Our Team

As Riverkeeper Elizabeth (Algonquin/Irish) works as a strong advocate for a healthy watershed for generations to come, as well as providing a voice for its entire ecosystem.
Elizabeth has close to 20 years experience within the federal government and her community, working on partnerships and community development which bring together federal, provincial and Indigenous collaborators toward common goals linked to sustainable development.
Her favourite water activities are canoeing, swimming and collecting rocks along the shoreline of the Tenagàdinozìbi (Gatineau) river, McGregor Lake in Val-des-Monts, as well as other rivers, lakes and streams!
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As the Executive Director, Patrick is responsible for leading the team and managing the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
Patrick holds a B.Sc in Biology from the University of Ottawa as a Loran Scholar and a M.Sc. in Forest Science from the University of British Columbia. Patrick has prior experience with working on provincial, national, and international environmental files while serving as an Executive Director for CPAWS Quebec.
His favourite river activities are paddling along the Dumoine River and swimming.
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Chloe is passionate about inspiring donors to be more engaged with the causes they believe in and works to steward Ottawa Riverkeeper supporters so they feel closely connected to the projects we do and can see the impact of their gifts.
She holds a B.A. from Concordia University in History and has worked in fundraising for over a decade. Chloe enjoys lazy, sunny beach days on the Ottawa River with her kids. Playing and swimming in the water and occasionally scuba diving and checking out old wrecks in the St. Lawrence River.
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Larissa investigates the numerous issues facing our watershed and oversees our community-based water monitoring initiatives. She works with Riverwatchers throughout the Ottawa River watershed, learning first-hand from the people invested in caring for this river and finding ways to support their efforts.
Larissa has a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Concordia and a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University. She has worked with communities to advocate for renaturalisation projects along urban waterways and has encouraged the adoption of practices that protect freshwater lakes and rivers. Larissa's favourite river activity is to explore the tributaries and see how these smaller streams have shaped the land around them.
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Bringing together Conservation Authorities, Organismes de bassin versant, First Nations, municipalities, river trip outfitters, research institutes, and other groups of river enthusiasts from across our watershed is essential to ensuring the responsible management and healthy future of the Ottawa River. MJ's role is to facilitate collaboration among these stakeholders as they share information and tackle the challenges facing our watershed.
MJ has many years of experience leading collaborative initiatives and managing strategic communications both in the humanitarian sector and in federal departments. She has also lived and worked in Chicago (U.S.), Manchester (UK), and Freetown (Sierra Leone). She holds a master in Journalism from Carleton University and a Certificate in Project Leadership from Cornell University. MJ's favourite water activities are touring and racing on her paddleboard.
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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.
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Katie is responsible for planning and managing Ottawa Riverkeeper's events, which raise essential funds and help bring the Ottawa River into the community spotlight. She also coordinates Ottawa Riverkeeper's fantastic team of volunteers whose collective efforts and skills help make Ottawa Riverkeeper's work possible.
With a B.A. in Rhetoric and Professional Writing and a Graduate Certificate in event management, Katie is committed to bringing people and communities together in support and celebration of the River.
Katie loves being on the water, from whitewater canoeing to a good old lazy river float, and has rarely met a body of water she won't jump into.
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Matthew loves to engage with the public about environmental issues and the science surrounding them. As Digital Communications Coordinator, he gets to connect with the online community and spread information about Ottawa Riverkeeper’s mission and activities.
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.
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Caroline has a passion for all wildlife and is motivated to protect the river and all that lives within it! As the Biologist at Ottawa Riverkeeper she will be working on our American eel initiative, building up our Citizen Science Hub, and helping to keep an eye on the health of the river.
Caroline holds a B.Sc.H in Environmental Science from Queen’s University and has prior experience working with stakeholders on various initiatives along the St. Lawrence River as well as running environmental education programs for elementary and high school students. She also has several years experience in the private sector performing environmental monitoring and remediation. Caroline is game for any activity on the water, especially kayaking, and has even tried Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga!
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As Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Youth Leadership Coordinator, Katy is passionate about working with the next generation of Water Leaders, teaching them about the Ottawa River watershed and how to engage their local communities in water protection.
Katy holds a B.Sc.H in Biology from the University of Waterloo and an M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Ottawa. Her research has focused on the production of harmful algal blooms in Canadian freshwaters. Katy also has experience in the private sector where she worked as an environmental consultant and risk assessor.
Katy loves all activities around the water, be it canoeing or kayaking, exploring the natural flora and fauna, or just relaxing by the shore.
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Sharmila is responsible for administrative duties and organizational support. She is passionate about being engaged in issues relating to our watershed.
She has a background in strategies for protecting freshwater resources and intergenerational equity in water. She has a Masters in Law from the University of Ottawa with special focus on Environment and Sustainability Law. She has several years of experience in the private sector as a compliance advisor and legal consultant. She has also worked in teaching faculties at various law and management schools in India.
Sharmila enjoys swimming, canoeing and spending days at the beach with her family along the Ottawa River.
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