OLTA Staff
Note: Staff emails are full name separated with dot and ending with ‘@olta.ca’
Alison Howson
Executive Director
Alison is our Executive Director. Alison has been a passionate supporter of land and environmental protection for many years. Before joining OLTA, she held positions leading teams focused on protecting habitats and species in the context of sustainable development and changing land use policy in the private sector. Her career experience includes leadership in business and financial development, team building, and operations. Alison started with OLTA in 2014 as the Species at Risk Specialist (SAR). She focused on delivering technical training and working one-on-one with local land trusts to develop targeted SAR action plans to inform their conservation work. As Director of Programs, Alison supported this program along with a number of new initiatives, including improving standards in the development of Conservation Easement Agreements, data management and land securement strategies.
Alison has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and a Research Masters in Ecology and Environmental Management. She has 20 years of experience working in the field of conservation and natural heritage protection, in both for-profit and not-for-profit positions. Alison lives in Toronto with her family and spends as much time as she can hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors.
Phyllis Lee
Member Services Coordinator
Phyllis has been OLTA’s Member Services Coordinator since August 2008. Her responsibilities include organizing the annual conference, managing OLTA’s external communications and maintaining the office and related information. Phyllis has worked in the not-for-profit sector since 2002. Her experience includes event management and outreach projects. Prior to this career change, Phyllis held numerous senior management positions within the Reuters Group, both in Toronto and London, UK. Phyllis lives in Limehouse, on the Niagara Escarpment with her husband Glenn.
Morgan Roblin
Director of Conservation Science
Morgan is OLTA’s Conservation Science Manager. Morgan holds a BSc in Ecology from the University of Guelph where she completed a thesis focused on the impact of the Algonquin Park logging industry on arthropod biodiversity. Morgan has also completed a post graduate certificate in Ecosystem Restoration from Niagara College. While completing her studies, Morgan attended Ontario Biodiversity Summit in 2015 as a youth delegate and helped to form the Emerging Leaders for Biodiversity, a network for youth interested in the conservation of Ontario’s biodiversity.
Prior to joining OLTA, Morgan worked as Conservation Coordinator for the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, coordinating stewardship activities including invasive species management, species at risk monitoring and trail maintenance. She also coordinated outreach events such as bioblitzes, workshops and festivals.
But when the work day ends Morgan keeps on going, volunteering her time with the Hamilton Naturalist Club’s Community Peregrine Project and Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Native Pollinator Initiative.
Mikayla Johnston-Clayton
Species At Risk Specialist
Mikayla holds a Master of Environmental Science, specializing in Conservation and Biodiversity from the University of Toronto. Prior to this, Mikayla completed a BSc. in Zoology at the University of Guelph. During her studies at the University of Guelph, Mikayla participated in an Arctic Ecology field course in Churchill, MB, where she completed an independent research project exploring variation in spider community compositions with changes in vegetation density. In her spare time, Mikayla enjoys reading, skiing, hiking, and visiting her family’s cottage near Haliburton.
Erinn Todd
Senior Operations and Grants Manager
Erinn holds a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto, specializing in Conservation and Biodiversity. She also completed a BSc. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. Erinn has done several stints in the field, including as a Volunteer Coordinator in Cuba for a marine research project, as a research assistant in northern Ontario studying the impacts of logging on small mammal ecology, and an independent research project in the Peruvian Amazon on ant feeding ecology.
Before coming to OLTA, Erinn worked as the Operations Manager at Green Venture, managing residential energy efficiency programs, bookkeeping, and their demonstration EcoHouse. In her free time, Erinn co-runs a recreational performance dance company and enjoys reading, yoga, traveling, cooking, hiking, and volunteering.
Dr. Nico Muñoz
Manager of Research and Nature Smart Climate Solutions
Nico has been OLTA’s Acting Director of Conservation Science and is now working as OLTA’s Manager of Research and the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Program. Nico is a biologist with over 12 years of experience conducting ecological research. He completed his PhD in 2022 at Simon Fraser University and has published on topics such as biological responses to climate change and invasive species, food web ecology, and the conservation of Ontario’s species at risk. Through his PhD he led field research projects on the impacts of invasive species in Patagonia, southern Chile. Outside of work he plays guitar in a band and enjoys exploring the city.
Rebecca Weigand
Engagement and Communications Coordinator
Rebecca is OLTA’s Engagement and Communications Coordinator. A long time educator, she has a Masters degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, in which her thesis focused on outdoor and environmental education. She recently completed a certificate in Professional Writing and Communications. Prior to joining OLTA, she supported communications at For Our Kids, a national network of parents advocating for climate justice. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys looking for opportunities to create upcycled treasures, reading, and exploring parks, ravines, and green spaces in the city with her family.
Katya Kozina
GIS Technician
Katya is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto, where she earned an HBSc in Earth Sciences, Geography, and GIS. During her final year, she conducted a GIS-based research project to analyze temporal changes in the flood risk of the Don River watershed. She is currently pursuing a certificate in Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management.
She is particularly passionate about environmental issues regarding climate change, urbanization, and the health of wetlands and forests. Previous fieldwork experience in Central and Eastern Ontario contributed to her passion for natural landscapes and their conservation. In her free time, Katya enjoys forest bathing, baking, painting along to Bob Ross, rockhunting, and road-tripping with her family.
Rachel Young
Program Coordinator
Rachel holds a degree in Environmental Sciences and Ecology from the University of Guelph and is an Environmental Professional in-Training (EPt) with expertise in Fisheries & Wildlife and Natural Resource Management. Rachel also earned a certificate in Urban Forestry and Natural Environments from Fleming College.
Before joining OLTA, Rachel worked as a Research Technician at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, processing arthropod samples for DNA sequencing and identification. She also served as a Program Instructor with Conservation Halton, delivering educational programs on natural and cultural heritage.
Rachel conducted fieldwork in Belize, studying kleptoparasitic seabird behavior, and led a research project in Newfoundland focused on heathland ecology and culturally significant plant species. She co-authored a published literature review emphasizing the vital role of culture and community engagement in conservation. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys hiking, camping, and canoeing with her dog.
Jim Rutten
Greenlands Program Administrator
Jim joins OLTA with a background in Business Administration and Rural Leadership, and with over 20 years of experience working within the Community Economic Development field. He has worked in numerous communities across Canada including Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Cape Breton, and within the GTA.
Jim has worked in the private, public and the not-for-profit sector in various capacities. He has been involved in a wide range of projects that have focused on community-based dynamics related to local food system development, land management and conservation, poverty alleviation, mental health and addictions, and early childhood development. His work has been recognized with national, provincial and regional awards.
Jim lives in Guelph with his wife and two children. In his free time, he can often be found wandering the wooded trails along the Eramosa and Speed Rivers.
Rhea Noronha
Conservation and Restoration Technician
Rhea is OLTA’s Conservation and Restoration Technician. She holds a BSc in Zoology from the University of Guelph, where she gained research experience in various labs, studying topics ranging from coral regeneration and disease resistance in seahorses to the neurophysiology of toads in different environments. Before joining OLTA, Rhea developed diverse experiences in conservation and education. She worked as a park ranger with Ontario Parks, contributing to natural and cultural heritage initiatives; as a research technician at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, supporting DNA barcoding for the BIOSCAN project; and as an environmental educator at Willow Park Ecology Centre, teaching school groups and the public about nature. Additionally, she conducted an independent research project in South Africa, examining the effects of anthropogenic structures on reptile thermoregulation. In her free time, Rhea enjoys experimenting with recipes from various cuisines, exploring to find unique mushrooms, and traveling with family and friends.
Samantha Mills
Communications Manager (Greenlands)
Samantha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Waterloo. With seven years of experience in marketing and communications, she specializes in working with environmental nonprofits. Before joining OTLA, Samantha worked with a diverse range of organizations, including those in organic agriculture, environmental research, conservation, and social work. She blends her marketing expertise with a deep passion for nature and the outdoors.
Samantha lives in London, Ontario with her fiancé, her sister, and her many fish. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening and biking.
Lavanya Thirupathy
Indigenous Engagement Coordinator
Lavanya brings a background in planning, sustainability and urban development to her role at OLTA. With a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours) in Planning and a minor in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo, Lavanya combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to fostering sustainable communities.
Her professional journey spans roles as an ESG Data Analyst, Sidewalk Inspector, and Architectural Assistant, where she honed skills in data analysis, public engagement, and urban design. Lavanya has also contributed to initiatives like the UW Climate Justice Ecosystem and Campus Compost, reflecting her dedication to addressing climate and social justice issues.
A multilingual proficient in English, Tamil, Kannada (and learning French and Hindi), Lavanya thrives in collaborative and multicultural environments. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, sports, exploring urban and natural landscapes, and experimenting with art.