About Us

The Westman Naturalists are organized by a team of volunteers.

Interesting in getting involved? Send us an email!

Alex Koiter

President
Committees: Speakers

Alex is an Associate Professor in Geography and Environment at Brandon University. Alex enjoys leading trips to explore local Westman landscapes and glacial history.

Jen Wasko

Vice-President
Committees: Financial and Planning

Jennifer Wasko is an Horticulture Instructor at Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine Community College. When not experimenting with gardening techniques, and spending time with her family, she loves exploring all aspects of nature and sharing this love of the diverse Manitoba Ecosystems with others.

Kathryn Hyndman

Secretary Treasurer
Committees: Financial and Planning

Hello! Kathryn is a retired registered nurse and former nursing professor at Brandon University. Her passions include scuba diving and travelling. Many of her trips involve watching and photographing birds and animals as well as marine fish.

Bill Gallaway

Committees: Field Trips

Bill is a retired entomologist from Brandon University. Bill enjoys photography, particularly of lichens, birding, and especially eagles.

Carson Kearns

Committees: Communications (Social media), Field Trips

Carson works in IT, but prefers to spend his time photographing birds, butterflies, and hopefully someday bears. If one of our photos are misidentified on social media, please let him know!

Gillian Richards

Committees: Communications (Newsletter, Email), Financial and Planning
Other: Christmas Bird Count

Gillian is an avid birder and an eBird enthusiast. Although birds catch her eye, Gillian also spends time brushing up on butterflies and native plants. Her passion is leading trips and sharing her knowledge of Westman nature.

Glennis Lewis

Committees: Financial and Planning, Field Trips

Glennis Lewis is a retired botanist and lawyer who teaches environmental impact assessment at Brandon University. She leads numerous field trips for the Westman Naturalists.

Steffi LaZerte

Committees: Speakers, Communications (webmaster, events advertising)

Steffi is an independent biologist and R consultant and avid gardener. Steffi enjoys getting away from her computer to explore Westman Nature, taking her cats if she can!

Alumni

Many thanks!

• Erica Alex
• Carson Rogers
• Megan Hamill
• Colin Blyth