Originally from the Lower Mainland, Alaina moved to Victoria to pursue a degree at the University of Victoria. In 2018, she started her journey with GWAS as a Restoration Technician on a summer co-op term, after discovering the delights of the Gorge she knew she couldn't leave the organization. Alaina stayed on as a volunteer and then board member after graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Biology in 2019. Alaina has had many roles at GWAS, including Volunteer Coordinator, Vice-President and now sits as President and Human Resource Manager on the Board. When not working or volunteering, Alaina enjoys baking, hiking and hosting tidepool schools for anyone who will listen (usually her unsuspecting friends).

Eva has a Masters of Science in Environmental Practice and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology (Archaeology). She works in the environmental sector, primarily focusing on conservation, policy and environmental emergency planning. Eva completed her Masters Practicum with GWAS in 2023 before joining the Board in 2024. For her Practicum, Eva developed and implemented the Amphibian Monitoring Program in Esquimalt Gorge Park. Eva has a keen interest in understanding the relationship between amphibians and their breeding and terrestrial habitats.

Matthew has a Bachelor of Science in Biology specializing in plant science from the University of Victoria (but a Douglas College alum as well). Matt started in the Biology role in June 2022, and started on the board of directors as a Biology Advisor and Treasurer later that year. He is a Certified Associate in Project Management and is currently daylighting as a project manager supporting the reforestation of wildfire impacted areas in BC.

Jameson joined GWAS in 2019, worked as a Biologist in 2020, and then as the Biology Coordinator for the Youth Community Partnership Program in 2021 while working toward a Restoration of Natural System Diploma at UVic and his RP Bio designation. Jameson holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University (PA, USA), a Masters of Science in Invertebrate Zoology from Duke University (NC, USA), and is working on his PhD at the University of Victoria. His research specializes on the evolutionary ecology of deep sea arthropods and the evolutionary physiology of insect metamorphosis and pattern development. Jameson was instrumental in the establishment of GWAS’ Biology Program and continues to advise the program.

Taylor joined GWAS in 2021 as a Biologist in the Youth Community Partnership Program where she assisted in water quality monitoring in the Gorge Creek and conducted beach seines to identify aquatic species that reside in the Gorge Waterway. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Masters in Environment and Sustainability both from Western University (London, ON), where she is originally from before moving to the Island in 2019. Her research specialised in creating pollinator gardens for seed cultivation, pesticide impacts on bumble bee abundance and wastewater effluents impact on stream metabolism. Taylor has worked as a wildlife biologist for private consults conducting field work related to birds, amphibians, bears and snails, and has done extensive work in pollinator restoration within Greater Victoria.

Erin started with GWAS as a Nature Interpreter in 2021 while pursuing adventure tourism at Westcoast Adventure College. She currently works as the Program Manager for a social impact incubator at the University of Waterloo and supports the delivery of several programs, including the City of Kitchener's Youth Climate Action Fund and Pivot Green's Canadian Youth Climate Action Award. She loves spending time exploring Ontario's lakes, but hopes to be back poking around in tidal pools on the West Coast soon!

Caitlin joined GWAS in 2020, and has since worked two summers as a Nature Interpreter, helped supervise the Youth Community Partnership Program, and now sits on the Board of Directors. Caitlin’s passion for marine stewardship and education has influenced many of GWAS’ programs during her time with the organization. Caitlin has a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology with a minor in Ocean Sciences from the University of Victoria. In her spare time, Caitlin loves being outdoors and exploring the amazing ecosystems around Vancouver Island.

Brittany joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and brings her experience in environmental education, volunteer coordination, and nonprofit management to the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science from UVic and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from University Washington. Brittany currently works as the Development and Education Manager for a nonprofit focused on salmon recovery and is excited to bring a fresh perspective to GWAS’s outreach programming.

Nicole completed her Masters in Geography from the University of Calgary, where her research focused on volunteers in environmental organizations. Nicole also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto in Environmental Management. In addition to her many years on GWAS’ Board of Directors, Nicole has volunteered with the World Fisheries Trust, the Toronto Humane Society, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and with a number of NGOs in Tanzania in both the environmental conservation and community development space.

Deb joined GWAS as a volunteer in 2024, supporting Nature House programming and habitat restoration. She holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University. Her graduate research focused on developing curriculum that fosters empathy with nature and strengthens ecological identity through place-based learning. With over ten years of experience in environmental education and communications, Deb has worked across strategy, governance, and program delivery, including serving as Executive Director of a land trust. She enjoys birding and native plant gardening, and has lived near and regularly visited the Gorge Waterway for more than twenty years.