s summer staff. Nikolai looks for ways to engage community members in restoration work to create opportunities for citizens to connect with their local environment.
Personal Background: Nikolai grew up just a few short blocks away from Burns Bog. As a child, he spent most of his time outdoors, either walking through the bog, or playing sports. He attended Gray Elementary, followed by Sands Secondary. Following high school, he received an athletic scholarship to Simon Fraser University to play football. It was at SFU where he was able to rediscover his love for nature, as he pursued a degree in Environmental Science.
Hobbies/Fun fact(s): In his free time, Nikolai enjoys coaching football, hiking, and lifting weights.
Position: Accountant
Contact: accounting@burnsbog.org
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Education: Certified General Accountant – Douglas College, Accounting Diploma – BCIT Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Management
Professional Background: Evelyn owned her own accounting practice for several years and contracted for other professionals for a few years. She has many years of experience working with non-profit and charitable organizations, as an accountant/auditor, a volunteer and as a Board member in various capacities including Treasurer and President. She served as a Provincial Governor of the Certified General Accountants of British Columbia for 6 years. In 2002, Evelyn focused her career on consulting for non-profits and charities, analyzing and upgrading their accounting systems. During this time, she also taught 2 credit courses at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, part-time studies. She re-wrote both course materials and converted them to on-line learning.
Personal Background: Evelyn has 2 children and 9 grand-children and lives in Delta, B.C., sharing a home with her son and daughter-in-law and 5 of their 7 sons. Her daughter, son-in-law and their two children live in Ferndale, Washington. Evelyn joined the Society as a part-time accountant in December 2014, at the request of the former Executive Director. She has, over the past 5+ years, assisted the Society in a variety of roles.
Hobbies/Fun fact(s): Evelyn loves to read, play online games and being a Grandma. She travelled to Scotland & Ireland in 2016 and visited two Irish bogs while there, and met with the Executive Director of the Irish Peatland Conservancy Council and toured their Education and Restoration facility.
Position: Office Manager
Contact: marcello@burnsbog.org
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Education: Bachelor of Business Admin majoring in finance and accounting.
Personal Background: Marcello joined the Burns Bog Conservation Society in 2017, after moving to the lower mainland from Alberta, to help with accounting. He is now the acting office manager. In addition to administrative duties, he also handles some of the IT issues.
Hobbies/Fun fact(s): Marcello’s hobbies include cooking, baking, hiking, rock climbing and Soccer.
Student Staff
SPRING 2019
Madeleine Smiciklas
SUMMER 2019
Christopher Pan
Matthew Wong
Vincy Zhou
Rachel Mehling
Maya Hart
Daniel Wang
SUMMER 2020
Natalie Appel
Sandi Yang
Prachi Brahmbhatt
Freya Carson
Keira Gray