Our Team

Our Staff

Beverly (Bev) Gingras is our Executive Director. Before joining the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Bev worked for Ducks Unlimited Canada as Head of Boreal Conservation Programs where she led their Forest Management And Wetland Stewardship Initiative and developed the Wetland Best Management Practices Program.

With Master’s degree in Environmental Biology and Ecology from the University of Alberta, Bev has served in a variety of roles in the academic, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors where she has managed science-based projects and programs, led multi-stakeholder teams, and provided guidance to government personnel and industry representatives. Bev enjoys camping, gardening and exploring the natural areas of New Brunswick with her husband Chris and two dogs, Rose and Biggie Smalls.

Michelle Pellerin brings a unique blend of business savvy and artistic creativity to the Conservation Council. Originally from Bathurst, Michelle earned her business degree in the late ‘90s and spent over a decade with Bell Aliant in various roles. But her creative spirit led her back to school in the 2010s, where she pursued a ceramics program at the College of Craft and Design in Fredericton after apprenticing with a family member. Now, she’s a seasoned artist who also balances roles as an office manager.

Michelle’s love for numbers, teamwork and hands-on creativity keep her energized. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her family and a host of fur and feathered friends. When she’s not busy, you can find her soaking in the tranquillity of the St. John River, either fishing or eagle-watching from her boat.

Matt Abbott has been with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick since 2010, and is the Marine Program Director and Fundy Baykeeper. Matt works out of the Conservation Council’s marine conservation office in St. Andrews. Matt works to find practical and creative solutions to the complex environmental challenges facing New Brunswick’s coastal ecosystems and communities.

These challenges all occur in the context of climate change and range from industrial pollution to depletion of marine species and inadequate environmental laws (or insufficient enforcement of existing laws). Solutions range from advocacy campaigns to policy engagement to direct restoration efforts. Matt welcomes pollution reports by email.

Moe Qureshi is a renewable energy expert, scientist, and active conservationist who has worked with environmental non-profits and NGOs for over a decade. He has sat on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council for Environment Canada and is currently a Board Member for Ontario Nature. Specializing his Chemistry PhD in renewable energy, he is passionate about converting the energy sector to a net-zero carbon economy. In his spare time, Moe enjoys road trips, hiking, and spending time in the great outdoors.

Danielle Smith is the Conservation Council’s Director of Educations and Engagement. She has a Master of Science in Forestry with a focus on Ecology and Wildlife Management. Danielle has over 15 years of experience in the Educational and Environmental Sectors. She was responsible for the creation, development and direction of the UNB Sustainability office.

Danielle is also a professional environmentally engaged fiber artist. She uses art as a mechanism to engage communities in conversations around the impacts of climate change to create a sense of wonder and to urge people to connect with their communities and the natural world. Danielle lives in New Maryland with husband Mark and her dog.

Corey Robichaud is the Conservation Council’s Director of Communications. A New Brunswick local, Corey is a graduate of St. Thomas University’s Communications and Journalism program and an alumni of the Katimavik youth volunteer program. Corey lives in Fredericton where he’s worked at the the Conservation Council since 2016.

Kyle Reid is the Conservation Council’s Communications Officer. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Kyle is a Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic graduate. He has worked as a local journalist in three provinces, most recently in Prince Edward Island.

Kyle is passionate about highlighting the harmful local effects of climate change. Through his work, he wants to call attention to the unique environmental challenges and opportunities faced by the province of New Brunswick.

Faith Mambo is the Conservation Council’s Energy and Climate Change Coordinator. A dedicated advocate for environmental sustainability, Faith graduated from the University of New Brunswick with first-class honours in the fields of political science and environmental studies.

Her commitment to the environment drives her to actively contribute to conservation efforts. Faith is passionate about raising awareness of environmental issues, fostering community engagement and driving positive change.

She also volunteers for Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Canadian Red Cross. Faith finds joy in outdoor activities like hiking and tubing in her leisure time and embraces the opportunity to explore different cultures through travel.

Erinn Sharpe is the Engagement Coordinator at CCNB. Raised on the Fundy coast, Erinn has an immense connection to the freshwater and saltwater ecosystems that make up New Brunswick. A BAA graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Erinn’s educational focus was on environmental intersectionality and how media plays a major role in how New Brunswickers are informed about their local ecosystems.

Their previous work with Ocean Wise Conservation Association, connected them with fantastic facilitators across Canada and worked with youth to foster a sense of reciprocity with the land they call home. Having programmed throughout the Wabanakik region, Erinn brings a collective approach to environmentalism with a strong respect for traditional knowledge. A lifelong learner, Erinn is always eager to connect through shared and differential experiences on this land.

An avid queer outdoors person and gardener, in the summer they can often be found birding, biking trails or kayaking through New Brunswick various waterways. Winter is spent cross country and downhill skiing.”

Annie Furman is our Education Coordinator. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Performance and Sustainability. Originally from Upstate New York, Annie has worked in Environmental and Outdoor Education throughout Canada and the United States. She is passionate about building community resilience through creative, place-based engagements.

Annie is also a professional climate artist. Her work has been performed internationally through Climate Change Theatre Action, and she is a published author whose poems and short stories tackle climate anxiety, multispecies narratives, and just energy transitions. She enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.

Von Escueta is our Social Media Coordinator. Originally from the Philippines, Von moved to Fredericton in 2019 and brings a diverse professional background spanning retail sales, food and beverage, hospitality and marketing. He holds a Business Administration degree from STI College, a diploma in Digital Marketing from Eastern College, and recently completed a post-graduate certificate in IT Business Analysis at New Brunswick Community College.

Von is passionate about building community through storytelling and outreach, and in his free time, you’ll likely find him fishing, hiking or backcountry camping across New Brunswick.

Nadeesha Niroshani is our Assistant Education Coordinator. She supports the development and delivery of environmental education initiatives that foster climate awareness, ecological literacy, and community engagement across the province.

With a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences and Management and a Master of Environmental Management from the University of New Brunswick, Nadeesha brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and hands-on experience to her role. Her background spans sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and public outreach in Sri Lanka and Canada.

Nadeesha has worked as an environmental technician with the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, where she led tree planting initiatives under the 2 Billion Trees program, conducted river habitat assessments and habitat restoration and facilitated community education on sustainable practices and climate change. She also served as a research assistant at Sabaragamuwa University, leading plant science and climate change impact-related research and contributed to a patented organic fertilizer formulation to promote organic/ sustainable farming. She is passionate about making science accessible and empowering youth and communities to take meaningful action for the environment.

Islay Hayward is an Education and Engagement intern at the Conservation Council. She is entering her third year of Environmental Management at the University of New Brunswick, specializing in Wildlife Conservation. As the president of the Wetlands Conservation Society of New Brunswick, Islay is passionate about wetland restoration and biodiversity. She is also the incoming president of the Forestry and Environmental Management Undergraduate Society at the University of New Brunswick.

Outside the office, you can often find Islay hiking, hammocking or sustainably collecting species for her herbaria with her friends. Islay is excited about working and learning in her role at Conservation Council, particularly with the Learning Outside program.

Naveenan Manoharan is an Education and Engagement Intern at the Conservation Council, where he helps with environmental education and community outreach. He is currently studying for a Master’s degree in environmental management at the University of New Brunswick.

Naveenan is originally from Sri Lanka and has a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Resources Technology. He has a background in environmental conservation, sustainable fish farming, and public education. He has worked in both education and natural resources, creating and delivering environmental programs for people of all ages. His teaching and outreach efforts have focused on sustainable freshwater and marine aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem conservation. During his undergraduate studies, he researched how human-caused stress affects seagrass in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean.

Naveenan is passionate about encouraging conversations on climate and environmental issues, especially with youth and newcomer communities.

Autumn Downey is the Climate Change Coordinator at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick. As a New Brunswick local, she completed her Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry at UNB and is committed to building a sustainable future.

Autumn is actively engaged in the Canadian Conservation Corps program, where she gained Project Wild Instructor and Basic Archery Instructor credentials and certification in Wilderness/Remote Location First Aid.

Nadine Ives is our Learning Outside Project Director. Nadine has a PhD in hardwood tree ecology and has been involved in nature education in various forms for over 24 years (from school visits and nature walks to writing for the general public and facilitating workshops to university teaching). She is a member of the Sustainability Education Alliance of NB (SEA-NB) and the NB Biodiversity Collaborative. Sharing her love and appreciation for the natural world has long been a part of everything Nadine does. She greatly enjoys being able to help children and their teachers explore and learn about the natural world.

Interested in learning more?

Learn more about what we do

Our Team

Our Staff

Beverly (Bev) Gingras

Michelle Pellerin

Matt Abbott

Moe Qureshi

Danielle Smith

Corey Robichaud

Kyle Reid

Faith Mambo

Erinn Sharpe

Annie Furman

Von Escueta

Nadeesha Niroshani

Islay Hayward

Naveenan Manoharan

Autumn Downey

Nadine Ives

Conservation Council of New Brunswick

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