Our Team
Get to know the small team of dedicated staff that work hard every day to promote, protect and improve the health of our beloved Ottawa River.
Laura Reinsborough
Riverkeeper and CEO
Dave Rayner
Managing Director
Chloe Hillier, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Larissa Holman
Director of Science and Policy
Leela Ramachandran
Director of Education and Community Engagement
Matthew Brocklehurst
Communications Manager
Caroline Gomersall
Outreach & Events Manager
Mark Bernards
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Liam Nguyen, PhD
Scientist
Maxime Chaumont-Lessard
Educator
Naomi Davies
Operations Coordinator
Elizabeth Grater
Science Programs Coordinator
Meryem Alami
Donor Stewardship Coordinator (on leave)
Leah Smith
Fundraising & Outreach Coordinator
Martha Boyd
Donor Stewardship Coordinator
Laura Reinsborough
Riverkeeper and CEO
Laura has worked in gardens, galleries, and along river banks to deliver positive environmental and social change. She holds a Magisteriate in Environmental Studies from York University specialized in environmental education and community arts.
At the age of 25, Laura founded Toronto’s Not Far From The Tree, an award-winning charitable initiative to pick fruit growing in backyards and transform it into a shared public good. Later, at the helm of Food For All New Brunswick, she built a robust network to activate and amplify food security. She is a TEDx speaker, a recipient of the Vital People Award, the Women of the Earth Award, and the Gaia Environmental Award, and she was named an Agent of Change by the Centre for Social Innovation.
Laura lives near the Ottawa River in Orléans. Originally from Sackville, New Brunswick, Laura grew up very connected to water: canoeing on the lake in her backyard, swimming on the beaches of the Northumberland Strait, and mudsliding on the Bay of Fundy mudflats. She speaks four languages and loves to cross-country ski. Since 2021, Laura has held the esteemed title of Riverkeeper & CEO with Ottawa Riverkeeper.
- lreinsborough@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Dave Rayner
Managing Director
For Dave, his role in the organizational support and development of Ottawa Riverkeeper is an opportunity to serve the river community, protect a critical watershed and work alongside some fantastic people. Previously, he held numerous positions with MEC, most recently as Ottawa store manager. Dave thrives being outside with friends and family and the swimmable, fishable (and canoe-able, and sail-able, and windsurf-able!) Ottawa River has always been a source of adventure.
- 613-321-1120 x 1008
- drayner@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Chloe Hillier, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Chloe is passionate about connecting with other river-lovers and helping bring people together to protect the beautiful and mighty Ottawa River and its watershed.
As an avid fundraiser, Chloe loves hearing from donors and volunteers about their personal connections to water and the stories and memories that have shaped their drive to become involved in conservation and water stewardship.
Chloe is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a global network of over 7,500 leaders in philanthropic fundraising who demonstrate their commitment to confidence, ethics, and professionalism in fundraising.
She holds a B.A. from Concordia University in History and has worked in fundraising for over fifteen years. Chloe grew up fishing (and catching the occasional frog!) near the Rideau River and loves camping, swimming and walking the beautiful trails around the watershed.
- 613-321-1120 x 1003
- chillier@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Larissa Holman
Director of Science and Policy
Larissa enjoys the challenge of understanding complex river systems such as the Ottawa River and learning about the watershed collaboratively with other freshwater organizations, Algonquin Communities, authorities, researchers and citizen scientists. She feels strongly that helping to build a stronger insight of rivers and watersheds is a key way to engage with people and encourage action that protects water and waterways.
Larissa holds a BSc.H in Environmental Science from Concordia University and a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University. Larissa's favourite river activity is to explore the tributaries and see how these smaller streams have shaped the land around them.
- 613-321-1120 x 1006
- lholman@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to acknowledge and thank RBC Foundation who help fund this position.
Leela Ramachandran
Director of Education and Community Engagement
Over the past 20 years, Leela has developed and delivered sustainability education to school and university students, municipal governments, non-profits, farmers, and the public. She also operated a small organic vegetable farm for 12 years, which connected her deeply to the land and waters that sustain us. Leela is passionate about sparking curiosity in and cultivating connections with our natural environments.
Leela grew up in the prairies, but has lived in the Ottawa River watershed since 2007. She and her family love to ski, skate, paddle, swim, hike and cycle along its rivers and lakes. Leela holds a Masters in Geography from the University of Waterloo and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Winnipeg.
- 613-321-1120 x 1012
- lramachandran@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Matthew Brocklehurst
Communications Manager
Matthew loves to engage with the public about environmental issues and the science surrounding them. As Communications Manager, he helps the team connect with the broader Ottawa River community, spread information about Ottawa Riverkeeper’s mission and activities, and help build public pressure to tackle important advocacy issues.
He has a B.Sc. in Biology from U of T, and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Visual Communications from Fleming College. He loves spending time reading outside by the water, and has a special fondness for the bike paths along the river Ottawa that offer a nice escape from the city that surrounds them.
- 613-321-1120 x 1001
- mbrocklehurst@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Caroline Gomersall
Outreach & Events Manager
Caroline brings her expertise in events management to support the work of the Ottawa Riverkeeper team. With extensive experience in event and project management and having worked for other local not for profit organizations, she is excited to now be supporting the events portfolio for Ottawa Riverkeeper.
She is also an artist and photographer and holds a Master’s degree in Film and Animation.
Caroline loves being outdoors and surrounded by nature. Being on, in, or near water revitalizes her, and she especially enjoys swimming and kayaking. She lives close to the river and enjoys walking and biking along the riverside trails as a way to escape the city bustle. She is thrilled to be able to support the work of Ottawa Riverkeeper and play a role in helping protect the watershed for generations to come.
- 613-321-1120 x 1017
- cgomersall@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Mark Bernards
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Mark has always been captivated by the beauty of the natural world, both aesthetically and in terms of the fascinating complexity of ecosystems.
With an H.B.Sc. in Zoology and M.Sc. in Integrative Biology from the University of Guelph, and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Visual Communications from Fleming College, he is committed to sharing his love of science, animals, and the environment with anyone and everyone, particularly through visual mediums like graphics and photography.
Mark’s favourite watershed activities include taking the (electric) motorized floating dock out on Lac Barnes in Val-des-Monts, and hiking river-side trails with his wife, dog, and camera.
The Ottawa River also holds an extra special place in Mark’s heart, because he proposed to his wife along its banks in Orléans!
- 613-321-1120 x 1014
- mbernards@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Liam Nguyen, PhD
Scientist
Liam has joined the team at Ottawa Riverkeeper as a scientist. He has a background in water resources, particularly in the areas of rainfall, flooding, and the impacts of climate change. His work has involved analyzing climate data to mitigate the effects of extreme rainfall and flooding and ensure communities are better prepared for the consequences of extreme weather events.
Liam holds a Master's in Water Resources Management from the University of South Australia and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from McGill University. He loves travelling to new places and experiencing different cultures. He has a particular interest in soccer.
- 613-321-1120 x 1005
- lnguyen@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Maxime Chaumont-Lessard
Educator
With a college diploma in natural environment techniques and specialized in natural heritage management and interpretation, Maxime has over 10 years' experience in environmental education. Having worked for environmental and conservation organizations such as Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SÉPAQ), Enviro Éduc-Action, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Boucher forest Foundation and the National Capital Commission, he has developed an expertise in raising public awareness on environmental issues.
Having grown up in the Témiscamingue region, and a resident of the National Capital Region for the past 7 years, Maxime has great affection for the watershed in which he grew up and in which he continues his professional life. He is very enthusiastic about helping the Ottawa Riverkeeper team raise awareness of the watershed's richness and fragility. As a keen hiker, you may well come across him on one of the region's many trails.
- 613-321-1120 x 1000
- mchaumont-lessard@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Naomi Davies
Operations Coordinator
In joining Ottawa Riverkeeper, Naomi is excited to combine her professional experience with her passion for the local environment, including its health and preservation.
Falling in love with the Ottawa River and region, Naomi and her family enjoy many activities along the lakes and rivers in the watershed. In particular; kayaking, swimming, SUP and snow-shoeing.
Previously she enjoyed providing high-level administrative support for a dynamic and fast-growing wealth management team in Ottawa.
- 613 321-1120 X 1010
- ndavies@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Elizabeth Grater
Science Programs Coordinator
Throughout her personal and professional life, Elizabeth has been closely connected to river systems. Her position at Ottawa Riverkeeper is no exception. As Science Programs Coordinator, Elizabeth connects community members to the Ottawa River watershed through hands-on citizen science initiatives, education opportunities, and environmental advocacy programs. She hopes that, by getting her community involved with Ottawa Riverkeeper, she can spark inspiration and motivation to help protect and celebrate the beautiful Ottawa River.
Elizabeth holds a BSc in Environmental Science from Florida State University and a MSc in Environmental Science from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. She spent many years working on the St. Lawrence River and is excited to get to know the Ottawa River. When she is not working at River House or in the field, Elizabeth loves long walks in the forest by her house, gardening, creating, and learning more about the ecosystem that she is a part of.
- 613-321-1120 x 1013
- egrater@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Meryem Alami
Donor Stewardship Coordinator (on leave)
Meryem has a background in Finance and has gained experience in both corporate and non-profit environments. For over 8 years, she has been actively engaged with various charities, whether through professional work or volunteering efforts.
Formerly serving as a United Nations Youth representative, Meryem has consistently harbored a deep passion for diverse causes. Among these, the preservation of water bodies and rivers holds a prominent position on her list of priorities.
- 613-321-1120 x 1016
- malami@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Leah Smith
Fundraising & Outreach Coordinator
Leah is thrilled to be continuing with the Ottawa Riverkeeper team as Fundraising & Outreach Coordinator! Coming from Victoria, BC, visiting beaches and exploring hiking trails by the Pacific Ocean has been a favourite pastime of hers, leading her to develop an immense passion for water protection.
She currently holds a Honours BSocSc in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. During her time in school, Leah has had the opportunity to gain experience in philanthropic event planning and fundraising with her student association and is looking forward to sharing the skills she has learned with the team, and making connections with all of the wonderful donors at Ottawa Riverkeeper. Outside of work, you can find Leah enjoying live music events in the community or trying all sorts of crafts!
- 613-321-1120 x 1015
- lsmith@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
Martha Boyd
Donor Stewardship Coordinator
Martha is passionate about building meaningful connections with the people who make change possible. As Donor Stewardship Coordinator, she works to ensure every supporter of Ottawa Riverkeeper feels appreciated, informed, and inspired. With experience in donor engagement, communications, and community outreach, she focuses on creating positive, lasting relationships that reflect the impact of each donor’s contribution.
She holds diplomas in Applied Museum Studies and Travel & Tourism from Algonquin College, where she also had the privilege of teaching in the Museum Studies program. With a background in both cultural and nonprofit work, Martha values collaboration, transparency, and the power of community-driven action. Outside of work, she enjoys bird watching along the Ottawa River, exploring local history, or relaxing with a classic film.
- 613-321-1120 x 1007
- mboyd@ottawariverkeeper.ca
- We would like to thank our many donors and supporters who help fund this position.
