OLTA Staff
Note: Staff emails are first and last name separated with dot and ending with ‘@olta.ca’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kate Teed
Species Conservation Program Coordinator
Kate holds a BSc in Environmental Science from Queen’s University and completed a post graduate certificate in Ecosystem Restoration from Niagara College. Prior to joining OLTA, Kate worked as a Coastal Conservation Coordinator with Island Nature Trust in PEI, coordinating their piping plover monitoring program. During this time, she developed a keen passion for species at risk conservation, particularly migratory birds. In her free time, Kate enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, going to the movies and spending time with friends.
Julian Hurtado-Rodriguez
Species at Risk Technician
Julian is a recent graduate of the Ecosystem Restoration post-graduate certificate at Niagara College. During his studies he focused on the monitoring of bat species at Norfolk’s old growth forest and in the development of best management practices for sustainable farming. Julian also holds a HBSc in Biology, Research specialization. He conducted a research thesis on population dynamics of Daphnia metapopulations, and their stability related to habitat fragmentation.
Julian has worked and volunteered with local NGOs in the GTA to promote conservation, citizen science, and promoting inclusion and equity. In his free time, Julian enjoys going on hikes, bike rides, dancing salsa, and playing boardgames.
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.
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.
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.
Isabelle Fau
Executive Coordinator
Isabelle is our Executive Coordinator, with a strong background in service and C-suite support. From Vancouver, she studied English Literature and Art History at the University of Victoria. Academically, she was always passionate about the uniquely Canadian socio-environmental relationship, and the ways in which we can use the arts to more empathetically engage. Isabelle also holds certifications from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, where she took a special interest in the shifting climate systems and their effects on viniculture. With the majority of her administrative experience in real estate development, Isabelle was moved to work in the preservation of land resources rather than their extraction. Although Isabelle enjoys homebound activities like reading, cooking, and watching movies, she loves to travel and see more of the world every chance she gets.