Natalie grew up in the mountain town of Whistler, BC, and spent her high school years competing internationally as a luge athlete with Team Canada. After achieving her dream of representing Canada at the Olympic Games, she decided to follow a different passion: her deep love for the ocean and marine life.  This journey brought her to the University of Victoria, where she is currently studying Marine Biology.

Natalie’s love for the ocean began at a young age while exploring BC’s West Coast with her family. Marine mammals have always had a special place in her heart, so be prepared for her to run to the beach at the first sign of whales. Over the years, this fascination grew into a desire to better understand and protect marine ecosystems. Last summer she worked as an educator at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, where she enjoyed sharing her love and knowledge of coastal ecosystems with both locals and visitors.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys freediving, photography and trying her best to surf. Her summer plans include exploring the coast above and below sea level, accidentally swallowing seawater, and pretending not to be scared when seaweed brushes her foot.

She is incredibly grateful to spend the summer with the Raincoast Education team, surrounded by a great community and beautiful ecosystem. Natalie is excited to keep learning and sharing her enthusiasm for nature with others all summer long!