Meet Our Team

Aishah (she/her) supports analysis and engagement on mitigation, implementation, and carbon budgeting projects at SSG. Her work is informed by her experience coordinating climate and energy-related projects in Malaysia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. She has collaborated with academics, utilities, research institutes, and officials in municipal and federal governments. Prior to joining SSG, Aishah led climate action planning and implementation at a rural municipality, advancing the municipality through four out of the five Partners for Climate Protection milestones in three years. Aishah adores cats but can’t live with one, and so opts to use cat emojis and avatars whenever possible.

Alia (she/her) leads marketing and communications at SSG and consults on climate action projects for different levels of government across North America. She brings her zest for storytelling and problem solving to diverse projects, ranging from developing resources on climate action for policymakers to engaging communities on the development of climate actions. With a background in journalism and research, Alia brings over a decade of experience analyzing social, political, and environmental challenges worldwide. When she’s not busy thinking about how we can mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis, you can often find her sampling a new dish, solving a puzzle, or relaxing with family and friends.

Angela (she/they) is passionate about fostering collective change through her everyday actions. She brings warmth and humanity to the tasks that keeps SSG’s cogs turning. Angela started her education and practice in consensus as a member of an Austin-based collective. She carries experience doing anti-racist and social justice work which informs her birth justice work including full-spectrum Doula care, and trauma- informed embodied yoga instruction. She enjoys learning, cooking, dancing, singing loudly, practicing capoeira, and reading/watching sci-fi. Or in other words, walking this earth reflecting love, cultivating joy, sharing knowledge, conjuring magic, and practicing peace–living her whole best beautiful life.

Bastiaan (he/him) leads energy and emissions modelling for the development of climate action plans. Bastiaan is keenly interested in climate action solutions that piece together new and existing technologies to optimize their joint performance in the larger energy system to reduce emissions. Since 2012, Bas has developed and used the Canadian Energy Systems Simulation (CanESS) model to study the past, present, and possible future energy systems in Canada and its provinces; he developed a similar model for Oregon. Prior to SSG, Bas led the development of a prototype Low Carbon City Development Index and a consumption-based greenhouse gas accounting tool, and was a lead researcher on the development of one of the first consumption-based inventories in the world. When not at his desk you can often find him in the Rocky Mountains with his family and black lab Shadow.

Bernarda (she/her/ella) applies a designer’s touch to all of SSG’s work. She is passionate about the role design plays in improving user experiences by making complex content  accessible and visually appealing. Bernarda brings a wealth of experience in graphic, editorial, and product design, teaming that with skills in managing the full cycle of design projects. Before joining SSG, Bernarda ran her own design office, applying her design sensibilities to an eclectic array of projects, from designing playgrounds for children to wayfinding systems for public and private spaces. Bernarda loves nature so much. On the way to her coworking space, you might see her collecting cuttings of a plant she loves or picking up insects that have fallen on the asphalt sidewalk. 

Brook (he/him) supports research, engagement, and policy work at SSG, with a focus on building climate resilience. He brings a passion for data-driven storytelling and community-centered approaches to projects that help governments and organizations plan for a changing climate. With a background in environmental science, urban planning, and geomatics, Brook has worked with communities across Canada to assess climate risks, build capacity, and co-create solutions. Originally from Ethiopia, he’s especially interested in bridging global perspectives with local action. He’s happiest spending quality time with family and friends, being outdoors playing soccer, or exploring pockets of nature in the city.

Camilla (she/her) is an environmental scientist who splits her time at SSG between climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Her experience in climate change planning, water and wildlife conservation, and landscape modelling enables her to bring a broad range of skills and ideas to her work. Camilla is passionate about the natural world, particularly the ways in which urban spaces interact with wild ones. Skilled at translating technical jargon into accessible ideas, she shapes her analysis of engineering reports data and modelling outputs into compelling stories that showcase how climate action can transform how we live and function in our communities.  When she’s not at her desk, she’s usually riding her bike and slamming the brakes to say hello to dogs on the trail.

Carla (she/her/ella) plays many roles at SSG, from leading projects to modeling and analyzing low-carbon policies in local, sectoral and national contexts. She also provides technical and economic insight for assessing impacts and co-benefits of low-carbon actions. She is driven by her passion for designing policies to transition towards an environmentally just society. Before joining SSG, Carla worked in the private sector and for the Ministry of Environment in Chile, where she advised on the social and economic impact of public policies for stemming local air, water, and waste pollution. Carla can often be found playing or watching volleyball on Chile’s many stunning beaches.

Carlos Urriola Cuevas (he/him/el) is an engineer who develops climate mitigation and adaptation policies and actions for projects across the Americas.A continuous learner, Carlos has experience in public administration, infrastructure, investment systems, strategic planning, and political economy. Prior to joining SSG, Carlos was the National Director of Planning and Development at the Chilean Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications and  the Project Director of the Center for Public Systems (University of Chile). He has also worked on consulting and research projects for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and World Health Organization (WHO). If you can’t find Carlos, it’s probably because he has wandered off the beaten path, exploring the wilderness, absorbed in his love of natural places.

Carol (they/them) leads SSG’s business development in the U.S. by developing strategic partnerships, cultivating client relationships, and analyzing climate policies across the country. Carol came to SSG after nearly a decade of working in community organizing, grassroots media, local food systems, active transportation, and cooperative development in Montreal, San Francisco, and Austin. Trained as an urban planner and sustainable design specialist, with a background in cross-cultural studies, Carol takes a holistic approach to climate action, recognizing the potential for transformative societal and economic change. In their spare time, Carol enjoys long distance bikepacking adventures; playing the drums, synth, and cello (though usually not all at the same time); and getting to know the flora and fauna of the Texas hill country.

Catalina (she/her/ella) contributes her expertise in modeling and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions to low-carbon strategies and adaptation projects, in addition to supporting proposal writing and seeking new business opportunities, at SSG. She is deeply committed to advancing sustainable food systems and raising awareness about often-overlooked emissions from the agriculture sector, which must be addressed to move towards an environmentally just society. Prior to joining SSG, Catalina was a consultant in the climate change field for over a decade, working on research, modeling, and analysis to support public policy development at the national and regional level for public sector and non-governmental organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). In her spare time, Catalina loves planting trees (anywhere), forest and river bathing, and volunteering for an agro-ecological co-op she co-founded.

Chris (he/him) builds simulation models to explore complex systems. He is driven to discover the stories that unfold on the pathway to achieving a low carbon future with the clients he works with. He has led the analysis and modelling of energy and emissions related to buildings, transportation, industry, and land use for clients across North America. Chris brings years of experience modelling and working with complex, dynamic processes to inform his current work. His patience and knack of clear explanation was honed through teaching a graduate-level Systems Methods for Environmental Managers course in which he used systems dynamics to evaluate social, environmental, and economic indicators and explore how we interact together through systems of governance. If you’re lucky, you might catch Chris rocking out at a concert or exploring the woods on his bike or at the crag with his kids.

Colin (he/him) is one of SSG’s “dot connectors.” Along with SSG’s other Managing Director (Michael), Colin stewards governance and business operations, ensuring that the different parts of the organization are strategically aligned and well-coordinated. Colin also wears the “Worker Success Lead” hat, nurturing  co-op-wide policies, procedures, and initiatives that impact the success of SSG workers. Colin has spent most of his career in the co-operative sector, having come to SSG via La Siembra Co-operative (“Camino” fair trade, organic food brand) and the Agency for Co-operative Housing. If he hadn’t found the co-op sector and SSG, Colin might still be found gigging in grungy bars, trying to make a go of it as a musician.

Cong (she/her) is an analyst at SSG with a background in transportation engineering and urban planning. She works on climate action plans and related research on topics ranging from climate action funding mechanisms to the carbon intensity and costs of hydrogen production. Prior to joining SSG, she worked as a sustainable transportation consultant in China and as a freelance planning consultant in Canada to support a broad range of transportation and planning projects, including long-term transportation initiatives, sustainable development guidelines, and net-zero community plans. When she’s not working, she enjoys exploring the Rockies with family and finds peace in her gardening.

Deryn (she/her) supports climate action planning through modelling and technical analysis. She enjoys using models to explore the world as it could be and to lay out a roadmap of how to work toward a better future. Early in her career, she assessed the end-to-end viability and performance characteristics of satellite and terrestrial communications systems, designed aural cue and digital communication models, and provided technical support for energy management software. Deryn has designed models that track energy use, emissions, and financial flows across multiple sectors at a regional level, and have been applied to municipalities across Canada and the US. Deryn moved to Canada from Washington, DC, and has fully embraced the Canadian pastime of complaining about winter while enjoying cross country skiing and ice-skating.

Eleri (she/her) splits her time between climate action projects and engagement planning. With a technical background to complement her engagement expertise, Eleri has led multiple project teams in developing reports and recommendations focused on climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and the circular economy.  She enjoys working with community members and city staff to design mitigation plans that are tailored to their unique context and can be implemented quickly. Eleri has also contributed to several of SSG’s climate action implementation projects, including the development of several Green Development Standards for Ontario municipalities and carbon budgets. Prior to joining SSG, she worked in the health and post-secondary education sectors to implement climate and sustainability plans. When not working, Eleri enjoys gravel biking, and exploring Vancouver Island’s trails with her dog, Timber.

Elizabeth Dawe (she/her) is a professional engineer and project manager committed to creating meaningful environmental and social impact. She brings clarity, empathy, and purpose to every project, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams, navigating complex systems, and collaborating across organizations. Prior to joining SSG, Elizabeth worked at architecture and engineering firms on projects across North America, advising corporate and government clients on sustainability in the buildings, infrastructure, and transportation sectors. Passionate about community and connection, Elizabeth enjoys quality time with family and friends and staying active through curling and ultimate frisbee.

Emi (she/they) champions SSG’s groundbreaking climate action work by coordinating the monthly SSG Newswire, managing external communication channels, and shaping SSG’s overall communications strategy. Emi joined SSG after their research in cooperatives unearthed a deep curiosity for how cooperatives can act as catalysts for change. This curiosity was born through their PhD dissertation on how agricultural cooperatives in Japan engage their members, as well as the expansive research and co-writing process behind Cooperatives at Work, a book that examines the transformative potential of democratized workplaces. When not at the computer, you can often find Emi scampering in the mountains or collaborating on food-growing projects.

Emily (she/her) contributes to keeping the heart of SSG pumping. She develops tools that help our co-op evaluate how we are doing and where we are going, then analyzes the results to offer recommendations and insights for problem solving. Emily is passionate about collective ownership and loves that the work that she does supports co-op members in making informed decisions. Prior to her work with SSG, Emily was an early organizer of the grassroots artist platform and collective, Weird Canada. She helped establish the Ottawa-based arts presentation collective Debaser and was one of its first board members. When she’s not staring at spreadsheets, Emily enjoys exploring the woods, making music, gardening, or volunteering at her local library.

Erik (he/him/il) leads multidisciplinary teams dedicated to helping cities in the US and Canada tackle challenges related to climate change. Drawing on his background in economics and mathematical modeling, Erik works with communities to develop pathways to a sustainable and resilient future. He played an instrumental role in designing and creating SSG’s climate adaptation model, ScenaAdaptation. The tool empowers communities to quantify and adapt to risks from current and future climate-related hazards. Outside of work, Erik enjoys running, hiking, and rock climbing.

Esteban (he/him/el) is an energy systems modeling specialist at SSG, where he analyzes energy processes and emissions and integrates innovative technologies. His passion for renewable energy and climate change mitigation drives his efforts to improve energy efficiency and develop sustainable solutions. Esteban advances hourly energy modeling, an approach that significantly improves the integration and efficiency of renewable energy systems. With over ten years of experience across the United States and Chile, Esteban’s expertise spans the private sector, government, and academia. He has researched approaches for advancing renewable energy integration and peer-to-peer energy trading models, which are crucial for the evolution of renewable energy infrastructures. During his university years, Esteban built not one, but two high-speed solar cars.

Francisca (she/her/ella) contributes to SSG’s work by gathering, analyzing, and systematizing the latest best practices and research on greenhouse gas reduction and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Previously, she developed and delivered a training program on how to leverage climate policies and instruments to reduce emissions for various ministries in Latin American countries (Peru, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Chile, and Costa Rica). Francisca’s climate action experience spans diverse sectors, including waste, transportation, energy, and forestry, for local, regional, and national governments. Most of her work is supported by the lovely companionship of her cats. Francisca’s cat, Pinot, makes frequent appearances at SSG meetings.

Hiba (she/her) is a climate adaptation and resilience specialist who works with communities to understand climate risks and co-create strategies that center equity and build resilience. At SSG, she supports adaptation planning projects across Canada and the U.S., bringing experience translating complex climate data into local action. Prior to SSG, Hiba worked at ICLEI Canada, where she led municipal adaptation plans and projects, helping communities move from assessment to implementation. Her work spans climate data analysis, vulnerability and risk assessment, adaptation planning, engagement, and capacity-building. Outside of work, Hiba’s often in the kitchen cooking something elaborate – or by the water, savoring the slowness of a good run.

Hillary (she/her) is an urban planner who works on climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. She has supported municipal, provincial, and First Nation governments across western Canada on sustainability projects, including climate action plans, community energy plans, vulnerability and risk assessments, and participatory videos. Hillary has experience working both in the private sector and in academia, including the University of Winnipeg’s Prairie Climate Centre, where she helped develop the Climate Atlas of Canada. Prior to becoming a planner, she co-directed a documentary film with members of the Heiltsuk Nation on their cultural resurgence. When she’s not working, Hillary enjoys cycling, curling, and reading.

Jeremy (he/him) is an urban planner and climate change planner focused on fostering community climate emergency solutions. A foremost expert on climate change mitigation planning, he has led teams in developing leading climate action plans for all levels of government as well as institutions across North America. A big vision thinker with an eye for detail, Jeremy helps guide projects to establish and achieve ambitious goals through tangible actions. He is experienced with community energy and emissions modelling, climate change mitigation and adaptation planning, policy development, green building systems and policies, integrated design facilitation, and public engagement. Jeremy credits a 10,000 km cross-Canada bike ride climate action campaign he did in 2001 for instilling his passion for this work.

Julia (she/her) actively searches for new business opportunities at SSG and leads the coordination and writing of proposals. She brings a methodical approach and a love of writing to her work. Julia has nearly a decade of experience in sustainability work, ranging from community-based research to program management in the non-profit and clean energy sectors. Julia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology as well as a Master of Environmental Studies in Geography. Her master’s thesis involved work with Indigenous and rural communities in Chile, where she studied food system resilience and grassroots food sovereignty movements through a political ecology lens. In her spare time, she loves to hike, read, and bake (with mixed results).

Juniper (she/her) leads proposal writing at SSG. She is passionate about communicating ideas clearly for all audiences and working towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Juniper is an experienced proposal writer and project manager, with expertise in sustainability, urban planning, policy development, and consultation. Before joining SSG, she spent four years leading land-use and active transportation projects across Atlantic Canada. Juniper’s eye for planning was honed through assisting with research on housing and accessibility as well as video production on local planning issues. In university, Juniper was part of the winning team in a ​​national affordable housing design competition. When away from her desk, Juniper can be found floating in a lake or cracking open a new book. 

Kayla (she/her/ella) is an urban planner focused on building resilience, sustainability, and equity in communities throughout the Americas. Prior to SSG, Kayla led project delivery and engagement for the World Resources Institute’s Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator, which develops national and municipal roadmaps for net-zero buildings. Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Kayla was a project associate for a home energy efficiency program. She also worked as a consultant with the City to coordinate C40 Climate Group’s first Urban 20 Mayors Summit, a forum for mayors to add city voices into G20 proceedings. In her youth, Kayla was in an all-girl punk rock band. Nowadays, she makes home recordings with her husband and aspires to raise her daughter to be the next generation of riot grrrl.

Luna (she/her) contributes her expertise in data analysis and processing to SSG’s work. She focuses on modeling and projecting emissions from various sectors, developing greenhouse gas inventories, modelling mitigation actions, and analyzing costs and benefits. Additionally, Luna has been involved in assessing local risks using GIS tools for designing adaptation actions. Through her work, Luna aims to contribute to the study of the climate crisis and reduce its impacts on ecosystems and communities (one step at a time). Luna is supervised in her work by her cat, Darwin, who loves to be informed about the details of the climate action plans developed by the team. Outside of her job, Luna can be found starting and quitting new hobbies.

Marcus (he/him) strives to use and develop the best knowledge—and quantitative analysis, where appropriate—to drive climate action forward. His project experience includes development of low-carbon pathways for Canada’s federal government operations, major Canadian and US cities, and rural townships. He has been instrumental in the development of ScenaCommunity (formerly CityInSight Community), SSG’s state-of-the-art energy, emissions, and finance model for cities, as well as ScenaCorporate (formerly CityInSight Corporate), for organization-level mitigation plans. He keenly follows the exploding open-source modelling and data ecosystem and applications to low-carbon planning. When he’s not at work, you might find Marcus exploring Ontario’s extensive bike trail network or cleaning one of his fountain pens.

Maurya’s (she/her) passion is helping people understand climate change in the context of their own lives, so they feel empowered and optimistic about becoming part of a sustainable future. At SSG, she works with governments, universities, and utilities to help them find pathways to carbon neutrality. She enjoys helping clients embed those pathways into governance, budgets, policies, and operations so that change becomes inevitable and the benefits speak for themselves.  On weekends, you may find Maurya looking at moss and lichens in Nova Scotia forests.

Michael (he/him) keeps an eye, ear, and finger in many pots at SSG, ensuring that different nodes of the organization are working in coordination and are strategically aligned with our collective vision and purpose. As one of the Managing Directors, Michael takes a bird’s eye view of SSG’s business operations, in addition to leading  project delivery. Michael is the co-founder and former CEO of whatIf? Technologies, the leading employee-owned modelling firm that merged with SSG in 2023. He led whatIf?’s technical innovation process for 35 years and is the principal software architect of the base modelling platform that serves at the foundation of energy and emissions models SSG uses today. Michael often induces fits of cute aggression among SSG workers by sharing photos of the many adorable animals he has on his farm.

Mike (he/him/il)  brings a deep interest for place based problem solving to climate and energy plans, and related studies, as well as utility regulation issues. His approach draws on experience across several industries, including brewing, citric acid manufacturing, and biofuels, as well as in project management and facilitation of energy conservation and climate projects for a Canadian municipality. Mike is passionate about understanding the needs and situations of communities as he helps them with energy transition planning.He has a keen interest in utility regulation and operations, and in the broader energy field. In his spare time Mike likes to take to the Canadian shield’s rapids with his kayak. On a good day the rapids like him back. 

Nada (she/her) is driven by her passion for equitable and sustainable urban development. She plays many roles at SSG, from leading multidisciplinary teams on projects related to climate change, to designing and implementing engagement strategies throughout the project lifecycle. Nada draws from her background in international development, urban design and urban planning where she has focused on the co-creation of development plans with communities in numerous countries. When not working, she enjoys playing sports, trekking in the forest, exploring mountainous geographies, and reading up on geopolitics, philosophy and psychology.

Nadia (she/her) is a versatile and analytical researcher, with expertise in environmental sustainability and advocacy. She is experienced working on data-heavy projects for various communities, which has been valuable in informing program-level decisions around climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. A passionate professional, Nadia’s drive to reduce carbon emissions globally have set her on a path to assist groups ready to adapt core activities for a more sustainable future. Her creativity goes beyond climate risk reduction planning, Nadia spends her spare time supporting, and producing pieces for caribbean arts and culture.

Naomi (she/her) leads design and engagement in climate action planning at SSG. Passionate about shaping bold, transformative strategies, Naomi works closely with communities and governments to implement policies that drive systemic change towards a climate-friendly future. With over 20 years of experience in sustainability and climate policy, Naomi has advised universities, local governments, and civil society organizations. She spearheaded the development of the University of Victoria’s first sustainability policy and was appointed to BC’s Premier’s Climate Action Team. Naomi was instrumental in Whistler 2020’s success, steering the award-winning sustainability plan through the 2010 Winter Olympics. She has also led the development of several climate action plans in Canada and the US, focusing on inclusive and equitable processes. In 2012, Naomi cycled from Vancouver to Rio de Janeiro for the Earth Summit, combining her passion for adventure and environmental advocacy.

Noah (he/him) is a climate activist disguised as a software developer. His work ranges from the system architecture and back-end development of modelling platforms, to building front-end tools to bring the models to life. He brings years of experience in modelling cumulative land-use effects, ecosystem goods and services, and integrated resources management as the architect and senior application developer on several spatial modeling tools that have been used globally. Noah is keenly interested in sustainability and built a passive house on a permaculture property using local materials. He enjoys playing piano, sailing, and mountain biking with his family when he’s not keeping tabs on his two boys, flock of heritage chickens, and cats Pippi and Max (not necessarily in that order).

Rodrigo (he/him) is passionate about public policy design and translating complex science problems and solutions into common language for citizens and decision makers, balancing politics, communication, and objective data. Rodrigo also develops engagement strategies and facilitates workshops for climate action plans as a member of SSG’s engagement team. Prior to SSG, Rodrigo worked as a consultant in the public sector, leading and supporting the development of climate action plans for several municipalities in Chile and Canada. He has also worked in the analysis of air decontamination and low-carbon policies for Chile, including the evaluation of their financial, social, political, and environmental impacts. Rodrigo’s motivation to champion climate action is, at least in part, motivated by his enjoyment of surfing off the coast of Valdivia, Chile.

Sebastián (he/him/el) is passionate about making a tangible impact on climate resilience and sustainability, driven by the belief that inclusive and participatory planning is essential for creating lasting change. His work is informed by experience collaborating with multiple actors of the public, private, academic and civil society sectors for the design, development and implementation of projects related to climate change and planning. Prior to joining SSG, Sebastián served as Head of Climate Change at the British Embassy in Chile, where he contributed to advancing the United Kingdom’s objectives during its COP26 Presidency, gaining invaluable insights into international climate negotiations and policies. Sebastián’s commitment to fostering collaboration and his deep understanding of the complexities of climate change drive him to help communities build adaptive capacity and sustainable futures. If Sebastian is taking a break from spreadsheets, it might be because he’s distracted by his boys trying to push buttons on his soundsystem.

Silvie (she/her) is a scientist and science communicator with experience in research, teaching and writing about climate change and ecosystems. At SSG, she supports a variety of projects including climate vulnerability and risk assessments for different regions, bringing experience of conveying scientific information into tangible action into her work. Prior to SSG, she worked at the Canadian Centre for Climate Services, where a large part of her role involved helping people from all sectors find, understand and use climate data. Outside of work, Silvie is obsessed with feeding and growing things (kids, plants, kitties, to name a few), reading stories of icy shipwrecks, and enjoying outdoor adventures on foot or by paddle.

Sophie Lévesque (she/her/elle) loves to dabble in different work streams, but finds herself mostly working on mitigation and adaptation projects at SSG. She is passionate about nature-based solutions, having completed her Master’s on constructing wetlands as a means to treat industrially contaminated water. Sophie is trilingual (French, English, and Spanish), making her an indispensable team member in all of the geographies in which SSG works. Even when not geeking out about climate action, you can find Sophie expressing her geekdom through coding and knitting.

Soraya (she/her/elle) is an urban planner and consultant committed to empowering communities to create meaningful climate action. She is interested in the intersection of climate change mitigation and adaptation planning through thoughtful urban design. Her experiences spans across Canada, including projects on both the east and west coast. Having previously worked at a design firm, various non-profit organizations, and differing levels of government, she has gained an understanding of the public as well as private sector. While in graduate school, Soraya worked on an organic flower farm, cultivating her deep passion for horticulture and landscape design.

Stephanie (she/her) brings a strategic public policy and implementation lens to supporting SSG’s Engagement Team, having worked at the intersection of environment, public health, and climate adaptation for 20 years. Her decision support and policy experience spans work with municipal, provincial, territorial, and national governments, nonprofits and international organisations. Stephanie knows the power of valuing local expertise and strengthening partnerships for implementing positive change. Stephanie spent a summer collecting shrimp near the shores of Lake Baikal, Siberia. She still welcomes a “Как дела?”, or the opportunity to sing one of her favorite songs of all time: Ёлочка.

Valérie (she/her) is an environmental professional and project manager whose work focuses on helping municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and communities navigate the challenges of climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and sustainable land use. She is passionate about integrating climate resilience into real-world decision-making—particularly in remote or under-resourced regions. She thrives at the intersection of technical analysis and collaborative planning, often facilitating conversations that bridge scientific knowledge with lived experience. With a background in environmental science, civil engineering, and international development, she brings a systems-thinking approach to every project, whether it involves contaminated site assessment, climate action planning, or stakeholder engagement. When she’s not working, Valérie explores cultures around the world with her family, paints, writes, or tends to her animals at home.

Vesta (she/her) is a professional jack of all trades, with a role that ranges from managing resources to coordinating projects, developing business opportunities to supporting communications and marketing efforts. Her passion for clear communication and a good Gantt chart is only eclipsed by her drive to make the world a more democratic, fair, and equitable place to live and work. Vesta believes that SSG’s worker-owned co-op model is the only ethical way to structure a business. When she’s not lecturing people about worker’s rights, Vesta loves to foster little devil kittens that just need some loving (and soap) to become somebody’s angels.

Yann (he/him/il) is both an economist and a mechanical engineer, helping communities and governments tackle issues related to energy and climate change. Before joining SSG, Yann worked as an international consultant in energy efficiency and renewable energy in developing countries. That work enabled him to work for various international clients such as the United Nations, World Bank, IFC, IDB, EBRD, AfDB, GIZ, AFD and KFW. In addition to his work at SSG, Yann is pursuing graduate studies in economics exploring alternatives to our current financial and economic models. When Yann doesn’t have his nose in a book, he enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, as well as spending time with friends and family. 

Yuill (he/him) leads and advises on all manner of climate action mitigation and adaptation projects. With an academic background in adult education and philosophy, complemented by more than two decades of experience in technical analysis of climate change, Yuill applies the lenses of social-cultural dynamics and physical science to projects. Yuill worked on some of the first community climate action plans in North America and is an internationally recognized expert in climate mitigation and adaptation. He has led some of the most complex and high profile climate planning projects for governments at all levels in North America. In addition to project work at SSG, Yuill is a long-time participant in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change processes.  When not at his desk or in project meetings, Yuill is tracking down remnants of ancient forests, building bookshelves for an ever expanding collection, climbing trees with his kids, and dreaming of the world as it could be. 

Ann Dale (she/her) is a professor with the School of Environment and Sustainability, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences at Royal Roads University. She held her university’s first Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Community Development (2004-2014), is a Trudeau Fellow Alumna (2004) and a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her award-winning research focuses on sustainable community development, social capital and agency, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and governance. She is deeply committed to building novel research dissemination and on-line media tools, and leads one of the most current content research websites in the country. Professor Dale chairs the Canadian Consortium for Sustainable Development Research (CCSDR), a consortium of all the heads of research across the Canada. She published Community Vitality: From Adaptation to Transformation in collaboration with SSG.

Peter (he/him) is the principal of Affinity Consulting, a practice engaged in co-operative development, research, training, and management. Peter recently retired from his long-term position of Financial Officer of the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation. He is also the Fund Manager of “Tenacity Works”, the CWCF’s revolving loan fund. Peter has 25 years of experience as a member, manager and director of worker and consumer co-operatives. In addition, he has assisted with many co-operative start-ups, developing bylaws, conducting training programs, completing feasibility studies and business plans, and providing post start-up mentoring.

Ralph is an internationally recognized expert in the field of sustainable energy and climate change response strategies, for governments and business.  He pioneered many of the conventions now used throughout the world for local government GHG emissions planning, and he was the principal author of Canada’s first low carbon scenario analysis – the first such analysis done anywhere. He served as the Assistant Coordinator of the Energy Research Group of the United Nations University and the International Development Research Centre, Vice President of ICF International, Managing Director of Navigant Consulting and Managing Director of the Trottier Energy Futures Project.

He is a senior associate of the University of Calgary’s Canadian Energy Systems Analysis Research (CESAR) initiative. Ralph works with SSG on numerous projects related to energy and climate change response planning

Rebecca (she/her) is a versatile urban planner who is dedicated to integrating a holistic understanding of sustainability in growing healthy communities. She has worked closely with municipalities, higher education institutions and school boards across the country on leading sustainability plans and strategies including Western, McGill, Algonquin College, Vancouver School Board, Oxford County, Halton Hills and the City of Kingston. Working closely with our academic partners, she has organized numerous e-Dialogues with Dr. Ann Dale involving thinkers, mayors, planners, academics and activists. Foon is also an internationally acclaimed (and Juno award-winning) cellist and composer.