The Staff
The GOERT Society and its staff offer planning, technical, outreach, administrative and financial support to GOERT and its Recovery Implementation Groups to assist with the implementation of the national Recovery Strategy for Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems and their Associated Species at Risk in Canada.
Shyanne Smith, M.Sc. (Executive Director)
250-383-3224 | shyanne.smith@goert.ca
Shyanne was the RIG Coordinator with GOERT for three years before moving into the Executive Director 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.
When not immersed in Garry oak ecosystems, she can most often be found hiking, boating or gardening in her native habitat of East Sooke. She also enjoys forays further afield, exploring ecosystems and cultures from coastal BC to southeast Asia.
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. (Communications Coordinator)
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.
Holly Clermont, M.A., Ph.D. student (Conservation Specialist)
250-716-6296 | holly.clermont@goert.ca
Holly's background is as diverse as Garry oak ecosystems! Her education includes a M.A., a B.Sc. in biology and a diploma in renewable resource management. A self-proclaimed generalist, her titles have included researcher, planning consultant, biologist, fish and wildlife technician, rehab specialist and kayak instructor. She has worked with government, land trusts, stewardship organizations, and environmental consultants and has operated her own businesses. Holly brings her wealth of experience to the role of Conservation Specialist and is excited to be part of our science-based organization. She is committed to building relationships and inspiring people to "do better" for species and ecosystems.
Holly is with GOERT half-time as a Conservation Specialist, and her focus is on working with local governments, First Nations and other partners, providing resources for species at risk and habitat protection and recovery.
Kathryn Martell, M. Sc. (Conservation Specialist)
250-383-5449 | kathryn.martell@goert.ca
In her RIG Coordinator role, Kathryn facilitates the work of the RIGs in achieving GOERT's recovery goals and objectives. An ecologist with a M.Sc. in disturbance dynamics and resource management, Kathryn comes to GOERT after several years of community stewardship and habitat restoration projects throughout the province.
Kathryn has conducted field surveys for a variety of species at risk and particularly enjoys discovering pockets of beauty in urban settings.
When away from GOERT, Kathryn loves long rambles, hearing and telling stories, digging her hands in the garden as often as possible, and adventures of all kinds. She is also busily trying to learn the banjo and teach her mother's puppy to waltz.
Todd Kohler, B.Sc. (Species at Risk Recovery Planner)
250-383-5449 | todd.kohler@goert.ca
Todd first worked for GOERT as a UVic biology co-op student in 2005, and returned for a season in 2007. Since then he has completed his Biology degree and has been working in the private sector for the past two years, doing botanical surveys around BC. Most recently, for the Parks Canada Coastal BC Field Unit Species at Risk at Team, he oversaw the Fort Rodd Hill restoration program.
Todd joined the GOERT staff as a Species at Risk Recovery Planner in February 2011. He conducts and organizes field surveys; does species at risk consultation, working with local governments and our partner organizations on species at risk recovery planning; and writes recovery planning documents for species at risk.
Todd also holds a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Management from Capilano College. He enjoys hiking, paddling and natural history.