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
Chief Operating Officer
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.
Robin Ogura
Fund Development Coordinator
Robin’s experience in marketing, community outreach and environmental advocacy (in tandem with her natural zest for life) has given her an inquisitive outlook on what sustainability looks like and how we can shift our focus to a more regenerative mindset.
With profound admiration, Robin constantly works to develop a deeper understanding of how the state of the natural world not only impacts a warming climate but our collective wellbeing. Her growth into the Fund Development role was a natural fit as she finds storytelling a meaningful way to raise awareness— sharing her findings with all who will listen.
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.