The Staff
The GOERT staff offer planning, administrative, financial and technical support to GOERT and its Recovery Implementation Groups. GOERT and staff are guided by the Board of Directors.
Shyanne Smith, M.Sc. (Program Manager)
250-383-3224 | shyanne.smith@goert.ca
Shyanne was the RIG Coordinator with GOERT for three years before moving into the Program Manager position in December 2008. She oversees program and recovery planning, development, finances and fundraising, and reports to the Recovery Team and the Board of Directors.
An ecologist with a background in species at risk inventory, recovery planning and field botany, Shyanne recently (2007) completed her M.Sc. on historical stand dynamics in Garry oak ecosystems.
In her free time, she can be found in her native habitat of East Sooke, hiking the coast trail or working on her cabin; she also enjoys exploring BC’s south coast by foot, boat or kayak.
Chris Junck, B.Sc. (Species at Risk Outreach Specialist)
250-383-3445 | chris.junck@goert.ca
Since 2002 Chris has assisted the Recovery Team and its working groups with a broad range of initiatives. In his current position as Species at Risk Outreach Specialist, Chris is informing landowners, local governments, the development industry and others about how they can look after Garry oak ecosystems and species at risk under their care.
Chris is a member and supporter of several conservation, natural history, and “Friends of” groups. He spends his leisure time playing music, learning about First Nations culture, practicing yoga, and exploring nature — on trails, in kayaks or sailboats, or under water.
Chris has generously provided many of the photos used on this website.
Carolyn Masson, B.Sc. (Outreach Specialist)
250-383-3427 | carolyn.masson@goert.ca
Carolyn has been on the outreach team since summer 2004, writing for the website, giving presentations, and answering public inquiries. She comes to GOERT with a biology degree from the University of Victoria and a long and illustrious career as a park interpreter for BC Parks and CRD Parks.
She likes to imagine what it must have been like to walk through expansive knee-high fields of camas and buttercup when Garry oak ecosystems dominated SE Vancouver Island’s landscape. When she’s not at her desk, she can be found nearby, sailing, swimming, singing, and scouting out the remaining gems of Garry oak habitat. She always stays on the trail.
Betsy Rose (Financial Administrator)
250-383-3447 | finance@goert.ca
Betsy is GOERT's hard-working financial administrator, and she enjoys assisting on a variety of outreach projects when she's got the time. With credentials from UBC, Laurentian, U of T, and the University of Washington, her background includes teaching, project management, tourism and promotion.
Of all the ecosystems she can explore while kayaking or hiking, her favourite is the sub-alpine because the living things in it seem so fragile but can withstand such harsh conditions. Sandstone deserts are a close second for their colours and geology. She strives to live in harmony with nature and to make the things she needs herself — a lifestyle that has brought her great rewards over the years.
Kersti Vaino (GIS / Technical Assistant)
250-383-5449 | kersti.vaino@goert.ca
As GIS / Technical Assistant, Kersti is engaged in mapping and database management for the team and is involved in site surveys and restoration projects.
Kersti comes from the Environmental Science program at Royal Roads University and has since alternated between seasonal field work and working with the Canadian Forest Service. She has experience in species at risk (SAR) management and has conducted SAR inventories on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.
In her spare time Kersti enjoys just about any activity that gets her outdoors, but above all she loves rock climbing as it gives her an excuse to travel to and spend time in unique and diverse environments.