Our Team
Our team is made up of clean energy leaders and talented program facilitators. ICE programs are managed collaboratively through the guidance and direction of the ICE Board and Advisory Council.
If you’re interested in joining our team to help us achieve greater impact, please check our ‘Careers‘ page. We’re always on the lookout for passionate people!
Our Team
Name
Abhijit Dhanda (he/him)
Position/Title
20/20 Catalysts Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Abhu
Description
Abhu has a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability and a Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering from Carleton University. His master’s focused on the 3D documentation of heritage places and artifacts. Abhu has taught students from various backgrounds and levels of education. He has delivered cultural heritage workshops locally and internationally, including in Myanmar, Georgia, Korea, and Spain. Abhu is passionate about sustainability and viewing things from a lifecycle perspective. When he’s not at work, you can find him behind a camera, in the garden, or fermenting bubbly concoctions in the kitchen.
Name
Alexandra Thomson (she/her)
Position/Title
Youth Mentorship Program Manager
Location
Calgary, AB, traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region
Email Alexandra
Description
Alexandra is a Nakoda woman mixed with French ancestry, belonging to Carry the Kettle (Cega’kin) First Nation, Treaty 4 Territory. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Alexandra strives to apply her education and Indigenous background to solve issues impacting Indigenous communities related to energy, infrastructure, sustainability, and socioeconomics. She aims to empower Indigenous communities to establish sovereignty through community-based project work and capacity-building initiatives. Alexandra is passionate about Indigenous women and youth in STEM, as she believes Indigenous knowledge can contribute to an evolving holistic framework in the field that will provide meaningful, long-lasting solutions for Indigenous communities. Alexandra’s hobbies include singing and song writing in the genre of R&B, travelling (when possible) and exploring the outdoors, fitness and yoga, photography and fashion, attempting to cook new recipes, and reading poetry or books by Indigenous authors to nurture cultural connectiveness.
Name
Bonnie Van Tassel (she/her)
Position/Title
ICE Mentorship Program Manager, ICE Resources Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Bonnie
Description
Bonnie is an alumna of Carleton University in Ottawa. Her career is built around energy, from renewable energy project development to clean energy community engagement. At ICE, Bonnie provides comprehensive wrap-around support and resources to current and prospective program participants. Bonnie was a contributing author of the Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit, a project led by Gwitch’in Council International for the Arctic Council. Since then, she has continued to work with northern communities and now acts as a mentor for NRCan’s Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative. She is passionate about collaborating and finding team solutions based on community values and visions. When she’s not working, Bonnie can be found in her verdant garden, in the saddle, or making art with her children.
Name
Brigette DePape (she/her)
Position/Title
Manager of Grants and Contributions
Location
Winnipeg, MB, traditional territories of the Treaty 1 peoples; Anishinaabeg, Cree, Métis, Dakota, Dene, and Oji-Cree Nations
Email Brigette
Description
Brigette has a Master’s degree in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University. She was a Social Innovation Fellow at Carleton, where she conducted research on impact investing at Canadian foundations. She was also named a Young Impact Leader by Future of Good for helping to develop a youth-led Truth and Reconciliation program and a COVID-19 granting program at The Winnipeg Foundation. Brigette is passionate about Indigenous and gender inclusion in climate solutions. Outside of work, her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, cross-country skiing, playing basketball, bike riding, reading, and creative writing.
Name
Chris Henderson (he/him)
Position/Title
Executive Director
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Chris
Description
Chris Henderson is a Canadian clean energy thought leader and eco-entrepreneur. For 35 years, he has been at the forefront of ground-breaking enterprises and social and ecological initiatives with large-scale Canadian and global impact. Chris is a trusted commentator on sustainable development issues that respect the planet and generate enduring outcomes for communities. His first professional focus is advising and equipping Indigenous Nations and Peoples with means to develop and own clean energy projects, catalyzing social and economic development opportunities that combat climate change. Secondly, he aims to provide strategic advice on accelerating energy transition to a low-carbon, abundant energy future. Chris’ first book Aboriginal Power was published in 2013. Outside of ICE, Chris is the Lumos Energy President, Delphi Group Co-Founder and Globe Series Board Chair. When he’s not working, Chris enjoys paddling a canoe on Canada’s lakes and rivers.
Name
Corey Cote-Diabo (he/him)
Position/Title
Bringing It Home Program Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Corey
Description
Corey is a proud member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. At ICE, he works to grow Indigenous energy efficiency capacity to improve housing and quality of life in communities across Canada through the Bringing It Home initiative. Passionate about the health and success of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, Corey strives to support ICE initiatives which aim to help Indigenous communities lead the way to a cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally-friendly future. When he’s not working, you can find him enjoying outdoor activities in his community such as camping, fishing, hunting or golfing.
Name
Emily Hutchinson (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Co-Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Emily
Description
Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology with a Minor in Mental Health, Addiction and Society from McMaster University. In her role at ICE, Emily develops and coordinates program materials, delivery, logistics, and outreach for Generation Power. Before joining ICE, Emily led a homelessness prevention program at an Indigenous cultural centre, working with youth and families to deliver culturally-grounded life skills sessions. She is passionate about utilizing interdisciplinary perspectives to support equitable community growth and challenge systemic barriers. In her free time, you can find Emily tending to her houseplants, learning world geography, or scoping out furniture at the thrift store.
Name
Eryn Stewart (she/her)
Position/Title
Managing Director
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Eryn
Description
Eryn developed and currently leads ICE’s keystone initiative: 20/20 Catalysts Program, Canada’s first and highly successful Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program. In five years, it has supported over 100 Indigenous clean energy champions. Currently, much of Eryn’s work focuses on clean energy in northern communities, supporting community energy planning and energy education initiatives. In 2017, Eryn was one of 20 emerging leaders selected by the Arctic Council to take part in the Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy. She was honoured with distinction as a 30 under 30 in Sustainability in 2018 and was awarded the University of Waterloo’s Young Alumni Inspiration Award in 2020. Eryn recently published Arctic Community Energy Planning and Implementation Toolkit in partnership with Gwich’in Council International for communities across the circumpolar Arctic. She is passionate about women leadership in the clean energy sector, specifically Indigenous women. When she is not working, Eryn enjoys scuba diving, basketball, spending time with loved ones and boardgames.
Name
Freddie Campbell (she/her)
Position/Title
Global Hub Program Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Freddie
Description
Freddie is a proud Michif woman originally from the Ktunaxa Kinbasket territory, colonially known as Kimberley, BC. Her Métis family name is from the community of Lac La Biche, AB. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from the University of Mary (US) and a Master’s of Science in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding from Durham University (UK). As manager of ICE’s Global Hub programming, Freddie seeks to share, collaborate and act on unique, just and sustainable projects that encompass the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Sustainable Development Goals. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous and community-led approaches to clean energy globally. She strives to bring her teachings, perspectives and truths to her work and ground in communities and the collective. Outside of work, Freddie finds solace in beadwork, wood carving, poetry, photography, sports and new experiences.
Name
Ian Scholten (he/him)
Position/Title
Program Director
Location
Canmore, AB, Treaty 7 territory under the shadow of Ehagay Nakoda
Email Ian
Description
Ian holds a Bachelor of Knowledge Integration from the University of Waterloo. Throughout his work, he has engaged in opportunities related to energy efficiency and electric vehicles. At ICE, he oversees the Bringing It Home and Charge Up programs. Ian is also proud to have been a part of the growth of the strong network of Indigenous clean energy leaders that have come through ICE’s 20/20 Catalyst program, who support communities in developing net-zero energy housing and pathways to major retrofit projects. He is passionate about engaging communities in important discussions about their energy futures and helping make those visions a reality. When he’s not at work, you can find Ian out on the trails enjoying nature with his partner Mel, making sawdust as a budding woodworker, or dreaming up a home DIY project.
Name
Jessica Tait (she/her)
Position/Title
ICE Mentorship Logistics Coordinator
Location
Mississauga, ON, traditional territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations
Email Jessica
Description
Jessica is a member of the Nisga’a Nation from Gitlaxt’aamiks, colonially known as British Columbia. She has a formal education from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and an Honours Bachelor of Science Double Major in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Most recently, she received a Workshop Facilitator Certificate from the Anti-oppression consulting firm Bakau Consulting. In her role as Mentorship Logistics Coordinator, she brings a deep devotion to integrity, professionalism, creative problem-solving and a focus on equity. Jessica understands the importance of the work ICE is doing to create opportunities that align with ancestral values, embrace cultural identities, and create new pathways forward. Jessica is passionate about the power of narrative, art, colour, life, and interconnectedness. Her greatest accomplishment is her devotion as a mother and a daughter.
Name
Justice Morningstar(she/her)
Position/Title
20/20 Catalyst Program Manager
Location
Ottawa, ON, traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation
Email Justice
Description
Justice is Ojibway from Ketegaunseebee (Garden River) First Nation. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Law from the University of Ottawa. Justice previously worked on healing and reconciliation programs for Indian Residential School Survivors and First Nations communities across Canada. She has a strong passion for advancing the socio-economic status of Indigenous people in Canada and hopes to use her education and previous work experience to make an impact on the futures of Indigenous people in Canada. In her free time, Justice enjoys spending time with her family, friends and community members.
Name
Justin Pelan (he/him)
Position/Title
ImaGENation Program Coordinator
Location
The traditional and unceded territory of the sqilxʷ/syilx (Okanagan) Peoples.
Email Justin
Description
Justin is a multidisciplinary educator, skilled carpenter, and mechanic that is passionate about science, climate justice, and youth empowerment. Justin grew up in Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton, AB) and currently resides on the traditional and unceded territory of the sqilxʷ/syilx (okanagan) peoples. He is interested in the clean energy transition through sustainable development that is informed by both Indigenous knowledge systems and western science. With a background in Education from the University of Saskatchewan focused on science and social studies, Justin aims to support youth towards their vision of a clean energy future by building strong relationships and empowering them with learning resources that are aligned with cultural values. His hobbies include building science, fine woodworking, producing music, photography, and troubleshooting machines and electronics for friends and family.
Name
Kayla Nolan (she/her)
Position/Title
Generation Power Program Coordinator
Location
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, the traditional territory of Baawaating
Email Kayla
Description
Kayla is Ojibwe from Obaadjiwan (Batchewana First Nation), residing on the traditional territory of Baawaating. She holds a Diploma in Practical Nursing and is registered with the College of Nurses in Ontario. In her experiences as a nurse, she spent many years volunteering as well as working in indigenous communities on health promotion that created meaningful connections and experiences that shaped who she is as a professional today. She is a Hospice Nurse in a now casual capacity, and took a leap in a new direction in her career to work at ICE. Kayla is passionate about participating in the movement towards change in the clean energy sector, as well as using her previous experiences to promote conversations around health and how clean energy impacts our wellbeing. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and family, as well as with her golden retriever, Hunnie.
Name
Kayla Fayant (she/her)
Position/Title
Energy Advisor Manager
Location
Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, AB, Treaty 6 territory
Email Kayla
Description
Kayla is a Métis woman from the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, which is a Bringing it Home Guide Community. Before joining ICE, she worked to help bring clean energy programs into her home Settlement as well as working in Employment, Education and Community Services. This experience ignited an interest in clean energy and building capacity in Indigenous communities, which made joining ICE to manage the Energy Advisor training program an obvious choice. She is excited to grow the new program, see more Indigenous people join the industry, and create that capacity for Indigenous communities to participate in energy audits and eventually retrofits to create healthier and safer communities. While she has many interests, Kayla can usually be found either camping, spending time with her family or in her craft room.
Name
Larissa Diamantopoulos (she/her)
Position/Title
Bringing It Home Program Coordinator
Location
Ottawa, ON, unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory
Email Larissa
Description
Larissa (She/Her) is the Bringing It Home Program Coordinator. She currently resides on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. Larissa received her degree in Environmental Studies from Carleton University, where she developed her passion for regenerative design, renewable energy, and community planning. With professional experience providing capacity-building support and working with many environmental non-profits in her region, she has always admired ICE’s work and leadership in the sector.She continues to play a key role in supporting the employment of young professionals across Canada in the environmental sector through her role as Vice-Chair with Eco-Internships. Outside of work, she is always looking for new music and recipes and enjoys a variety of activities including camping, paddleboarding, yoga, and snowboarding.
Name
Laura Cran (she/her)
Position/Title
Operations Manager
Location
Hamilton, ON, traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas
Email Laura
Description
Laura Cran holds a Diploma in Commerce and Marketing from Humber College. As Operations Manager at ICE, Laura provides backend support to programs and the organization, while building policies and procedures to improve the operations at ICE. Laura is passionate about moving towards a clean energy future and understands the importance of centering Indigenous voices in that process. When she is not working, Laura enjoys traveling, playing board games, and crafting.
Name
Lina Forero (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Manager
Location
Montreal, QC, traditional territory of the Mohawk peoples
Email Lina
Description
Lina holds a Bachelor or Arts in Communication Studies and Journalism from Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) and a graduate diploma in Visual Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal. Prior to her role as Communications Manager at ICE, she worked in TV production, print, digital media, and community radio. In 2019, Lina was a recipient of the CBC Joan Donaldson Scholarship. She is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of Indigenous people transitioning to a greener future and raising awareness about clean energy initiatives and community projects. Outside of work, Lina enjoys being with her family, reading memoirs and cooking recipes from other nations.
Name
Luke Winspear (he/him)
Position/Title
Partnerships Intern
Location
London, ON, traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron Peoples
Email Luke
Description
Luke is in his third year at the University of Waterloo in the Faculty of Environment and working towards his bachelor’s in urban planning. Luke has worked previously at Atlohsa Family Healing Centre, an Indigenous run non-profit organization, and as a research assistant working on a Carbon Capture Sequestration and Storage (CCUS) project. His passions involve increasing affordable and safe housing across Canada, with plans to use his degree to work on affordable housing projects in the public sector. Through his role as the partnerships intern, he is eager to learn from others experience and knowledge, and excited to be part of the process of helping partners achieve their goals and creating impactful projects for their communities. Outside of Luke’s work he enjoys watching soccer and taking care of his houseplants.
Name
Nazia (Naz) Khan (she/her)
Position/Title
Administration Coordinator
Location
Calgary, AB, traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region
Email Nazia
Description
Naz holds a Business Administration degree from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she made the dean’s honor roll. She specialized in human resources management and has a unique perspective from working with First Nations in the past. Before joining the ICE team in 2022, Naz spent more than five years at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, where she supported Indigenous community relations. When Naz isn’t hard at work, she enjoys powerlifting, watching documentaries, and listening to audiobooks, all while honouring her Fijian roots through her lifestyle.
Name
Nicole Pham-Quan (she/her)
Position/Title
IODI and ICE Mentorship Program Coordinator
Location
Toronto, ON, traditional territories of the Wendat, Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Métis, and Mississaugas of the Credit
Email Nicole
Description
Nicole is currently obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, where she is focusing on sustainable community development and inclusive environmental decision-making. She also writes environmental articles for EnvironBuzz and the Faculty of Environment’s online publication, the Radicle. Her academic and professional goals are aimed at the promotion of food sovereignty, urban equity, and environmental justice. At ICE, Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to learn from team members and assist with community-led renewable energy projects that foster Indigenous self-determination and sustainable development. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, and swimming.
Name
Ricky-Lee Watts (he/him)
Position/Title
Youth Programs Manager
Location
Port Alberni, BC, traditional territory of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations
Email Ricky-Lee
Description
Ricky-Lee Watts is a proud Nuučaańuł man who bears teachings from his Elders and an array of life experiences from his travels. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. As Youth Programs Manager at ICE, Ricky-Lee leads the delivery of Generation Power through goal-setting, strategic planning, relationship-building, and maximizing potential for capacity building. Ricky-Lee also serves on Council with his community (Hupačasath First Nation) as a motivational speaker for Indigenous youth and role model with SuperNaturals Modelling. Ricky-Lee brings forth passion, love, and dedication to inspiring Indigenous youth and moving towards a more equitable and sustainable future. He upholds values of ʔiisaak and hišukʔiš c̓awaak—respect for all creation having a common origin, and that everything is one. When he is not working, Ricky-Lee enjoys yoga, time in nature, and being creative.
Name
Sonia Leo (she/her)
Position/Title
Manager of Grants and Contributions
Location
Líl̓wat Nation
Email Sonia
Description
Sonia Leo is a proud Lil̓wat7úl member of the Líl̓wat Nation, an Interior Salish community. For over ten years, Sonia has worked to serve the Indigenous community in various capacities and industries ranging from television to non-profit organizations. Harnessing her skills, energy, and enthusiasm to empower Indigenous people and help them shine is the bedrock of everything she does, both professionally and personally. As ICE’s Grants and Contributions Manager Sonia envisions making a valuable contribution to the organization with her administrative, writing, and research experience. Recently, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in International Tourism Management, with a focus on sustainability, and conducted research on the importance of cultural sustainability for Indigenous empowerment and self-determination. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the importance of building trust and bridging silos with Indigenous people for community engagement, first-hand knowledge she brings to ICE. Through her ICE role, Sonia aspires to make a positive impact in partnerships as Indigenous communities strive to achieve meaningful inclusion in Canada’s clean energy future. A passionate believer in balancing the mind, body, and spirit, in her free time Sonia practices meditating, strength-training, and yoga.
Name
Sydney Vandale (she/her)
Position/Title
Communications Manager
Location
Calgary, AB, traditional territories of the peoples of the Treaty 7 region
Email Sydney
Description
Sydney is a proud Métis woman who holds a degree in Communication Studies from Capilano University in British Columbia. Through her work at ICE, she collaborates and engages with Indigenous communities across Canada by providing support in the development and timely delivery of initiatives that support ICE’s communications and online platform, the ICE Network. Sydney is passionate about moving towards a more sustainable energy future and she believes that youth play an important role in leading us to this goal. When she is not working, Sydney enjoys snowshoeing, spending time with her two dogs and playing board games with her family.
Name
Terri Lynn Morrison (she/her)
Position/Title
Associate Executive Director
Location
Listuguj, QC, Mi’gmaq First Nations territory
Email Terri Lynn
Description
Terri Lynn is a proud First Nations Mi’gmaq woman from Listuguj, in the province of Quebec. As the Associate Executive Director of ICE, her work focuses on increasing Indigenous engagement and outreach for ICE and its programs, and advancing Indigenous inclusion in Canada’s clean energy economy. Her clean energy journey began in 2014, when she became the Project Director for a 150MW Wind Farm that was owned and developed with three Mi’gmaq communities and their partner, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. from Longueuil, Quebec. This project received the Excellence in Human Resources Award from the Quebec Wind Industry, with Terri Lynn recognized as the Rising Star for her contribution in fostering social acceptability for the project. As a mother, grandmother and auntie, Terri Lynn enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with her family in her free time.