OuR Team
Staff
Mark Maftei
Mark has a lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors. Growing up, he divided his time between paddling the lakes and rivers of northern Ontario and his studies at the University of Toronto. Mark has worked for a number of universities and government agencies in both Canada and the US. Before joining the RES, he worked for Environment Canada studying colonial seabirds along the BC coast. Mark’s passion for birds has taken him around the globe, but he but always eagerly looks forward to returning back home to the coast.
Tam Belliveau
Hailing from the South Island, Tam’s appreciation for the local flora and fauna began early. Tam witnessed the annual salmon runs in Goldstream National Park and spent their weekends overlooking the Salish Sea. Moving from Victoria to Tofino in the fall of 2014, the decision to stay and keep coming back was hugely influenced by the unique terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems found in both Clayoquot and Barkley Sound. This fascination was only overshadowed by the rich and profound history here. Tam’s goal in life is to never stop learning.
Sarah Timberlake
Sarah has joined the RES staff after being an active board member for more than 10 years. Tofino has been home for over 30 years and she loves living here! Her education background is art-related – fine art, art history and digital graphics and has applied these skills in various tourism related jobs in & around Tofino. Sarah spends time walking and hiking with her dog Champ, loves kayaking, gardening, and camping…spending time outside in this amazing place we live, Clayoquot Sound.
Derek Zandvliet
Derek grew up on Bowen Island, with a childhood full of climbing trees, clamoring on rocks, and crouching over tidepools. Biology became a focal point in his life and in post-secondary he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Along the way Derek realized the importance of science communication and he obtained a Bachelor of Education with a minor in Environmental Education. Derek is excited to join the Raincoast team and inspire youth to engage their senses and curiosity outside.
Molly Johnston
Molly grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Summer camps on the coast—and later working as a camp leader—helped shape her passion for the outdoors and for outdoor leadership and education. After traveling internationally, she returned to the West Coast to complete a degree in Communications. She is especially passionate about working with children and creating meaningful, place-based learning experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring tide pools, cooking, and trying new crafty projects.
Samantha Brunt
Sam grew up on a small farm in the Gulf Islands which encouraged her love of animals and nature from a young age. Her curiosity has lead her around the world and back to the West Coast where she now lives with her family in Ucluelet. She has years of adventure guiding experience in both Barkley and Clayoquot sound and is always observing the subtle changes of the seasons. In the meantime, Sam is excited to be a new member of the Raincoast Education team and is eager to share her love and knowledge of the west coast.
Past Staff
Hannah Richards
Savannah Lincez
Sophia Lloyd-Jones
Kira de Leeuw
Maddy Bolt
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of six dynamic local residents who reflect a range of educational backgrounds, experiences, and expertise in natural and social sciences, non-profit governance, and education.
Karyssa Arnett
Marine Biologist and Ecotourism Guide
Kira de Leeuw
Learning Facilitator
Dennis Morgan
Business Owner
Tom Stere
Tofino Coast Guard & District of Tofino Councillor
Tim Webb
Environmental assessment and emergency management professional
Colin Zacharias
Certified Mountain Guide, Risk Management Consultant
Supporters
The Raincoast Education Society would not exist without the generous support of our community donors and partners. We are incredibly grateful that you’ve decided to join us in our efforts to conserve Clayoquot and Barkley Sound’s old-growth forests, streams, shorelines, and waters, and maintain our region as one of the most ecologically rich landscapes on the planet. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.