Heidi Chang
Hello, my name is Heidi! I was fortunate to live in many different cities around the world including Kuala Lumpur, Taichung, Shanghai, and Houston. The one thing that remained constant was my love for the outdoors. It wasn’t until I moved to Vancouver and joined Scouts where I learned to properly appreciate the outdoors and the importance of giving back to my community. My experience with Scouts ultimately led me to pursue a degree in forestry at UBC, where I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a minor in Commerce. My goal in the MUFL program is to gain valuable skills that will guide me to become a creative and competent leader in the field of urban forestry. I aspire to work with cities in the public or private sector to help further improve my community directly by creating new urban forestry policies and developing, implementing and improving green space projects. Outside of school, you can catch me kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, or making cards!
Hendri Detleefs
I am native to South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 1998. Preserving nature has always been my passion. Where I currently live I have started a small arboretum with some interesting trees and I wish to plant more. My children are taught the importance of trees and what benefits they provide for us and the environment. Our property backs onto a conservation area and my children love going for hikes and seeing the beautiful Niagara escarpment. I have a vast knowledge of construction and arboriculture and my goal is to find a balance between both. In my current role at work, I must find a way to protect and preserve trees in an urban setting and accommodate development. I wish to expand my knowledge to find more ways and tools to preserve trees in an urban setting.
Catherine Dowdell
Originally from Ontario, with roots in East Gwillimbury, Guelph and Ottawa, I’m a transplant in Calgary, Alberta. I hold a Red Seal Endorsement in Landscape Horticulture, am an ISA Certified Arborist and am Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. I hold a Certificate in Sustainable Landscapes from the University of Guelph and have operated a business in edible landscapes and nurturing young trees for nearly a decade. I developed and managed a small-scale, organic, urban agriculture training program for youth at risk, which supplied a 30-share CSA membership. Through coaching and mentoring, the program was eventually was run by youth, for youth. I’m completing my Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture and work seasonally for a municipality currently. Prior to working with plants as a career, I worked with nonprofit organizations that focused on non-formal education programs based in community development. Through this type of work, I was fortunate to live and work in different parts of our beautiful country. In non-COVID times, I would enjoy playing pool (poorly but with lots of fun and a competitive nature), love travelling and camping, and gather with friends and family.
Zach Ferance
Originally from Kamloops, I have spent most of my life in the lower mainland. Settling in North Vancouver I transferred from Capilano University to UBC for the Forest Sciences program. At UBC I worked on a few projects within the faculty involved in renewable materials and pathogen genomics. Before graduating I began building a tree service company. The knowledge I have gained from my undergraduate degree has informed my practise of arboriculture significantly. Within the industry, I have witnessed a great need for more refined approaches and practices to Urban Forestry so I am excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals in the MUFL program. I hope to further my professionalism, and skills and bolster my company’s ability to carry Urban Forestry into the future.
Virginia Hang
I am from Brampton, Ontario, which is known as the “Flower City” of Canada. I studied Planning at the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. I am a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) and a member in the Canadian Institute of Planners and have worked in the field of land and real estate development for the past four years. Before attending UBC, I completed the Ontario Master Naturalist Program and have been exploring the roles of native species in Ontario during hikes and kayaking adventures. My love for nature and the outdoors and my interests in biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, green infrastructure, and urban resilience to climate change eventually led me to the MUFL program. I aspire to work with cities, conservation areas, and private and public organizations to solve environmental challenges, improve human well-being and ensure sustainable land use in cities. I aspire to grow in my urban planning career as a Planner who can tackle urban forestry issues in cities.
Clara Jeanroy
Passionate about the relationships that humans have developed with their living environment, I aspire to help re-naturalize and restore urban areas, to create a safer and more resilient future. This drive encouraged me in pursuing the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership at UBC. Initially from a town near Paris in France, I started studying a Bachelor of Biology at Sorbonne University, then followed by a Master in Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University in The Netherlands. During this program, I wrote a thesis on the development of green spaces for and with children in two European Cities. Before attending UBC and for the completion of my previous master’s, I undertook a 5-month internship at the SOLIDEO: the Olympic Delivery Authority of the Paris 2024 Games, on the inclusion of biodiversity and the engagement of citizens towards nature. I also had various experiences volunteering in organizations such as the IUCN, which led me notably to participate in the 2020 World Conservation Congress. Collaborating with people highly motivates me and I love to hear about other cultures. Hence, I am an enthusiastic traveller and greatly enjoy strolls in nature as well as dancing.
Kelly Sumin Joe
Hi, my name is Kelly and I grew up in Vancouver, though I am originally from South Korea. Thanks to the friends and teachers I had growing up, I developed an interest in environmental studies though I was not sure how I could further build upon it. Eventually, I ended up pursuing a degree in Forest Resources Management at UBC and graduated just recently in 2021. I decided to apply to the MUFL program because I want to learn how to manage and be a part of improving the green infrastructures, parks, and forests in our city and the place I grew up in. I am especially interested in water systems and would like to learn more about how we can plan for increased water displacement during rainy seasons and also how to mitigate the problems that come with water shortages in drier periods. On a side note, I enjoy baking, dancing, playing instruments, and skiing!
Heather Johnstone
I am from Perth, Western Australia and my current role is connecting communities, local governments and stakeholders to work together and appreciate the importance of their own urban forests through establishing shared values and understanding. An artist in tapestry, print and paint who began teacher training before starting a family, I have often found solace amongst trees and is excited to deepen my understanding of urban forestry leadership through the MUFL. I am the lead Author and volunteer manager for Australia’s first community led urban forest strategy, endorsed in 2018. I am involved its implementation and governance through community action and chair the local tree board. I work in youth led urban forest and environmental projects with Millennium Kids, securing funding and mentoring youth through the project delivery process. This work has seen contributions recognised through the 2019 Environmental Action award from the United Nations Association of Western Australia and the 2020 Banksia Sustainability Award win in the Community and Charity category. I am passionate about ensuring fair and equitable access to natural assets in our cities so that everyone can thrive. I believe transparent, inclusive and community led urban forest management, stewardship and governance is how this will be achieved.
Jon Kozak
I was born in Kenora, Ontario located in the Lake of The Woods boreal shield ecoregion of Canada. This area was my home, playground and where I established my roots. I come to UBC with a Degree in Horticulture, obtained from Olds College in central Alberta, Canada. I began my studies in the Environmental Horticulture program where I graduated with dual-majors in Landscape Management and Arboriculture. I’ve had an active interest in the topics of ecology, landscape architecture, urban design and urban forestry which has guided my career path towards the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership program. I currently work for the City of Calgary in the Parks – Urban Forestry Department as an ISA Certified Arborist. In the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge that I live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. Calgary is my new home and I’m excited to share what this city offers in its history of trees, parks and natural environments.
Michelle Lewis
I am currently in the role of Natural Asset Technician with the Town of Gibsons, a municipality at the forefront of work with Natural Assets and ecosystem services. My position with local government puts me in a position to benefit greatly from the Master of Urban Forestry Leadership program.
Mark McDonald
I was born and raised in Burnaby, B.C. Canada and completed my Bachelor of Science in Forest Sciences at UBC, where I specialized in Forest Pathology. My work experience includes working in both the public and private sectors of arboriculture for over 13 years and 4 years in horticulture prior to that. Before attending UBC for my master’s, I worked as a Tree Inspector for the City of Burnaby, a role which I will continue during my studies. My interests include topics about plant health care, tree biology and pathogens, and tree climber safety. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, backcountry camping, and playing softball. I decided to pursue my master’s because I have a strong passion for keeping cities green, and want to preserve and promote new ways people can enjoy the benefits of trees in their own neighbourhoods. In the future, I wish to continue working in the public sector with the goal of creating new urban forest policies and managing green space projects.
Taylor Melone
I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and currently serve as Program Director for Up With Trees, a local tree planting, preservation, and education nonprofit, where I found a passion for urban forestry by way of youth education. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, I served as an Apprentice with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota at Big Stone County Soil and Water Conservation District. I began at Up With Trees through the development of Tulsa’s Urban Forest Master Plan and over the last 6 years have grown with the organization through the development of education, volunteer service, and community forestry programming. I recently attained the ISA Certified Arborist credential and continue to learn about the value of urban trees through professional groups including the Alliance for Community Trees and the Municipal Forestry Institute. My goal in the MUFL program is to become a well-rounded urban forester able to lead interdisciplinary teams and equip communities with the tools they need to build resilient, safe, and connected urban forests. Outside of trees, my hobbies include camping, attending community events, seeing new places, and sitting on my patio.
Laura Ralph
Growing up, I was fortunate to spend my summers on the shores of Lake Huron in Tobermory, Ontario where the amazing plant and animal life in the extensive forests drew me in – things like discovering salamanders beneath logs or marvelling at stunted ancient cedars, magically growing out of bedrock, helped me grow a great sense of appreciation for trees and forests. When I moved to Vancouver, BC in my late teens, the many parks, trees, and surrounding forests, helped me feel at home. I learned how even one tree in a sea of hardscape in the city could make a big difference. Now, I live in Saanich, BC (W̱SÁNEĆ) and the urban forest, which includes endangered Garry oak ecosystems, continues to inspire me to advocate for and learn about sustainable urban forestry. My professional background is in residential tree and garden care, land restoration, permaculture design, arboriculture consulting, tree preservation through land development, and municipal urban forestry. I am eager to explore ways to encourage best land use that will promote biodiversity, maximize ecosystem services, and ensure liveable communities. I like to spend time hiking with my two dogs, gardening/building a food forest, foraging, and have recently been learning how to dye with plants, fungi, and lichen.
Marco Sanelli
My name is Marco! I am originally from Italy and moved to Vancouver in 2013 for my BSc in Natural Resources Conservation at UBC Forestry. After graduating from UBC in 2018, as a GIS Analyst I joined Diamond Head Consulting, a local Vancouver award-winning environmental consulting firm. The growing demand for urban forestry professionals has led me to enroll in the MUFL. Through the MUFL program I am hoping to develop my leadership, policy analysis, and project management skills. Outside of work and school, you’re likely to find me bouldering in Squamish or catching a movie at the Rio Theater.
Ryan Senechal
I’m originally from Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada and began my career in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry in the Toronto and Niagara regions. I graduated from Humber College Urban Arboriculture in the diploma program in 2009 and have also taken short courses at Guelph University, BC Institute of Technology and University of Victoria. I previously worked with the City of Victoria as Assistant Supervisor of Urban Forestry coordinating urban forest maintenance. I am specialized in Arborist consulting and Arborist occupational health and safety and have worked previously as an industry trainer and educator for large tree care companies, training organizations, and Camosun College. Outside of work I enjoy collecting seed and growing trees, woodworking, playing music, hiking, paddling, and bmx riding. I try to stay active in the community particularly for the cause of environmental justice through volunteer service on the ground and participating with committees. I’ve applied to the MUFL program to face some of my key professional gaps and better equip myself for the challenges ahead, and to share and learn from the experiences from similarly motivated students. My goal is to prepare myself for some of the immense challenges ahead in Urban Forestry planning to support affordable, livable communities.
Robert Sim
I am a Trent University and Fleming College Graduate. I graduated from Trent University with a B.A. in Geography in 2014 and graduated from Fleming College with an Arboricultural Certificate in 2015. I am from Brampton, Ontario but currently reside in Guelph and have been working in the forestry industry for the past 7 years. I have experienced different aspects of forestry from general tree maintenance, line clearing, data collection and tree preservation. I am currently working for the City of Toronto as an Assistant Planner of Urban Forestry. My goal with the MUFL program is to find solutions to incorporate the urban forest with infrastructure and construction. Gaining this educational experience will provide the practical skills and knowledge to reach my professional goals in the urban forestry industry. I aim to promote awareness of tree protection and preservation while sustaining urban infrastructure improvements. I want to bring solutions to metropolitan areas and help develop urban forestry planning and protection regardless of the size of the city. I am excited to use the knowledge and experience from the MUFL program towards my current job and future aspirations.
