Mike Toffan
Executive Director
An outdoor enthusiast, Mike knew early on that he wanted a job that let him explore nature. As the founder of Project Forest and General Manager of Reclamation and Forestry for Tree Time Services, he’s contributed to the reforestation of tens of thousands of hectares across Western Canada. Aside from earning his B.Sc. in Forest Business Management, Mike also has a Technical Diploma in Forest Technology. His happiest moments? In the field, among the trees, where he gets to make a difference every day.
Norine Shim
Executive Assistant
Growing up on Canada’s west coast, Norine developed a deep love for forests and a passion for protecting them. With over two decades of environmental activism and a decade of expertise in administrative strategy, business operations, and corporate responsibility, she thrives on turning ideas into impact. Her extensive travels have given her a global perspective on sustainability, reinforcing her commitment to creating meaningful change. Now, as part of Project Forest, she’s excited to channel her skills into rewilding landscapes and building a greener future.
Alex Rennie
Communications Specialist
Alex is a creative professional with 23+ years of advertising experience. Originally from the States, he earned an Art degree with a Communications minor from Northern Illinois University and started his career in graphic design in Chicago. After moving to San Diego to surf and connect with the ocean, he mastered video production and founded Dream Catcher Creative Media in 2008. Alex has lived in Calgary AB for the last 10 years, he’s passionate about nature and Indigenous cultures, and is excited to be a part of the Project Forest Team to help further their amazing cause.
Robin Ogura
Rewilding Coordinator
From Canada to Australia to England (and many more in between), Robin has been seeking out wild places in every nook and cranny of the world that she can. Growing up so close to the Rocky Mountains has given her a profound relationship with rich soil and clean water, helping her to develop a deep understanding of how the natural world not only affects our ever-changing climate but our collective wellbeing.
This in combination with Robin’s experience in marketing, community outreach and environmental advocacy has given her a divergent outlook on what sustainability looks like and how we can shift our focus to a more regenerative mindset.
Stephen Kaiswatum
Indigenous and Land Rewilding Specialist
Stephen is a proud member of the Piapot First Nation and originally from Edmonton. He spent several years in Nanaimo, BC, while attending university, where he developed a passion for kayaking and exploring the Gulf Islands. He now lives on an acreage just outside the city, staying connected to the land he loves.
With experience as a Career Navigator for the Stz’uminus First Nation near Nanaimo, Stephen brings a deep connection to Indigenous communities. His lived experiences have taught him to adapt to changing environments—an invaluable skill that shapes his approach to Indigenous and Land Rewilding work.
Stephen hopes to share this perspective to help foster regenerative relationships between people and the land, nurturing growth much like the trees he is passionate about: rooted in community and reaching toward a vibrant, sustainable future.
Shadae Ashley
Rewilding Assistant
From the beaches of Jamaica to the forests of Canada, Shadae has always been inspired by the power of nature to bring people together. With a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from MacEwan University, she combines her love of science and sustainability with a deep belief that education is the missing link between people and the environment.
As the founder of a social enterprise, she found a way to bridge that gap—engaging youth in sustainability and reforesting areas impacted by wildfires. Now, as Project Forest’s Administrative and Rewilding Assistant, she’s excited to help create a greener future where success is always rooted in community. Her happiest moments? Traveling to new places, embracing new cultures, and unwinding by the beach, her forever happy place.
Scott Formaniuk
Project Forest Senior Silviculturist
As a long time Silviculturist, Scott has overseen the reforestation of more than one hundred million seedlings and been involved in the growing of over five hundred million seedlings. His love for trees began at an early age when he was mentored by several professional foresters through Scouting and the Junior Forest Wardens. This led Scott to a B.Sc. in Forestry, followed by a lengthy career in the private sector in both Alberta and British Columbia. His love for what he does is motivated by his desire to leave a positive legacy on the environment for future generations.
Drew Patterson
Project Forest Education Manager
Drew’s passion for forests stems from his family’s garden greenhouse when he was young. From there, he earned his MBA, before branching off into a career as General Manager for TreeTime.ca. In this role, Drew’s provided hundreds of educational presentations and sold and shipped millions of trees to people throughout Canada. Being able to introduce unique varieties of trees and projects to others keeps his job interesting, while also knowing he’s making the world a better place.