Staff and Board of Directors

Marieka Chaplin has worked for over 20 years in the non-profit sector, primarily in NB. She is a biologist, wetland delineator, P. Ag, wife, and mother to three children. She leads a strong team that has partnered with a diversity of collaborators in the region to restore habitats (riparian and floodplain forests; dam removals; addressing fish passage issues). She has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with watershed management and governance at the local and regional levels.

Mariah originates from Darlings Island, NB and has been living in Fredericton since 2016. She completed her undergrad in Aquatic Resources at St.Fx University and a masters in Environmental Management at UNB. Mariah’s previous experience in the environmental field focused on environmental impact assessment, community engagement, and the procurement of renewable energy projects. She is most passionate about habitat restoration, conservation, and getting out in the field. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her dog Moose, gardening, and exploring the outdoors!

Lauren is a native Frederictonian who recently returned home after several years abroad. She graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and is enthusiastic about conservation, aquatic species management and environmental outreach. She loves being outdoors, travelling and spending time with her two young children.

Francie is a passionate environmental educator. She received her Environmental studies degree from the University of Victoria and has almost a decade of experience in environmental education and the non-profit world. She, her husband and son spend their weekends gardening and exploring the natural world. With her passion for ecology and connecting people to nature, she feels she has landed in the perfect place with this NWAI position.

Kate Turner has a background and interest in ecology, conservation, forestry and water policy. She has an M.Sc. and B.Sc. and has worked for a variety of non-profits as well as for the provincial government of Ontario. Kate lives in Hampton, NB with her husband and 4 children, and leads a number of environmental education initiatives in that community.

Ian Smith is a retired Parks NB Program Manager, Grandfather, Outdoor Educator and Outward Bound Canada Instructor. He loves sharing nature with people of all ages and is a passionate lifelong outdoor educator.

Tori Ruigrok is in her final year at UNB Fredericton, studying Environmental and Natural Resources with a major in Water Resource Management and a minor in Marine Biology. In her spare time, she loves hiking, camping and biking. Tori is passionate about all things water-related and loves getting out in the field and getting her hands dirty.