Our
Team.

Freshwater Conservation Canada is a charitable conservation organization whose mission is to conserve, protect, and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and coldwater resources for current and future generations. Our team is comprised of dedicated individuals who are passionate about freshwater conservation and work tirelessly to achieve our mission.

Our Team.

Team Members.

Our team is a passionate group of professionals dedicated to safeguarding Canada's freshwater ecosystems. With a shared commitment to conservation, commuity collaboration, and sustainable practices, we bring together diverse skills and experiences to drive impactful change. Our team works tirelessly to protect and restore our rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Together, we are building a future where clean, healthy water is available for all, now and for generations to come.

Silvia D'Amelio

Chief Executive Officer

Silvia leads the organization’s mission to protect and preserve Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. With over 30 years of leadership experience in environmental conservation and nonprofit management, she is committed to driving innovative solutions to today’s most pressing water issues.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Freshwater Conservation Canada, Silvia leads the organization’s mission to protect and preserve Canada’s freshwater ecosystems. With over 30 years of leadership experience in environmental conservation and nonprofit management, she is committed to driving innovative solutions to today’s most pressing water issues. Silvia holds a B.Sc. in biology and M.Sc. with the Ministry of Natural Resources in fisheries genetics & management and has worked with a variety of stakeholders, from government agencies to grassroots organizations, to promote sustainable water use and conservation practices. Under her stewardship, Freshwater Conservation Canada continues to grow its impact through cutting-edge research, advocacy, and public engagement.

Elizabeth Chiazzese

Financial Controller

Elizabeth serves as the Financial Controller for Freshwater Conservation Canada, overseeing all financial operations and ensuring the responsible management of resources that support the organization’s mission. With a background in accounting and finance, including 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations. Elizabeth holds a finance degree, and has a deep commitment to using financial stewardship to advance freshwater conservation efforts in Canada. her expertise enables Freshwater Conservation Canada to maintain financial health and sustainability while maximizing the impact of donor contributions and funding.

Lesley Peterson

Director of Conservation

Lesley brings nearly 20 years of experience in freshwater conservation and environmental management to their role as Director of Conservation. A passionate advocate for sustainable water resources, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems across Canada.

Lesley brings nearly 20 years of experience in freshwater conservation and environmental management to their role as Director of Conservation at Freshwater Conservation Canada. A passionate advocate for sustainable water resources, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems across Canada. With a background in environmental science, she specializes in developing innovative strategies to balance human needs with ecological health. Under her leadership, Freshwater Conservation Canada continues to advance research, advocacy, and community engagement efforts to ensure clean, healthy waterways for generations to come.

Kate Mairs

Director of Marketing & Communication

Kate leads the strategic marketing and communications efforts at Freshwater Conservation Canada, amplifying the voice of the organization and its mission to protect freshwater ecosystems.

Kate leads the strategic marketing and communications efforts at Freshwater Conservation Canada, amplifying the voice of the organization and its mission to protect freshwater ecosystems. With nearly 15 years of experience in brand management, public relations, and digital marketing, she brings a passion for storytelling and engagement to the role. Kate has a B.Sc. in Marketing & Communications, and a proven track record of driving successful awareness campaigns for nonprofits. Through her leadership, Freshwater Conservation Canada continues to grow its reach, mobilize supporters, and advocate for freshwater conservation across Canada.

Akshaya Av

Database & Membership Coordinator

Akshaya plays a vital role in keeping our community connected and engaged in our mission to protect Canada's freshwater.

Mike McKenzie

Implementation Biologist

As the Implementation Biologist , Mike plays a key role in translating conservation strategies into actionable projects that protect freshwater ecosystems.

David Fields

Partnership Development Manager

David is dedicated to forging impactful collaborations that helps us expand our mission and drive meaningful change in freshwater conservation.

Dana Seymour

Donor Relations & Events Lead

Dana serves as the Donor Relations and Events Lead, where she cultivates meaningful relationships with supporters and oversees the organization’s fundraising events.

Elliot Lindsay

Implementation Biologist

As the Implementation Biologist, Elliot plays a key role in translating conservation strategies into actionable projects that protect freshwater ecosystems.

Angela Ten

Management Biologist

Angela serves as the Management Biologist, overseeing the development and execution of long-term conservation strategies to protect freshwater ecosystems.